THE POWER OF ONE STEP: MOVING THROUGH STUCK WITH HEART AND HOPE
- kimberleemccarthy
- May 25
- 2 min read
We all encounter moments when we feel stuck—paralyzed by indecision, overwhelmed by options, or simply unmotivated. I’ve been there myself. Actually, I’ve felt more than stuck—paralyzed. Feeling stuck sucks. It can make you feel unmotivated, trapped, and even slip into victim mode. It’s hard to see a way forward when everything feels heavy or uncertain.
But recently, I was reminded of something powerful while listening to an episode of the Rich Roll Podcast. He shared this insight: "If you're feeling stuck, take a contrary action."
It’s simple, but it hit me hard. Because contrary action—doing the opposite of what your current mindset dictates—is often the only way to interrupt the loop and build momentum.
So what is ‘Contrary Action’? It means challenging the urge to freeze or spiral. If you're inclined to isolate, reach out. If you're tempted to procrastinate, take a micro-step. These small but bold moves disrupt stuckness and can re-ignite your energy.
Tips to Shift Out of Stuckness (With Grace):
Start Small: Don’t wait for motivation—create it. Choose an action that feels manageable. Make your bed. Drink water. Text a friend. These are wins.
Set Up Accountability: Share your goal or intention with someone you trust. Having a check-in, even a casual one, can help you follow through.
Have Grace with Yourself: Stuckness is not weakness—it’s part of the process. Be kind. Be curious. Progress doesn’t require punishment; it requires patience.
Reconnect with Your ‘Why’—and the Cost of Staying Stuck: Ask yourself why you want to move forward. What’s on the other side of action? What matters to you right now? Then ask: What is the cost of staying where I am? Is it your energy? Your confidence? Your peace of mind? Sometimes recognizing the consequences of inaction is the very nudge we need.
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. But you can disrupt the cycle—one contrary action at a time. If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.
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