Are you stuck? If so, why?
A list to go through anytime you feel stuck.
Often, when you feel stuck, it is because you have stopped learning. At least I have found this to be true for myself.
If you are not learning, then you are not growing; if you are not growing, then you have become static and will find yourself in a state of stasis or inaction.
Learning cannot coexist with pride, so another good indication of being stuck is that you have become prideful, and you should probably adopt some humility and address the things that you don’t want to address.
“That which you most need will be found where you least want to look.” Jordan Peterson.
While reading the Guerilla Warfare and Special Forces Operations Field Manual I came across a handy list of influencing factors when it comes to guerilla warfare, yet I believe this list also applies to warring factions within ourselves.
Economic, This one is pretty straightforward. It is easy to feel stuck when you don’t have many financial resources to call upon.
Personal gain, You are stuck or in a compromised position because you pursued money rather than growth or learning, so you may find yourself too comfortable where you are and handcuffed to your position.
Hate, are you stuck because you are embodied by a spirit of hate, blaming others, and offering excuses?
Security, Are you just looking for the least-risky option?
Ego, Are you filled with pride and operating out of your own strength? This will carry you far, but not all of the way.
Fear, fear of the unknown, and fear of failing.
"I will not fear.
Fear is the mindkiller.
I will face my fear.
I will let it pass through me.
When the fear has gone,
There will be nothing.
Only I will remain." Litany against Fear, Dune, Frank Herbert
If you do find yourself in a state of war and struggling to make progress in any area, it is very important to prioritize and execute a single problem until it is resolved. Use the list above to determine what you need to tackle first. Read the following article for more on this subject.
Strategic vs Tactical decisions
Tactical vs. strategic, or short-term vs. long-term decision-making. Jocko Willink discusses this idea in his podcast with Echo Charles here. This episode of Jocko’s podcast made me rethink how I view and prioritize my goals and scheduled events. One illustration he offers goes as follows: You have a book that you are writing that is due in 6 months, but …
The journey of becoming unstuck is truly a difficult one, and I am currently battling it.
The most frustrating thing, though, is that no one's war is the same; everyone’s struggle is slightly different and hence requires slightly different approaches. Someone will try to sell you a course that worked for them or something; don’t buy it because that was their solution to their unique problem. Your best bet is to expose yourself to as many different experiences as possible. You will become well-rounded and more interesting, and you will someday stumble upon the thing that you are uniquely gifted at.
At that point, your golden path will begin to unfurl.