5 Things to Do to Get Unstuck in Your Career

What does it mean to be ‘stuck’? 

Is being stuck real or is it a feeling we have?

It can be both things! But a one page blog from a business therapist isn’t going to help you get physically unstuck from something, so let’s focus on the feelings around it. (which may in turn unstick you in a more literal sense!)

Being Stuck What Does It Mean

Let’s break down the feeling of being ‘stuck’. 

We could also describe it as:

• Lacking motivation 
• Not feeling seen and heard
• Lacking resources on how to change 
• Being afraid of change
• Feeling unsupported

Do any of these sound familiar?

Many times, when we think we are stuck in our job or career, it comes down to one or a few factors. They are beliefs we have that limit our ability to move on, make changes, and get unstuck.

What You Can Do Right Now

So, what are 5 things you can do RIGHT NOW to change or create new beliefs around your situation?

Tell a new story

Our thoughts influence our feelings. Feeling stuck comes from a thought you are having which comes from a story you have created, usually from the time you were little! Here’s an example - 

If a child hears from adults around him that no one can believe he is such a good writer for his age, he may grow up with the story that he is a fake. He may tell the story over and over to himself that others don’t think him capable of great or inspiring things. And this story creates the thought that he shouldn’t speak up or attempt greatness. But, he is great! So he feels stuck. He wants to speak up and show his skills and abilities, but he has a story telling him no one will believe in him.

He has to find a new story! One that tells the reality of who he is and what he is capable of. And it’s up to him to create the story he wants and needs for who he is right now in his life. 

And you can too with the help of Discover Counseling Services in Tigard, OR.

Find your motivation Behind Your Career

What is your ‘why’? Do you have a reason behind why you work in the career that you have? What is important to you? Can you identify your core values?

These may seem like deep and intense questions, but if we don’t know the answers to them, we won’t be able to unlock our motivation. Motivation is nothing more than knowing what you want and using the energy of that knowledge to propel us forward. It’s understanding ourselves and then asking for what we want. People have many different reasons behind why they do what they do. It may be money, family, mission, impact, or notoriety. AND, they are all ok! The important thing is to identify YOUR ‘why’ so that you actually want to work hard to get there. 

Understand & Face Your Fears in Your Career

What are you most afraid of? Often we get stuck because we are afraid of something and don’t know how to move past it. Maybe it’s the fear of losing money. It could be a fear of not succeeding. Maybe it’s a fear of not being supported. If you can name the fear, you can do something about it. You can decide if you want it to have control over your life or you want to take that power back. It’s YOUR fear which means you can name it and banish it! 

Do something different

Sometimes, we just need to change it up! Sometimes, we just need to stand up and do some jumping jacks or take a walk. It might only take a slight change to make a huge difference. If there is something about your career that feels stifling and you keep going around and around in your brain about how to fix it, just STOP. Visualize the circle of thoughts going around and imagine breaking that circle.

Sometimes when we get in routines, we forget it only takes a slight shift for everything to be different. If you usually walk down a certain hallway or go in a certain entrance at work, go a new way! If you usually eat the same thing at the same time, pick a new food and eat it outside, a half an hour earlier (or later if you can handle it!). Breaking that cycle opens up our creativity and allows for more out of the box thinking, a critical piece to getting unstuck.

Get Help From Others in Your Career!

We all need support. Feeling less alone creates a sense of community and joy. Sometimes we feel stuck because we actually just feel alone. We don’t have the support we need to move forward. Making changes, big or small, is easier to do when the people in our life are behind us. And sometimes, they don’t know that you need them because you didn’t tell them! You didn’t communicate or ask for them to help you.

Very few of us are mind-readers and so the best way to get what you need from your people is to speak up. Tell them how you are feeling and what you want to do about it. Ask them to get behind you and cheer for you. Most people are just waiting to be given a chance to show up for others. But if they don’t know, they can’t make it happen. Additionally, having a business therapist is a great idea. They are a guaranteed cheerleader, supporting you along your journey.

You may feel stuck and that’s ok. Give one of these tips (or all of them) a try and see what happens!

Get Unstuck in Your Career with Therapy for Life Transition in Tigard, OR

Going through major life transitions? Wanting to stop finding the negative and instead notice the positives? With the help of one of our optimistic therapists in Tigard, OR you can change the way you talk about your life. At Discover Counseling, we offer therapy for life transitions to help you see the positive no matter what changes you are going through. We make starting therapy in Tigard, OR easier with three steps. First, contact us to talk about starting therapy for life transitions. Second, make an appointment with a dedicated business therapist. The final step, start feeling optimistic and seeing the positives in life.

Additional Therapy Services at Discover Counseling in Oregon

We offer many therapy services to meet your needs while changing the way you talk about your life. Along with therapy for life transitions, we also offer anxiety treatment and codependency counseling. Additionally, our therapists in Tigard offer therapy for relationship issues and premarital therapy. Are you a parent? We offer support for postpartum parents and parenting couples. Everyone, including kids and teenagers, can struggle to see the positive Call us today to start online therapy in Oregon.