Small Steps to Get Moving When You Feel Stuck

Feeling stuck can be frustrating and discouraging, whether it’s in your personal life, career, or creative pursuits. The good news is that even the smallest actions can break through the inertia and help you regain momentum. Here are simple yet effective steps to help you move forward when you feel stuck.

1. Identify the Root Cause of Feeling Stuck

Before taking action, it helps to understand why you feel stuck. Ask yourself:

Am I overwhelmed by too many choices?
Do I fear failure or making the wrong decision?
Am I lacking motivation or clarity on what to do next? Identifying the cause can make it easier to address and overcome.

2. Take One Small Action—Any Action

When you feel stuck, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Even the smallest action can create momentum. Try:

Sending one email.
Writing one sentence.
Making one phone call.
Cleaning one small area of your space. Action leads to motivation, not the other way around.

3. Break Tasks into Tiny Steps

Large goals can feel paralyzing. Instead, break them down into bite-sized steps:

Instead of “write a book,” start with “write 100 words today.”
Instead of “get in shape,” commit to “do five push-ups.”
Instead of “start a business,” research one idea for five minutes. Tiny steps make big goals feel manageable.

4. Change Your Environment

Sometimes, feeling stuck is a result of being in the same place for too long. Try:

Working from a coffee shop instead of home.
Rearranging your workspace.
Taking a short walk outside. A change of scenery can refresh your mind and help you think differently.

5. Adopt the ‘Two-Minute Rule’

If something takes less than two minutes to do, do it now. This can include:

Responding to an email.
Washing a few dishes.
Writing down your next three to-dos. Small wins add up and create momentum.

6. Move Your Body

Physical movement can break mental stagnation. Try:

Stretching for five minutes.
Going for a brisk walk.
Doing ten jumping jacks. Physical activity helps re-energize your mind and body.

7. Set a Timer for 10 Minutes

Tell yourself, “I’ll work on this for just 10 minutes.” Often, getting started is the hardest part, but once you begin, you may feel motivated to keep going.

8. Talk to Someone

A fresh perspective can make all the difference. Reach out to:

A friend who inspires you.
A mentor for advice.
A support group or community. Sometimes, just voicing your concerns helps clear mental blocks.

9. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Perfectionism can keep you stuck. Instead of aiming for flawless results, focus on:

Completing a rough draft.
Taking one imperfect step forward.
Learning as you go. Progress is always better than staying still.

10. Remind Yourself of Your ‘Why’

Reconnect with your purpose. Ask yourself:

Why did I start this goal?
What would my future self want me to do?
How will I feel once I take action? Keeping your purpose in mind makes it easier to push through stuck moments.

Final Thoughts

The key to getting unstuck is to take small, consistent actions. Every little step you take builds momentum and makes the next step easier. Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, take action first—because action leads to motivation.

Picture This

Imagine waking up feeling energized, knowing exactly what small step to take next. Picture yourself breaking free from stagnation, making steady progress, and feeling proud of every small victory. The power to move forward is already within you—you just need to take that first step. What small action will you take today?