Being stuck is no fun. It’s frustrating and debilitating, and life feels like it’s in slow motion. A sense of stuckness is common during transition. Feeling stuck is also common during times of transition. It’s a time of precarious “unknowing,” where you’re not quite sure what comes next.
One of the big problems is how we measure ourselves. Life before your Chapter X likely felt more familiar. You knew what you were doing and where you fit. If you’re using that version of your life as the standard, it may no longer apply.
Identity can also play a role. Who you were before and who you are now may not feel aligned. That’s normal, but it’s worth paying attention to (there’s a whole chapter on that in the book). Add in fear of becoming irrelevant, loss of structure, and the natural anxiety that comes with change, and being stuck doesn’t seem so mysterious.
Here are a few low-risk ideas to consider:
- Run small experiments. Take a 4-week photography class or volunteer for something you care about 1–2 times per week for a few weeks.
- Learn a demanding skill, like a language or musical instrument.
- Set a physical goal, like a push-up challenge or walking consistently.
- Build something.
- Try journaling daily using prompts.
- Create some structure for your day (think of it more like a tent than a rigid plan).
- Do something that matters to someone else.
You’ll move forward once you decide that staying stuck isn’t an option. Life is like a book. When one chapter ends, it’s time to turn the page and see what comes next.
