If you’ve felt stuck from time to time, you’re not alone. We all experience moments of “stuckness” at some point in our lives—whether it’s in our careers, hobbies, relationships, or personal growth. I’ve always believed in silver linings so this month’s blog is all about exploring experiences that remind us that getting stuck is a part of the journey, and with persistence, we can always find our way forward.
As the CEO of a family of healthcare businesses at Rx Medical , I’ve discovered many feel isolated when stuck, yet, this experience is quite common. We tend to overestimate hardships and underestimate blessings. Getting stuck is a common experience that can lead to prolonged discomfort and frustration so if you find yourself in this situation, know that there are targeted tools available to help you regain your momentum and move forward.
Have you ever felt stuck when you try to sidestep failure? Interestingly enough, real progress requires facing challenges, which means setbacks are inevitable. In the book by Adam Alter titled Anatomy of a Breakthrough, Alter suggests embracing failure as a natural component of your journey. View it as a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging with the challenges that promote growth and learning. He identifies three traps that can impeded problem-solving and keep you stuck below.
3 Traps that Impede Problem-Solving (and keep you “stuck”)
Believing The Problem Is Too Remote To Matter: Neglecting a problem because it seems far away can result in damaging long-term plans. Instead, consider how the issue could become a trap in five, 10 or 20 years. To guide your present decision-making in a way that accounts for long-term consequences, create a vivid, detailed mental picture of the future you want.
Failing To See a Problem Even Exists: If you believe there’s no problem, you’ll have very little chance of solving it. To sharpen your awareness, slow down. Give yourself time to notice snags and sticking points and to challenge your assumptions. Communication problems often go unnoticed, so take a closer look at how well you’re communicating, especially in interactions where you don’t actually see the other person, like over email.
Assuming A Problem Is Too Small To Need Attention: When you presume a problem is too minor to warrant action, you risk having it grow too large to overcome. Instead of ignoring small problems, perform frequent reviews. Like an engineer checking a commercial aircraft, conduct regular check-ins to prevent small problems from turning into big ones that sabotage your goals. Develop checklists for your objectives, and review them on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
Take Action to Get UNSTUCK
Taking action can pivot you out of “stuckness.” Even if the action is small and the progress is minimal, switching from “off” to “on” can help you uncover what works and move forward. To reduce friction and form productive habits, Alter suggests focusing on taking actions where you excel. Fighter pilot John Boyd, an innovator who developed the American military’s first manual for air-to-air combat, applied a four-step method (below), the “OODA loop,” for taking action to help you remember that setbacks are often setups for amazing breakthroughs.
- Observe: Assess the situation accurately, identify problems and collect data.
- Orient: Analyze the data and formulate alternatives.
- Decide: Select an alternative.
- Act: Create a specific plan and put it into action.
As you navigate the journey of getting unstuck, remember that progress is not just about overcoming obstacles, it’s also about embracing lessons learned. Surround yourself with supportive people who inspire you, set small, achievable goals to build momentum, and celebrate your wins—no matter how small. Take time for self-reflection to understand your motivations and barriers, and be open to trying new strategies. Whether it’s seeking mentorship, engaging in creative pursuits, or simply taking a break to recharge, know that each step you take is a move toward a more fulfilling path. You have the power to break free from stagnation and create the life you envision.
📌LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE: What specific actions are you taking to identify and address the barriers your employees face, and how are you fostering an environment that empowers them to overcome challenges and thrive?
Brandon Rouse leads a diverse & growing team of professionals well-versed in the challenges facing healthcare. Headquartered in OKC, OK, Brandon’s experienced team represents various technological & innovative medical solutions. ZB RX Medical is a direct distributor of Zimmer Biomet.