How to Get Unstuck

Several months ago, I wrote a series of posts about how many of my coaching clients feel stuck. Here is some of what I've heard:

• My organization's culture doesn't align with my values, and I'm unsure of my next step.
• I'm indecisive about pursuing a promotion that may increase my workload without significantly raising my pay.
• I'm struggling to motivate my team. The pressure I'm under is overwhelming, and I dread passing it on to my team, leading me to shoulder more work than I should.
• Despite having a "good job," I'm overworked, stressed, and unappreciated. The thought of seeking alternatives terrifies me.
• I aspire to higher responsibility and promotion, but I doubt my boss acknowledges my readiness for advancement.

I've compiled a list of suggestions for getting "unstuck." Here are some of the ideas that I've included. For more, please visit my website, www.crestconsultllc.com, and sign up to receive my updates. I'll send you a printable PDF version of the playbook.

1. Self-awareness: Assessing your strengths, values, and motivators can be useful. In certain situations, gaining clarity on your skills and career aspirations may lead to a change in perspective. Reflecting on your weaknesses or tasks you dislike could also be beneficial.
2. Seek feedback: If you struggle with self-assessment, consider seeking feedback from peers or a mentor. Their insights into your strengths and areas for development might reveal blind spots and inspire creative thinking about your situation or alternatives.
3. Challenge assumptions: Coaches frequently assist leaders in questioning assumptions. This begins with understanding a client's perception of their situation - their feelings and understanding. I often ask clients to take a Hogan Personality Assessment to help them identify behaviors that may impact their situation positively or negatively. Increased awareness of a blindspot can influence how they perceive their situation.
4. Cultivate a growth mindset: There are various ways to foster a more growth-oriented mindset. I often start by discussing how challenges can be opportunities for growth with my clients. I've experienced significant personal and professional growth by persevering through difficult situations. How can we encourage more curiosity about our situation instead of being close-minded? My work with Positive Intelligence aids in developing habits that encourage growth-oriented approaches for my clients.
5. Take action: I've been effectively using a mantra for the past 18 months: be purposeful. Thank you, Modern Elder Academy, for the idea that to find your purpose, you need to be purposeful. Feeling stuck can lead to a sense of paralysis. With my clients, we examine small ways to move forward. These small steps accumulate, often resulting in noticeable progress before they even realize it.
6. Celebrate progress: If you've become more self-aware, sought feedback, adopted a growth mindset, challenged assumptions, or become more purposeful, celebrate your successes. This celebration can enhance your morale and motivation.