Let’s think back a couple of years to “the year of Covid,” or if you are from Texas you might remember “Snowmageddon of 2021?” These were some good times (sarcastic tone here). Really though, there were good things I guess that came from them. Families came together, slowed down, and spent way more time together than they were used to having to spend around one another. Charles Dickens said it best, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” However, looking back on these two occasions, it felt like we were “grounded.”
Currently, I feel this way. We have had over 40 days of 100+ degrees in Texas. Going outside is like walking into a hot blow dryer. Unfortunately, our adult son’s truck is in the shop, so I lent him my car for a couple of days and I feel totally STUCK at home INSIDE. However, it is all good. I am getting a chance to do a bunch of things that I have put off doing. The more I think about it… being S.T.U.C.K. is a great predicament to be in!
Think of an area you might be “stuck” in your life. It could be anything. What are the projects you’ve been putting off? They could be as simple as rearranging furniture or organizing closets. You could be wondering what your purpose is? What should be your next job? Should you write a book? Should you change your job? What about your relationships? Should you visit a new church? What is something in your life that you KNOW needs an adjustment, but you are fastened to the way your life is now and scared of the change? Well, while you are “stuck”… why not work on it?
S - State the goals you have. List what it is that you want to change. What adjustments need to be made? What are your goals? What’s the big picture?
*I am making a list of projects around my house that I have put off and going to make it visible - not just in my head! I also need to make contacts/emails for some future plans - these things will go on my list to check off. If I have a list - I see it! I will more likely get it done!
T- Tell someone. - Telling someone or others about your goals/plans/list will make you hold yourself accountable. Others will hold you accountable! Choose someone who has your back and believes in you - also who will push you and will make you follow through with what you say!
* My list is going on the front of the refrigerator and in a text to a couple of people. I want them to check in with me while I am working on these things!
U- Unlock the person in you who first had those dreams and goals. Be the person who came up with your plan! Sometimes we lose our luster and drive when the world dumps so much on us. While we are “stuck”, use that time to utilize and give energy and thought to building the next best plan for ourselves that we can possibly have! It’s our life - why wouldn’t we want it to be the best?
* One of my plans- well, I am about to get so organized in my house (my closet anyways) … there might just have to be a tv show about it! HA!
C- Connections! Connections! Connections! There are so many people willing to help you, but YOU have to step out of your comfort zone and have to ask for help if you need it! You have to take risks and be ok with a “No.” How will you learn? If you can’t reach a goal one way - look for another way - another open window - another connection. Create new opportunities for yourself - don’t settle if you know you can do more! Don’t be afraid to ask help from someone who has been there before!
*I would have never gotten my teaching jobs without connections. Currently, my speaking presentations have been to mostly districts and schools where I am familiar with someone. People help people!
K- Keep on keeping on! Don’t give up! I think people give up too easily. If things don’t work out the first time they get their feelings hurt and quit. When did society learn that? Stop that! Keep on keeping on! “If at first you don’t succeed… right” Don’t give up! Keep sending that resume in! Keep studying! Keep interviewing! Keep writing letters! Keep exercising! Keep trying new recipes! Whatever it is - don’t give up!
You were not put on this earth to fail! But, you have to work hard and NEVER quit. Things will not just be handed to you. At some point we all have to learn to work hard and WE ALL GET STUCK! It’s what we learn from being stuck that counts. Make it count for you! Get unstuck and get going!