💡 Life Tip - Getting Unstuck (Issue #53)

Doing more of the same usually won't help

Have you ever watched someone driving a car stuck in snow, mud, or sand?

If they were experienced, you may have watched them successfully navigate the problem and get unstuck. But, if you have ever watched a newer driver in that situation, what do they often do?

They step on the gas and try to force the car to accelerate out of the problem. But the wheels simply spin. Or, worse, they dig the vehicle in deeper, and now they’re really stuck!

Often, what seems like an obvious solution to a problem (e.g., step on the gas) actually won’t fix the problem. It might make things worse. And doing more of the same may never solve a problem.

I see many people taking this approach. If something isn’t working, they think that maybe they just need to try harder or do something more often. I’ve been guilty of this myself.

• I’m not getting engagement on social media. Maybe I should post more often.

• I’m not improving my bench press. Maybe I should lift heavier weights more often.

• I’m not getting promoted. Maybe I just need to work longer hours.

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” (source)

If you’re feeling stuck—and doing the same thing repeatedly doesn’t seem to help—it’s time for a change.

• Take a step back and try to view the problem with fresh eyes.

• Seek advice from someone else who will bring a new perspective.

• Be open to trying radically different strategies and solutions.

• Be willing to try that one thing you’ve been resisting.

That last point is an interesting one.

I often find myself resisting a specific solution while I beat my head against a wall trying everything else. Eventually, when I finally admit that maybe I should try that solution, I discover that it works, and I wonder why I didn’t try it sooner.

Learn from my mistakes. Try something new sooner!

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Hi, I’m Larry Cornett, a Personal Coach who can work with you to optimize your career, life, or business. My mission is to help you take complete control of your life so you can become a more “Invincible You.” I currently live in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with my wife and Great Dane.

Photo by Kaeyla McGee on Unsplash