Breaking Free: From Stuck to Start
Have you ever felt stuck—unable to see a clear path forward or even figure out where to begin? Sometimes, life feels like staring at a blank page, unsure how to start writing the next chapter. With the new year approaching, there’s no better time to revisit the idea of getting unstuck and explore how small, intentional steps can help us move forward.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thrown that towering pile of “important” papers—the ones you swore you’d file—into a box and stashed it in the closet because company was coming over. Both my hands are raised ☹. And then, of course, you promptly forgot about them until the next “filing day,” when you opened the box, sighed deeply, and added even more papers to the pile. Rinse and repeat. It’s like a never-ending paper purgatory.
That’s what being stuck feels like sometimes: the more we avoid it, the more it grows. Whether it’s paperwork, a project, or trying to figure out how to move forward in life, the overwhelm can leave us immobile.
Here’s the good news: breaking the cycle doesn’t require grand gestures—it starts with one small, intentional step. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. The key is to begin and trust the process. To take that first step and move forward with confidence, here are five simple strategies.
"Give yourself permission to start imperfectly. Remember, progress doesn’t require a perfect plan—it just needs you to begin."
5 Ways to Take the First Small Step and Get Unstuck
(1) Don’t Be Hard on Yourself for Feeling Stuck
Feeling stuck isn’t a failure—it’s part of being human. Everyone hits roadblocks at some point. Instead of beating yourself up, take a moment to acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to move forward.
Forgive yourself for being stuck. it’s a pause, not the end of the story. What matters most is the next step you take.
(2) Start with a Question
Sometimes, we get stuck because we’re fixated on everything we’re not doing instead of the one thing that could help us move forward. Asking reflective questions can help cut through the overwhelm and provide clarity. Try asking yourself:
What’s truly important in this moment? (to refocus your priorities)
What’s one small thing I can do right now? (to identify a manageable next step)
These questions can shift your perspective and help you find clarity and momentum, guiding you toward the first small step.
(3) Enlist a Friend for a Fresh Perspective
If asking yourself questions doesn’t spark movement, consider enlisting a trusted friend, mentor, or personal coach. A fresh set of eyes and an outside perspective can often reveal possibilities you might not see on your own. They can ask thoughtful questions, offer encouragement, or even challenge you to take that first step.
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to let someone else help shine a light on the path you didn’t know was there.
(4) Let Go of Perfect: Just Start
Perfectionism is often the root cause of feeling stuck. Give yourself permission to start imperfectly. Remember, progress doesn’t require a perfect plan—it just needs you to begin.
Examples:
Instead of writing the whole report, draft one bullet point. Next step? Flesh out a second point or organize your draft into sections.
Want to exercise? Start with five minutes of stretching. Next step? Add a short walk or a 10-minute workout.
Too overwhelmed to clean the house? Clear just one countertop. Next step? Move on to a second surface or tackle the dishes.
Procrastinating on a big decision? Write down one pro and one con. Next step? Expand the list, then weigh your options.
You can refine or expand your efforts later, but the key is to break the inertia and get moving.
(5) Celebrate the Small Wins: They Have Big Impact
Progress is built on small victories, and each one deserves recognition. Celebrating these wins not only reinforces momentum and boosts confidence but also reminds us that progress isn’t about solving everything at once—it’s about breaking inertia and moving forward step by step.
Consider keeping a journal to jot down your daily accomplishments—no matter how minor they may seem. Over time, you’ll see how far you’ve come and how those small steps add up to meaningful progress.
Take Back the Pen
Feeling stuck is part of life, but it doesn’t have to define your story. By being kind to yourself, asking the right questions, and taking small, deliberate steps, you can break free from overwhelm and move toward what truly matters. Remember, the smallest move forward can create momentum, and every small win is a building block for confidence and progress. So take a deep breath, pick one step—no matter how tiny—and start there.
If you’re inspired by this, you’ll love my related article on The Power of Small, where I explore how small actions can create big transformations. Let’s make this year the one where we embrace the small steps that lead to big changes!