10 Steps to Getting Unstuck

Tools to get yourself out of a "stuck" state, and move forward toward your desired outcome.

Table of Contents:

1. Baby Steps
2. Feature Article: 10 Steps to Getting Unstuck
3. Quotes
4. Recommended Resources
5. Self-Care: Omega-3s
6. Make a Difference: Reading is Fundamental
7. Final Thoughts: It's All in Your Attitude

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1. Baby Steps

We all get stuck at different times in our lives. The key to getting
out of this state is to take "the next step", then continue taking
small action steps that move you closer to your desired outcome.

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2. Feature Article: 10 STEPS TO GETTING UNSTUCK

Have you ever found yourself in the state of being "stuck"? No,
I'm talking about being stuck trying to get into your driveway on a
snowy day. (Though I've been there.) And I'm not talking about
being stuck in the mud on a messy spring day. (Though I've been
there too---recently!)

The "stuck" that I'm referring to involves not moving forward in
some area of your life. It's the paralysis that a writer sometimes
encounters along the road to finishing her novel. Or the inactivity
that persists during an entrepreneur's attempt to finish an important
project. It's the frustration that comes from feeling as though you
just can't seem to get from where you are to where you want to be.

Just as we eventually work our way out of the snow, or emerge
from the mud, it is also possible to break free from the despair of
being stuck in some activity or area of your life. Below are several
ways to break this pattern, and to begin moving forward in the
direction of your desired outcome.

1. Recognize the current reality. What are the dynamics of this
situation? Is your perception the truth, or are there other
possibilities? What's really happening?

2. Break the task or project down into smaller parts. If the problem
is overwhelming, then break it down. By doing so, the task
becomes more manageable.

3. Identify the bottlenecks. Breaking the project down also helps
you to get clear about the obstacles that have been holding you
back. Once you get clear, you will be in a better position to
overcome these obstacles.

4. Identify the next step to take. This is part of simplifying the issue.
By focusing only on the next step, rather than on the entire project,
you greatly reduce the complexity of the situation.

5. Take that next step. The key to emerging from a stuck state is to
take action. If you just sit in your car, waiting in the mud, nothing
would happen. You must do something--take action--whether
you're stuck in the mud, or stuck in life. As you take action, you
will begin to emerge from your stuck state.

6. Change your surroundings. One way to gain new perspective is
by changing your physical surroundings. Take a bath. Listen to
music. Go for a walk. A change of setting will help you to view
the situation differently, providing the insight to move you forward.

7. Get help from someone you trust. Ask your friend, your colleague
or your coach to look at the situation, and tell you what they
observe. Although you can often emerge from a snow bank without
assistance, it helps to have an extra set of hands. Sometimes another
person's perspective makes all the difference.

8. Reward yourself. After you've broken the task into smaller steps,
set up a way of celebrating each small victory. You deserve it, and
this structure of action/reward will stimulate you to move forward
at a faster pace than you otherwise would.

9. Give yourself a break. If you're not progressing, simply walk
away. Rather than trying to force something to happen, relax. When
you're ready, go back and take action!

10. Visualize your outcome. Whatever happens, know that you are
going to be okay. Visualize your desired outcome, and move
mentally in that direction. Picture the things that will have to
happen in order for that outcome to be produced. Feel confident
that it can be accomplished, and that it will be accomplished.

We all get stuck at different times in our lives. With these tools,
you will minimize the time that you stay stuck. Trust in yourself,
and continue to take small, manageable steps toward the
achievement of your goal.

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3. Quotes

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Chinese Proverb

My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump
or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do
was keep swinging.
Hank Aaron

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but
a habit.
Aristotle

Don't wish it was easier; wish you were better. Don't wish for less
problems; wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenge; wish
for more wisdom.
Jim Rohn

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.
Abraham Lincoln

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4. Recommended Resources

Time Tactics of Very Successful People
by Eugene Griessman

The difference between successful people and unsuccessful
people is how they use their time. This book documents how very
successful individuals manage their time, and how you can, too.
It is a terrific book, and very useful.
To order book, click here

The Power of Focus
by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Les Hewitt

This book provides a practical guide for achieving desired results
in the key areas of your life. The action steps at the end of each
chapter make it easy to formulate your plan and then implement
it immediately in your life.
To order book, click here

Conquering Procrastination: How to Stop Stalling and Start Achieving
by Dr. Neil Fiore

With the proven techniques revealed in this tape set, Dr. Fiore
helps you to eliminate the causes and effects of procrastination-
and take advantage of time instead of letting it take advantage
of you.
To order tape set, click here

Take Charge of Your Life
by Jim Rohn

America's foremost business philosopher arms you with tools
to improve the quality of your life. Jim is a pleasure to listen to,
and his talks are chock full of ideas to help you achieve personal
success.
To order tape set, click here

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5. Self-Care: Omega-3s

Have you eaten fish twice this week? That's the recommendation
of the American Heart Association. Omega-3 fats protect against
blood clots, which are the immediate cause if most heart attacks.
In addition to the heart-related benefits, omega-3s have also been
found to help the brain.

You can replenish vital omega-3s by eating more fish (especially
salmon, sardines or canned white tuna), using canola oil for cooking,
or taking a dietary supplement such as Udo's Choice Perfected Oil
Blend. Make omega-3s a regular part of your diet, and your body
will thank you!

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6. Make a Difference

Reading is Fundamental

Since 1966, RIF has distributed more than 200 million books to kids
who don't have easy access to them. Nationwide, over 300,000
volunteers run literacy programs at 18,000 schools, libraries,
community centers, day care facilities, shelters and detention centers.

To learn more about how you can support RIF, visit its website at
http://www.rif.org/.

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7. Final Thoughts: It's All in Your Attitude

Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun.
Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.
How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the
people who have to wait for them?
If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?
Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.
If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet?
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world
to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.
We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some
are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors...but they all
have to learn to live in the same box.
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.

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Thank you for reading the LifeExcellence Newsletter.
Get UNSTUCK this week!
- Brian Bartes
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