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It doesn’t matter how high you have climbed on the ladder of success, or how much experience you have or don’t have, or what your GPA and credentials are. Sooner or later (or both!), you are going to find yourself in a place you don’t want to be: STUCK.

And you are likely to hit this plateau several times in life.

This can happen when you’re starting something new. It can blindside you on the heels of a major success. It may show up when you are entering a new phase in life or a new level of growth in business. It can happen with a career change.

But there is good news: Being stuck is a sign that there is something new ahead for you.

How long you stay stuck is another story.

Some people take up permanent residence there, caught in the cycle of analysis paralysis or in a flurry of activity without purpose. And they find themselves at the end of life with regret for the things they failed to try.

You want to be different.

When you hit a sticking point, you want to push through to the new opportunity on the other side.

First, you will need to identify some of the “sticking points”.

Status Quo

This is the point where you have reached some level of success and impact in life and business and have accepted that “this is it.” It is good enough. There is no need to push for higher levels. Status quo is your comfort zone.

While rest is good and necessary, “resting on one’s laurels” will lead to boredom, apathy, and indifference.

Time

Each day, you are gifted with 24 hours. How you use those hours is what makes the difference between success and failure. If you fill them with intention, you can move forward with your goals and aspirations.

But if your time is swallowed up chasing inbox zero, doom scrolling social media, or any other mindless activities, you will find yourself stuck.

Undefined

Undefined purpose and focus can be a sticking point for many people. You can spin your wheels on this until you are in so deep, you can’t find your way out of the analysis paralysis rut. Your mind will wander indefinitely around this empty room unless you get help from outside sources who see what you can’t see.

Confidence

This is a major factor, even for those who appear to “have it all together.” It can surface as procrastination or micro-management. It can surface as shame or, conversely, boasting. It lurks behind the curtain, always ready to pull you back if your performance is not flawless.

Knowledge

This is the voice that says, “You don’t know enough to do this. You are not an expert. You must learn more before you can take action.” If you do not continually seek more knowledge, the voice will get louder. But the real reason you are stuck is not lack of knowledge; it is allowing this voice to control your actions.

How do you get unstuck?

Attack

To overcome an obstacle, you must confront it. And so, the first step to getting unstuck is to realize that you are stuck. As simple as it sounds, admitting it is the first step to moving through it. Living in denial is choosing to stay stuck.

Attract

A major factor in getting unstuck is to identify your TEAM – your Teachers/trainers, Encouragers, Allies, and Mentees.

• Who can provide insight, training, and accountability to help you move forward?
• Who will be your encouragers when you start to slide back?
• Who will fight with you and hold you accountable?
• Who will you teach and inspire by pushing beyond the sticking point?

Act

You know the sticking points.

You have the team to support you and provide insight beyond your own.

There is one more component you must have, and that is ACTION.

What are your action steps for pushing through obstacles to success? You will want to develop, with the insight of your team, a clear and defined plan of action.

And a plan is not enough. You must act on that plan…clear, decisive, and swift action.

Your path to getting unstuck.

• Where are you stuck today?
• Who is your team?
• And what is your next immediate action step?

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!