Getting Unstuck!
My good friend, the amazing Jennifer Levison (www.followingjenny.com) encouraged me to write this post. I blogged for the last 5 years on a more personal basis, but decided to start this blog in order to share my thoughts, answer questions and start discussions as I shifted my life to motivating others. Please join me in the conversation.GETTING UNSTUCK!
When I was 36 years old I realized my career had plateaued. I was not being challenged and there were no huge opportunities on the horizon. In essence I was stuck. After weighing my options, I decided that I needed to make a big change to shake my current situation. So I threw caution to the wind (after literally throwing myself out of an airplane – attached to a big burly guy, but that’s another story) and moved across the country to get my MFA. Was it scary? Yes. But did it force me to take action? You betcha.
In a small theatre program I had the opportunity to work with some amazing artists, release major habits and was challenged to take risks. I also had the honor to teach acting on the college level. At a time in my life, that I “should” have been anchored in a career, I was now given a boost, a second chance. While I eventually decided against academia, the lessons I learned while teaching, as well as the growth I saw in my students guided me on the long and winding road to where I am now.
After years in the non-profit arts realm, my current business practice also includes the delicate art of Life Coaching. I pride myself with Motivating to Action. Guiding clients out of cyclical patterns and empowering them to recognize and veer away from years of negative thoughts and habits. Using many techniques, including those I used in my Acting classes, I essentially help people out of being stuck.
Is it easy to get unstuck? Absolutely. But we often are our own biggest obstacle. And don’t forget that it took us YEARS to get stuck, so we are not going to get unstuck overnight. So, what do we do?
As I taught on the first day of class, Acting is “doing something in the pursuit of an objective that fills an urgent and immediate need.” (‘The Actor in You,’ Benedetti). Acting is DOING. We cannot move closer to our goals and objectives sitting and moping. Or thinking and talking about it. We actually have to do – something. Do you need to move yourself across the country? Nope. But, you must take the necessary steps to move yourself from being stuck.
So to start off, what is your urgent and immediate need? Think of what you want to achieve and shout it out to the world – or tell one close friend or family member -- and here is the important part, WRITE down the steps to get there. Maybe it entails research or taking a class. Perhaps joining a group. Take a deep breath, get out of your own way and then take the chance on that FIRST step NOW. It may be something small or inconsequential. But it’s a step. You can see the distance of where you started and where you are now. That’s something to celebrate and share with others. And when you are ready, take another step.
Will there be some backward sliding to your old habits? Probably. You know the saying, ‘two steps forward, one step back.’ But you know what? You still took that step towards getting unstuck and achieving your objective. Continue to ask yourself “what do I want?” and “what steps does it take to get there?” Be aware of the changes. Continue to keep your support circle informed. Keep moving forward and if you need more help, enlist a professional and contact a Life or Career Coach.
Go.