Everyone feels like they’re treading water sometimes, but if you truly feel stuck in life, you have to do something about it.
After all, you only get one life, so you have to make the most of it rather than letting it pass you by. In order to get moving again, you’ll need to do an honest assessment of what’s going on to keep you cemented in place. Start by asking yourself these questions — and answering them honestly. It just might help to get you where you want to be.
1. What does “being where I want to be” actually look like?
It’s hard to work toward a goal if you don’t have a clear picture of what it looks like. Take some time to define your ideal life—what does it involve? Is it about career success, personal growth, or building stronger relationships? Getting specific about your vision makes it easier to identify the steps you need to take.
2. Am I being honest about what I truly want?
Sometimes, we chase goals that aren’t even ours—maybe they’re what society expects, or what we think will impress other people. Ask yourself if the life you’re pursuing aligns with your own values and passions. If the answer is no, it’s time to redefine what success means to you.
3. What’s stopping me from taking the next step?
Identifying your roadblocks is crucial. Are they external, like finances or lack of opportunities, or internal, like fear or self-doubt? Once you pinpoint what’s holding you back, you can start tackling it head-on. Sometimes, even small steps forward can create big momentum over time.
4. What am I prioritising right now?
Your priorities reveal where your energy and time are going. If they’re not aligned with your long-term goals, it might be why you feel stuck. Take a hard look at what’s eating up your resources and whether it’s helping or hindering your progress. Adjusting your priorities can bring clarity and renewed focus.
5. Am I giving myself enough credit for what I’ve already achieved?
When you’re focused on where you want to go, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve already come. Reflect on your past accomplishments, no matter how small they seem. Acknowledging your progress boosts your confidence and reminds you that you’re capable of achieving even more.
6. What lessons can I learn from my current situation?
Even when you’re not where you want to be, your current experiences can teach you valuable lessons. What skills, strengths, or insights are you gaining from this phase of life? Shifting your perspective from frustration to curiosity can help you see the growth happening right now.
7. Am I surrounding myself with the right people?
Your environment plays a huge role in shaping your mindset and actions. Are the people around you supportive, inspiring, and aligned with your goals? If not, it might be time to start pursuing connections that uplift you and challenge you to grow in the direction you want to go.
8. What habits are holding me back?
Sometimes, it’s the little things we do daily that keep us stuck. Are you procrastinating, overthinking, or spending too much time on distractions? Identifying these habits and replacing them with healthier routines can help you regain control and make steady progress toward your goals.
9. Am I afraid of failing?
The fear of failure can be paralysing, keeping you from taking risks or trying new things. Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen if I fail? Often, the answer is far less catastrophic than it feels. Reframing failure as a learning opportunity can help you move past this fear and take action.
10. What’s one thing I can do today to move closer to my goal?
Big changes can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, actionable steps makes them more manageable. Focus on just one thing you can do right now, whether it’s sending an email, researching a new opportunity, or dedicating 10 minutes to a skill. Small actions build momentum and help you stay motivated.
11. Am I being patient with myself?
Growth takes time, and comparing yourself to other people can make you feel like you’re falling behind. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and progress isn’t always linear. Practising patience with yourself can reduce the pressure and help you appreciate the process as much as the outcome.
12. Am I focusing too much on what I can’t control?
It’s easy to get caught up in circumstances you have no power over, like other people’s opinions or external setbacks. Shifting your focus to what you can control—your actions, mindset, and choices—gives you back a sense of agency. You’ll feel more empowered and less stuck.
13. What does success look like to me personally?
Success is subjective, but it’s easy to adopt society’s definition without questioning it. Ask yourself what truly makes you feel fulfilled and accomplished. When your goals align with your own vision of success, they become more meaningful and motivating to pursue.
14. Am I taking care of my physical and mental health?
If you’re not prioritising your well-being, it’s hard to show up fully for your goals. Are you eating well, staying active, and giving yourself time to rest? Taking care of your health creates the foundation you need to stay energised and focused on what matters most.
15. What would my future self thank me for doing today?
Visualising your future self can help you make choices that align with your long-term goals. Ask yourself: What action can I take now that my future self will appreciate? This perspective can motivate you to make decisions that lead to a happier, more fulfilled version of yourself.
