The worst feeling in the world: stuckness

We’ve all been in these scenarios before —feeling stuck, trapped...

• In an unfulfilling job but fearing financial instability if you quit

• Struggling with an incompetent boss but fearing career repercussions if you speak up

• In an toxic friendship but can’t imagine moving on

You might find yourself in a "What if" loop where worst-case scenarios replay in your mind, making it hard to see alternatives.

Nothing can seem to be change because of the laws you have that govern your life.

What are the laws governing your life?

Over the years, you’ve absorbed messages from various sources—tests, feedback from teachers, parents, and peers.

These have likely formed the self-limiting beliefs that make you the unable to move beyond. How many of these do you identify with?

• I’m not good enough: “I’m not good enough to manage this project.”

• I’m too old or too young: “I’m too young to be a manager.”

• I don’t have enough time: “I don’t have enough time to invest in myself.”

• I’m not smart enough: “I’m not smart enough to lead this meeting.”

• I don’t have enough experience: “I don’t have enough experience for this big career move.”

• I’ll never be successful: “I’ll never be successful in my industry.”

• I don’t have enough money: “I don’t have enough money to enjoy my life.”

• I’ll never be one of the best: “I’ll never be one of the best on the team.”

• I’m not talented enough: “I’m not talented enough to get a promotion.”

• I’ll never be a great leader: “I’ll never be a great leader with my lack of confidence.”

Coming unstuck involves examining unhelpful messages

I find that it’s not about changing your circumstances but changing how you react to these self-limiting messages.

Try putting yourself back in the driver’s seat. We often consume the same ideas due to algorithms on social media. Inject new ideas, accept responsibilities, and contribute to something bigger than yourself.

People also find working with a coach can also help challenge unhelpful thought patterns. With practice, you can recognize them and redirect them into positive ones.

This is a great video and animation by the School of Life visualizes the feeling of being stuck and the possibilities of doing otherwise.

Lastly, thank you! This newsletter, and you subscribing, does wonders for me. Every week, I examine these self-imposed laws and tell myself, “Not today!”

Stay Courageous,

Joping

Joping is a Certified Self-Leadership Coach and a solopreneur in the making. She writes about everything in between intention and action, and believe courage makes the biggest difference.