STUCK Are you in a rut?

You’ve done all you could to move ahead and now you’re stuck!  You can’t seem to identify what the next step is.  You’ve gone ahead, step by step and there it is, the WALL!  What’s next?  You hesitate; you flounder, questioning your decision-making:

<Should you have pursued this path?  Is it worth it?  Has the time/money investment not been too great? Will there ever be benefits to reap?>

You may even wake-up at night with anxiety attacks!  <What was the goal anyways?  Why do I feel like this?>

STOP.  It’s time to assess!

Now, describe the goal you started briefly.  You even have it written down in your agenda.  Then, describe it the way you see it now.   It is important because if it is a long-term life project like planning a change of career or retirement, it may not look exactly like it did at the beginning.

Changes occur with time.  You are constantly changing, evolving and so is everything around you.  When we are very focused, we become less aware of this.

Now, let’s clarify.

First, list all that is presently bothering you.  Write every little worry, doubt, fear, or hesitation that has taken place in the last 6 weeks.  State the level of stressed caused by these on a score of 10 being the highest.  Fold your paper, hiding your score.

Second, list all that has been accomplished until now.  Access the importance of these accomplishments.  List the challenges or problems encountered and resolved.  You may even want to state the time frame for these.

Third, list what is left to be accomplished, the means and resources available, time and place necessary.

Fourth, establish a plausible deadline according to what is left to accomplish.

Fifth, return to your list of worries, doubts, and fears.  Mark each one’s stress level of anxiety on 10 again.  Then, compare to see if your stress has dropped since the list was made.  Some may have dropped considerably; others may be non-existent once seen after having reviewed the accomplishments.

It’s time for a break.  Sleep on it and continue when rested.  When you’re ready, continue.

Sixth, take up your list again and analyze realistically each worry, doubt and fear with a fresh mind.  Rate your stress level once again.

Take a break, relax.  When you’re set to move ahead, take the plunge!  It’s important for you to replenish before moving on to the last phase.

Let’s cut to the chase.

How long will it now take to reap benefits?  Define benefits.

What are the last steps?  List them.

How long do you give yourself to get there?  Set your time frame.

Allow yourself to discard what has lost its importance, what is now unnecessary to you.

What can be outright eliminated or changed to enhance the end result, the success of your endeavor.

Decide on one easy step to get going again.  Celebrate every little accomplishment.

Focus and set realistic deadlines with options.  For instance, you may set to reassess every two weeks or two months.  You may give yourself alternatives in the event that you have not managed to reach your goal within a set time limit.

Monitor yourself closely and thoroughly by keeping a journal and read your accomplishments regularly.  

Now, you’re set to move on.  Remember, this process may need to be done a number of times throughout a project.  Just keep in mind that you can reach your goal and you will!