Throughout our lives, there may be moments when we feel like we’re not where we should be or want to be. Many folks have been there, including myself. But what if we could redefine those moments of feeling stuck as opportunities for growth and self-discovery? Akin to a pit stop on the journey of life, a chance to recalibrate and set us on the right track.

Stepping Back Is Still Movement

Imagine being both the protagonist and the observer of your life story, actively engaged in the plot but also capable of pausing, reflecting, and adjusting the narrative as needed. This paradoxical concept is often achieved through introspection. It’s about taking a step back mentally to examine your thoughts, feelings, and actions as if you were an impartial bystander. This detachment allows you to identify your biases, judgments, and preconceived notions, shedding light on areas that require attention.

Prioritization Is Still Movement

Let me share a vignette from my personal life. My husband has a routine approach when it comes to fixing our vehicles. Whenever he takes our car to the mechanic, they inevitably find various issues that “need immediate attention.” Instead of rushing to address them all at once, he takes a moment to ponder. He tells the mechanic, “Let’s start with the most critical issue first.” This approach allows him to prioritize, tackle the essential problem, and then gradually address the others.

Stop and Start Your Way to Progress, YES, Is Still Movement

You can adopt a similar strategy for personal growth. Instead of overwhelming yourself by trying to address everything at once, focus on one thing at a time. Each day, select one behavior or habit you’d like to stop and one positive action you want to start. For instance, if you notice moments of anxiety, dedicate that day to soothing, relaxing, and mindful activities. When interacting with others, like my tendency to talk too much, shift your focus to active listening. And if you tend to approach tasks as a checklist (like me), try to be more strategic that day.

The key is to identify what you can stop doing today and what you can start doing more of to align yourself with your desired destination. Remember, feeling stalled isn’t a roadblock; it’s an opportunity to reassess, reevaluate, and ultimately, realign your path towards personal growth.

We Got This!

Jocelyn Lee,

Author of Stop Hiding: Unlock Your Full Potential and Embrace the 5 Pillars of a Growth Mindset, available at many major online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble or direct from her website: msjocelynlee.com