How I Unstuck Myself and Rediscovered My Momentum

We’ve all been there: Stuck in the grind, feeling like no matter how much we’re doing, nothing is moving the needle. Earlier this year, I found myself in that exact place. As someone who thrives on productivity and purpose, it was disorienting, to say the least. But being stuck turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me because it forced me to experiment with ways to break free.

Here’s what I discovered: getting unstuck isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about finding alignment, inspiration, and clarity. Over the course of a few months, I identified five powerful levers that helped me move forward with renewed energy and focus.

1. Creating White Space in My Life

I had to step out of my usual environment to gain clarity. I carved out intentional white space by attending a retreat in Maine. This wasn’t a lavish, elaborate escape—it was simply about putting myself in a different environment and giving myself permission to step out of my routine.

The retreat was a two-day experience that I treated like a mini-vacation. I planned nourishing meals, thought about activities that would raise my vibe, and allowed myself to fully immerse in that time and space.

The impact was so profound that I decided to incorporate these “white space retreats” quarterly. For a year, my husband and I alternated scheduling these solo getaways. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I fell out of the rhythm. But this year, when I felt stuck, I remembered the magic of white space and made it a priority again.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant. You can rent a space for a day, sit in a park, or even work at a coffee shop. I remember sitting outside in the dead of winter in Maine, bundled up with a hot coffee, scribbling business ideas in a notebook. It wasn’t about the setting; it was about the space to think, marinate, and dream.

2. Being Intentional About What I Consume

What we consume—physically and mentally—matters. I started paying close attention to the food I ate and the content I absorbed. What was fueling my body and mind? Was it nourishing me or dragging me down?When I focused on eating foods that agreed with my body and consuming uplifting, educational, or inspiring content, everything shifted. I had more energy, patience, and creativity. My business saw tangible benefits—I showed up more confidently in meetings and connected more authentically with clients.

In my personal life, I noticed I was calmer and more present. Even in chaotic moments, I could respond with grace. I encourage you to evaluate your own consumption: What’s on your plate? How does it make you feel? What’s in your mind? Are the books, shows, or social media you consume uplifting or draining? How’s your energy? What changes could you make to feel more vibrant?

3. Finding Joy in Laughter

Laughter has been a secret weapon in my toolkit. It’s instant medicine for the soul. One of my favorite books, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, has had me laughing so hard I’ve cried—once even on a flight to London, where a concerned flight attendant thought I was upset.

Humor shifts perspective. It reminds us not to take life too seriously, even in hard moments. Whether it’s a funny book, a hilarious video, or the people who light up your life, lean into laughter. It’s a gift we often overlook.

4. Immersing Myself in Music and the Arts

Music has always been a powerful outlet for me. Earlier this year, I picked up my guitar again after years of it gathering dust. There’s something transformative about creating music—it’s immersive, grounding, and deeply fulfilling.

Whether it’s playing an instrument, drawing, dancing, or engaging in any art form, creative expression can be the perfect antidote to feeling stuck. It connects you to a deeper part of yourself and often sparks unexpected inspiration.

5. Reconnecting with Nature

Nature has a way of resetting our nervous systems. I experienced this profoundly during a trip to Yosemite National Park. Standing among the towering mountains and vast landscapes was humbling and grounding.

Even closer to home, I’ve found that simple activities like forest bathing—immersing myself in the energy of the woods—or even touching the bark of a tree can have a centering effect. Nature reminds us of the bigger picture and reconnects us to our roots, quite literally.

The Bottom Line

Getting unstuck is less about doing and more about being—creating space, nourishing your body and mind, finding joy, and reconnecting with what lights you up. If you’re feeling stuck, I challenge you to try one of these strategies. Step outside your comfort zone, get intentional about what you’re consuming, or simply give yourself permission to laugh, create, or reconnect with nature. You might be surprised by how quickly you find your momentum again. Let me know—what strategies have worked for you when you’ve felt stuck?

Tune in to my recent podcast episode all about this here:

https://jessicamillercoaching.com/podcast/episode-170-my-profitable-habits-for-business-success-white-space-intention-and-the-power-of-your-inner-circle