Stuck

Feeling Stuck.  This is how I have felt a lot lately. My weight loss has come to a halt. I do the same thing over and over every day.

I'f you feel stuck, there are possibilities you are not seeing. Though it may not be obvious or easy, there is a realistic and accessible way forward.  If you feel stuck, it’s likely that the things you fear are obscuring the things you love. Progress begins with sincere, grateful focus on who and what you truly love. Life improves dramatically when you begin to give and to live in the service of what’s most meaningful to you. Think of what you can joyfully give to life, and with that thought you are suddenly facing in a new, positive direction. Keep in mind that happiness is a choice you can make regardless of your circumstances. Choose to be happy, and then express that happiness with your actions. Give yourself a good enough reason to move forward, and you will. Somewhere, within your beautiful capacity to love, is a powerful reason that’s plenty good enough. Instead of feeling stuck, feel love. Give life to that love, and you won’t be stuck any longr — Ralph MarstonHere are three questions I’ve heard before when feeling stuck?

1.       Are you in the right place?
2.       Are you doing the right thing?
3.       Are you giving it everything you got?

Then I recall from my business class M.A.P.S.: The Four Pillars of Creative Job Fulfillment.

1. MEANING:  Why are you here? What drives you to get up every morning? What makes you feel hopeful about the future? This is what really matters to you. Make a list of your purposes, or goals in life. Start with a sentence like: “The reason I work is to…” and fill in the blank. Some possible answers are, “…continue learning,” or, “…get to know amazing, talented people that expand my worldview.” When you are done, rank your list with the most important purpose at the top.

2. ATMOSPHERE:  Where do you see yourself? Close your eyes and imagine your ideal environment. Is it high energy or relaxed? Who are you working with? Or are you working alone? Be specific. What does your workspace look like? Are you working at home, in a shared space? Write it all down. Your surroundings directly affect how you feel. They can inspire you and keep your energy up, or they can drain you of all ambition. When you are finished with your list, prioritize it with the most important elements at the top.

3. PASSIONS: Make a list of the things you absolutely love. These are the things you can’t get enough of. Think of things you love to experience (beautiful architecture, vintage wine) as well as things you like to create (furniture designs, electronic music). Hopefully you will have a long list. When you are finished, restructure your list with the items you are most passionate about at the top to those you are least passionate about at the bottom.

4. SKILLS:  What you are good at? Write a list of your proficiencies, including specific tasks (copyediting) and social skills (good at motivating others). Remember that these don’t have to be things you like to do, just things you are capable of. If you get stuck, try asking friends, family, and co-workers what your skill sets are. You might be surprised to hear what they come up with. Once you have at least 10 skills, re-write them in order of importance, with your greatest strengths at the top.

Does your current situation pay off on the top few of each pillar? Ask yourself some tough questions:
Are you utilizing your best skills? Are you exercising your main passions? Are you working in an atmosphere that is conducive to your creativity? Are you getting something meaningful from your current situation?

While rereading over this it just means I have some reassessing to do.