Originally published April 26 2013
Seven really effective ways to get unstuck
by Mike Bundrant
(NaturalNews) Getting stuck is nothing to worry about. It happens to us all. In fact, getting stuck mentally and emotionally is unavoidable. If you think you should never be at a loss for what to do or lack motivation in life, then your expectations are impossibly high.
The real issue is how to get unstuck. It doesn't matter how often you get stuck if you have reliable methods for getting unstuck. The key to getting unstuck is changing your state of mind to one that is conducive to positive action.
I hope the seven methods in this article add nicely to your repertoire.
1. Track backwards
Trace your train of thoughts back to the last time you felt good and productive, then use that awareness to get unstuck.
Example: You are feeling down and lethargic, unmotivated to do anything. You begin to think about the last time you felt good. This morning, right before you heard the news that gas prices were rising again, you felt OK.
With the bad news, you began telling yourself that you will never be able to go on a road trip again, that this ruins everything and so on. Talking to yourself in a very discouraging tone creates very discouraging feelings.
You realize what's been going on and STOP speaking to yourself this way. Soon, your mood lifts a bit!
2. Reach out to someone who can help you get unstuck
Reach out to someone you trust and consider a resource. The key here is not to complain or burden the other person. Just tell them you feel stuck and why, then listen to their feedback. Ask them what they would do if they were in your situation. We all have great advice to give. Just feeling heard often helps. Connection with others is so important. We can be stuck just because we lack connection.
3. Accept that you are stuck
Sometimes being stuck in unavoidable. It just needs to play out all on its own. Take this time to rest and ease up on yourself. Careful with this one, though! Taken too far, it can lead to self-indulgence.
The idea here is that giving yourself a break may be just what you need. If you are too hard on yourself, setting yourself up with impossible expectations, you are bound to feel stuck. Relax and take it easy - even for a day.
4. Remember a really resourceful and productive time
This is one of the classic NLP drills. To get unstuck, remember a time when you felt really resourceful - then step back into that time. See what you saw, hear what you heard and feel what you felt at the time. You cannot do this full without changing your inner state.
When you feel your state change, then it is important to act on it!
5. Imagine a time in the future...
Give yourself permission to be inspired by the potential of your personal future. Of course, the more realistic it seems to you, the better. Let your mind be free for a few minutes to dream about your plans coming to full fruition. Is this motivating? Can you use your positive future as a way to get unstuck?
6. Turn off your autopilot thinking
Often we get stuck in a muddled mind that seems to be running on autopilot. It turns out that autopilot thinking is related to the brains Default Mode Network (DMN). Turning off the DMN is possible through a certain kind of awareness practice.
Try this: Write down every stray thought going through your head for at least a minute. Then, tune into a mundane, white noise kind of sound. The sound of a fan, the refrigerator, or distant traffic will do. Just tune in and listen. Do you feel yourself settle after 10-15 seconds? Then, write down what you need to do and get moving again.
By the way, if you experience the potential of this method, then the Tame the DMN program will do wonders for you.
7. Kick and scream...
If all else fails, let your emotions out! You MUST do this in a totally responsible way, never infringing upon another person's space or making a nuisance of yourself. Hop on your bed or the couch, lie down, kick and scream. Let it out and get your psychic energy moving! It will absolutely change your state.
Some of the greatest psychotherapists, such as Willhelm Reich, used this kind of method to stir the emotional pot and get life energy pumping again.
What are your best ideas for how to get unstuck? Share them in the comments!
About the author:
Watch the free video The AHA! Process: An End to Self-Sabotage and discover the lost keys to personal transformation and emotional well-being that have been suppressed by mainstream mental health for decades.
The information in this video has been called the missing link in mental health and personal development. In a world full of shallow, quick-fix techniques, second rate psychology and pharmaceutical takeovers, real solutions have become nearly impossible to find. Click here to watch the presentation that will turn your world upside down.
Mike Bundrant is co-founder of the iNLP Center and host of Mental Health Exposed, a Natural News Radio program.
Follow Mike on Facebook for daily personal development tips.
Watch the free video The AHA! Process: An End to Self-Sabotage and discover the lost keys to personal transformation and emotional well-being that have been suppressed by mainstream mental health for decades.
The information in this video has been called the missing link in mental health and personal development. In a world full of shallow, quick-fix techniques, second rate psychology and pharmaceutical takeovers, real solutions have become nearly impossible to find. Click here to watch the presentation that will turn your world upside down.
Mike Bundrant is co-founder of the iNLP Center and host of Mental Health Exposed, a Natural News Radio program.
Follow Mike on Facebook for daily personal development tips.
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