Give, Grow, Go - The antidotes to feeling stuck or lost
Seán Forde Kelly
Amplifying the Impact of CEOs, Founders, Creatives & HNWIs → Regenerative Coaching from Boardroom to Bedroom
What the f*ck am I doing with my life?
This question can arise gently for a few seconds during a morning coffee, or could cause an existential mid-life crisis!
We've all been there in some form or another, and it must be said, we all should go there; because what is life without questioning your choices and decisions?
There is a beauty in being lost.
It doesn't always feel nice, and can be extremely painful for some, but that feeling of being lost or stuck; claustrophobic or confused, agitated or unfulfilled, can light the match that sets your whole life on fire. It is an opportunity for change.
In these moments, all we need is a little direction, a North Star, some fuel for the flame.
I have found that these three strategies are a perfect place to start:
GIVE
There is a reason why Contribution is one of our core human needs. When we're disorientated, we tend to get caught in the Self. We think about 'my pain', 'my feelings' and 'my emotions'. Initially, this is positive as we connect to self-awareness, but as time goes on, we can get caught in a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviours.
When we GIVE and become self-less, it removes us from this loop. We gain a 'big picture' perspective to look at the World in a different way. Giving can also connect you to purpose and meaning in your life by connecting you to empathy and compassion.
And, it feels good...
Altruism and Philanthropy create, what psychologists call, a "helper's high', an emotional reward that boosts our overall sense of happiness and fulfilment.
Whether through volunteering, offering support, or simply being there for someone, our brains release a flood of feel-good chemicals such as oxytocin and endorphins. This has been likened to a mild morphine high!
So next time you're feeling stuck or lost, take action and GIVE:
Action Prompt:
领英推荐
GROW
Maybe you feel stuck because you've hit a glass ceiling / you've hit the limit to your current personal life parameters.
The global personal development market size was estimated at USD 43.77 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 45.92 billion in 2023. And with the following benefits, it's easy to see why:
However, personal development doesn't necessarily entail purchasing the most recent trendy self-help book that promises to solve all your issues. Growth is about your own individual interests and desires; it can be personal, professional, or spiritual. It could also be finding an aspect of yourself that believe is a weakness.
Action Prompt:
GO
Sometimes you just need a break from your daily routine!
Why do you think hotel sex is so good? It's because you connect to a different side of you, a side of you that's not held back by all of your daily chores or caught thinking about when you have to start cooking dinner.
There is nothing that creates a more broadened life perspective than travel - the different landscapes, cultures, food and people.
Imagine a time where you can switch your phone off for a whole day.. or maybe a week.. a month? Seriously.. imagine!
On your deathbed you will never regret the time you took for yourself or your once-in-a-lifetime experiences; you regret the things that you said no to, or the things you didn't have the courage for.
Take the leap. Have a mini-retirement. Say yes to life!
"The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” - Christopher McCandless - Into the Wild
Action Prompt:
In summary, life will always throw up blocks and moments of indecision. But rather than be something you shy away from, these times are a perfect opportunity for growth and a chance to create your dream life.