Everyone feels stuck at some time or other. It's a part of the human lifecycle. Feeling stuck or trapped is a signal that something has to give. And you change and grow throughout life.
Staying stuck or getting unstuck is an inside job. However, before I address how to get unstuck, let's take a look at the three areas of life where being stuck most often occurs. These are careers, relationships, and old age.
Careers
You could be stuck in the wrong career. You may have entered your job or career for very good reason, but you no longer like it or find it fulfilling. Or your job could have physical requirements your body can no longer handle.
Being stuck with no career is even worse than being stuck in the wrong career. You lost your job and now are becoming less confident in your ability to work. Your self-esteem is plummeting and you are heading towards hopelessness. It's a scary place to be stuck.
Retirement is an interesting variation of "no career." Many who have looked forward to retirement develop a feeling of being useless a year or so into their retirement. That too is a stuck place that needs to be addressed.
Relationships
Obviously those in bad relationships—loveless, abusive, dangerous—often feel stuck. Although many escape that bad place, some stay trapped.
People can get stuck within good relationships too. I have met many a 40+ man or woman who needs to make an important change, but says nothing for fear of how their spouse will react. So they stay stuck. Been there.
Old age
It is of course a fact of life that people get old. However, not all are stuck in it. Some enjoy old age as a time to do and think about things they never had time to before. It can be a time of reflection and wisdom, and sometimes totally new, big projects.
At the other extreme, some older people become stuck in a terminal complaint-fest. It seems that which group they join doesn't have a lot to do with their physical condition.
Getting unstuck
The key to moving forward when you find yourself stuck is to allow yourself to stay painfully aware of your feeling of being stuck, because awareness is the first step in changing anything. Do whatever you need to do to break through that stuck feeling. Get help if you need it.
You need clarity, so refuse to join the victim club, and refuse the unconsciousness of alcohol abuse.
Recall that feeling stuck and becoming unstuck are inside jobs. Always keep in mind that on the other side of breaking through are fulfillment and enjoyment of life.
