How to Get Unstuck: Do This to Create the Future You Want

—

Today’s episode is a roadmap for reaching your potential.

If you are feeling stuck in a rut, behind in life, or just a little bored by your life, this episode is for you.

There are a few simple steps you can take to quickly get unstuck – and it’s easier than you think.

Dr. Adam Alter, one of the top psychology experts and professors in the world, is joining Mel on the podcast today to help you uncover the extraordinary potential that is laying dormant inside of you.

Dr. Alter is a New York Times bestselling author, a renowned researcher, and a professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business.

Whether you’re trying to level up an already successful life, have a breakthrough on a creative project, or you need a reset in every aspect of your life, you’ll love the 3 steps that Dr. Alter is sharing with you today.

I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode.

00:00:00: Introduction
00:03:28: Why it’s normal to feel “stuck” in your life.
00:06:38: What does it mean when people feel stuck?
00:10:30: Do THIS to get out of your own way to get unstuck.
00:16:51: The best thing you can do to make your life better.
00:18:51: When you hit difficulties in life, this is your instinct.
00:20:00: These are the ages when people tend to think deeper.
00:23:20: How to approach these difficult ages where we overthink.
00:25:00: How to create more meaning when struggling with the meaning of life.
00:28:13: Goals you can set to help yourself through difficult times.
00:31:26: The connection between feeling stuck is like feeling lost.
00:33:50: Why is it so critical to have something that we are working on in our life?
00:35:22: How to deal with feeling stuck when everyone around you is trying to help.
00:38:30: The best advice for someone to go for it after going through a hard time.

—

—
—
Follow me here:
—
—
Looking for my books on Amazon? Here they are!

[hnarment]

The breakdown:

1. Intentional Pause: Take deliberate breaks, like sitting by running water in a forest, to rejuvenate your mind and body. Even a five-minute pause can be restorative.

2. Engage with Nature: Find a patch of nature or incorporate natural elements into your surroundings. Small plants or a water fountain at home can provide similar benefits if you can't access a forest.

3. Daily Practice: Spend a few minutes daily absorbing your natural environment, no matter how small. This practice counters the energy drain of modern life.

4. Impact of Colors: Colors influence mood and behavior. Blues and greens are calming, while red can make you feel strong and dominant. Use this knowledge to create supportive environments.

5. Mirrors and Self-Reflection: Mirrors make you more introspective and thoughtful, helping deter bad habits by forcing you to confront your actions.

6. Time Dilation through Engagement: Activities that stretch time, like being in nature or having meaningful conversations, help you feel more connected and less rushed.

7. Physical Activity: Movement can reset your sense of time and provide a break from a sedentary, screen-focused lifestyle, enhancing well-being.

8. Clutter-Free Environment: Reduce workspace clutter to enhance focus and creativity. A clear environment reduces distractions and improves productivity.

9. Screen Time Boundaries: Set specific times daily to disconnect from screens, reclaiming time and improving mental health. An hour without screens can be very beneficial.

10. Recognize and Replace Habits: Identify unfulfilling habits like mindless scrolling and replace them with enriching activities to develop healthier habits and improve your quality of life.

[grandmajan]

Awesome info! 72-year-old grandma and have been stuck off and on throughout life. Big Takeaway is to experiment with what you like to do Experimenting with different ideas and taking the pressure off. Really appreciate this podcast at this time in my life. Thank you.

[MsBuffalopoo]

Oh yeah, 40 minutes into this! Set the bar low and just start. That is the key to progress. Let go of ego and BEGIN.

[Spooklyn]

It's hard to create your future nowadays, especially when everything is so unobtainable nobody can pay bills anymore. Will never reach your full potential because the system has us locked in for life in this cycle of crap.

[paulabeed]

Being a perfectionist, I have a hard time starting because of my fear of not doing it perfectly! This was great motivation to start it "badly"...just a brilliant idea 💡 👏

[xannaz]

I liked what he said at the very end, that you're either exploring your options, or focusing on one idea, but you can't do both at once. Oh. I'm doing both at once, and flailing.. Aha.

[mickeyhabeck]

I noticed that twice your guest looked directly at the audience and gave the very important information. I’ll probably rewatch this podcast with a piece of paper to write the info down. I love these podcasts. Thank you, Mel!!

[randorific]

I've felt stuck for most of my life, mostly re: career. I wanted to be a commercial pilot but couldn't due to hearing loss. I "fell into" a legal assistant career. I didn't really enjoy most aspects of it. In 2017, at the age of 58, I visited London & wanted to live there permanently. The only way to move there permanently was to change my career. I enrolled in a digital animation course in London. I was thrilled to finally have a sense of direction & no longer felt stuck. The Nov. 2019 intake was delayed due to low enrollment, so they put me in the June 2020 intake. COVID happened, the course was cancelled & I moved back to America. (They no longer offer the course.) I've been stuck ever since. I'm almost 66 years old. I don't want to go back into the legal field. It's soul draining. I don't have a car; can't afford one, so I've been looking for remote work, but it's been tough.

[ashleyruiz]

I'm going to listen to this a few times. I've been feeling stuck for years!

[oruhwyq]

Feeling financially stuck in a toxic marriage, gonna try these tips to help myself get out. Thank u

[da]

Omg! I’m in this situation exact situation- where I started a new job with a higher salary - I was very excited and still am but I’m feeling stuck and drained. It was good to hear that people can feel stuck even with good changes.

[lazytaisy]

Mel asked a great question about the pride of not wanting others to be right. I really wish he would’ve answered that question.

[MohammadQasimHaamed-yxzw]

Love you, mel robbins, and your respectful team and special guests ❤️ ❤️ ♥️

[_beYOUtiful_chaos]

MEL, YOU’RE THE BEST!! 💗
Thank you so much for all your amazing content! 🫶🏼
I’ve been listening/watching your podcast since it first started.
You’re so relatable and ALWAYS give the best advice. The way you speak to us (your listener’s) with such honesty and care, it sounds like it’s coming from your best friend. ❤
Thanks Mel!! I appreciate you so much!
🫶🏼

[elenagvobornik]

You’re words keep me going, I been through rough times 😢

[millim]

Thank you Mel! I ❤ this podcast I feel sooo stuck it’s even harder when you are the only income! I am mainly stuck when it comes to my career I am not happy in it at all but I have to be grateful to have one.

[DadLogix]

Love these tips. They have been helping me keep my sanity through lots of life changes.

[mildmanneredmercifulmouse]

GREAT discussion, i got a Lot of inspiration to follow up on Dr Alters' teachings.
Which book of his' is relevant to this podcast please ?

[kimberlyrobinson]

Wow this was exactly what I needed. Thank you

[nicholeschock]

Yes. Can and do get stuff done. I am tackling further education and I am taking more classes. Taking steps towards the life I desire. Something I am struggling with is letting go of unhealthy relationships. That is a tough one for me. I maneuver around the relationship like it is my fork in the road. It is exhausting, but I will not put my progress on hold.