​Feeling Stuck?

 
It’s an all too often feeling. I’ve been there. Feeling stuck in a job/life/place that just doesn’t feel right, or good. Three years ago, I felt this to such an extent, that I took some rather dramatic actions to make a change. Recognizing the job I was in no longer fueled me, the place I was living no longer suited or nurtured me, and that there was the absence of a healthy relationship, I decided to completely uproot myself, take a risk, follow my heart and gut, and do what I knew I had to do. I quit my job, sold my house in D.C. and moved myself to the one place on Earth that suits me year round. Seattle is that place where my soul soars regardless of the weather. It’s where the pace and style of life suit me to a T. It’s “my place”. With location resolved, I set out to build a business in this new town. Today, that business, coaching organizations and individuals, is up and running, cooking with gas. And it brings me such great joy! I wake every day eager to see what will unfold, celebrating the wins of my clients. In some cases, it’s a new path to corporate success for a business leader. In others, it’s an individual, who like me three years ago, is feeling stuck and looking for a way out. Is that you too?

I came across a great quote that truly resonates with me on this topic: “But there was a difference between being stuck and choosing to stay. Between being found and finding yourself.” – Martina Boone. I love this quote because it represents what too many of us choose to do. We choose to remain where we are, out of fear, out of comfort, out of the familiar, or perhaps simply not knowing how to get out. That’s where coaches like me come in to help. My epiphany three years ago was not the first time I felt stuck in a career, accounting, that did not fit me whatsoever. Yes, I’d been successful, but I knew down to my core, it was not was I was put here on Earth to do. I worked my way out of it, on my own, but learning each step of the way. I now use the processes I went through with my clients, helping them to find their true course in life, their purpose, their passion and their joy. These are not words typically used about one’s profession, but I believe they should be. So how do I do it? I thought today I would share a few tips I’ve learned so you can start the process now.

Ask yourself these questions:

• If I could spend my day any way I wish, without concern for money, what would I do?
• What are the things I’ve done in my life/career that have brought me true joy?
• What do I want to see written on my epitaph? While this one is a little odd, it can be enlightening. Mine is “She made a difference” and that pretty much says it all for me.
• What’s holding you back?
• What are you afraid of?
• What do you need to move forward?  

​
This is just a start, but give it a try. What have you got to lose? If you’re feeling stuck, dreading getting out of bed each day because the joy is gone from your life, what have you got to lose? Invest in yourself. Take 20-30 minutes, sit in a quiet place and answer these questions. You might be surprised what you learn. And then, work on it, alone, with a trusted friend, mentor, or perhaps a career coach. Isn’t your life and happiness worth the investment? Or would you rather spend the rest of your life feeling stuck? There are options waiting for you. You simply need to get started; step by step, day by day. I wish for each of you, the same joy, freedom and happiness I have worked so hard to discover!

---