A few years ago, I was halfway through a project that mattered deeply to me. The start had been exciting, and the finish line was clear in my mind.
But somewhere in the middle, everything slowed down.
I’d sit at my desk, stare at the work in front of me, and think, “What’s even the point?” The project that once gave me energy now drained it.
Maybe you’ve been there too, stalled halfway through a new habit, a creative idea, or even something bigger, like your role in tackling issues that feel way beyond your control.
That feeling of being “stuck” isn’t just frustrating. Left unchecked, it can erode your confidence and convince you that you’ll never follow through.
That’s why I made this guide. Over the next 7 days, you’ll learn how to:
By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for moving forward, whether that’s finishing the project on your desk, keeping a new routine alive, or staying engaged in a cause you care about.
Let’s start with the basics.
Psychologists call it the “stuck in the middle” effect.
At the beginning of something new, progress feels exciting because you’re comparing yourself to where you started. Even a small win is proof you’re moving.
But as time goes on, the comparison shifts. You stop noticing your progress and start measuring yourself against the finish line.
That kind of hopelessness comes from focusing only on the enormity of the outcome rather than the small, cumulative actions that build change.
Feeling stuck is a natural psychological response. But staying stuck?
That’s optional.
Being stuck drains energy, confidence, and hope. The longer you stay there, the more you start to believe your actions don’t matter. And that belief alone is enough to stall progress indefinitely.
But here’s what the research shows: people who believe their actions matter are more likely to follow through.
That belief is contagious. It fuels communities, movements, and personal habits alike.
Getting unstuck is powerful because it transforms inertia into momentum. Momentum builds belief. And belief is what helps you keep going when the middle gets muddy.
Below are seven steps you can walk through right here.
If you’d like a full printable workbook with prompts and writing space, you can also download the free 7-Day Get Unstuck Workbook.
The first step to getting unstuck is simply admitting that you are stuck.
Too often, you push through on autopilot, pretending the heaviness isn’t there. But noticing is powerful. It shifts the problem from invisible to visible.
Ask yourself:
Naming what’s keeping you stuck gives you something to work with.
Big goals are inspiring in theory, but overwhelming in practice.
Looking only at the summit makes the climb feel impossible. That’s why breaking your goal into smaller, achievable milestones is essential.
Studies show that celebrating small wins activates dopamine and strengthens long-term motivation. Each milestone becomes its own finish line. It’sproof you’re still on the trail, still moving forward.
Ask yourself:
Try this today: Rewrite your big goal as five smaller steps (feel free to use the worksheet). Then circle just the first one.
Getting unstuck is hard when you try to do it alone.
Community is like gravity, it keeps you grounded and moving even when you’d rather give up.
Sharing your progress, even small wins, makes them real. Accountability partners, group challenges, or simply being around people who are acting on their own goals can pull you forward.
Studies show having an accountability partner can make you up to 95% more likely to achieve your goals.
Ask yourself:
Try this today: Text one friend and tell them what your “Day 2” milestone is. Ask if they’ll check in with you in a few days.
Momentum doesn’t come from caring more…
It comes from connecting your unique strengths to action.
If you’re a writer, words might be your way forward. If you’re good at organizing, maybe your next step is creating a system.
When your actions align with your natural abilities, they require less force and create more flow.
Ask yourself:
Try this today: Pick one strength you know you have, and brainstorm three ways it could move you forward this week.
Feeling stuck often comes with frustration, guilt, or even anger. Instead of pushing those emotions down, try using them as fuel.
Outrage (when harnessed) can sharpen focus.
Ask yourself:
Try this today: Write one sentence that begins: “This matters to me because…” Keep it somewhere you’ll see it when you want to give up.
When in doubt, don’t wait—move. The tiniest action can shatter inertia.
Write one sentence. Walk one block. Send one text. Sign one petition. These may feel trivial, but small steps stack up into momentum.
Remember, momentum doesn’t come before action—it comes from action (James Clear – Atomic Habits).
Ask yourself:
Try this today: Do one action that takes less than 2 minutes. It’s enough to reset your momentum.
The final step is to pause and look back. Reflection turns scattered steps into a story.
Ask yourself:
Celebrating progress isn’t just about feeling good. It deepens your belief that change is possible, which fuels the next cycle of momentum.
Reflection closes the loop and sets you up for what’s next.
Try this today: Write down the three biggest things you learned about yourself this week. Circle the one you want to carry forward.
Getting unstuck doesn’t require massive change.
It starts with one small, intentional step. Over the next seven days, you’ll shift from feeling stalled to building momentum that lasts.
And if you want a tool to keep you grounded along the way, don’t forget to grab the free 7-Day Get Unstuck Workbook you can take anywhere.
If you’re ready to keep building momentum, here are a few next steps you can take:
Watch my video: I Posted Anonymously for 30 Days — Here’s What Happened
Read my blog: Quiet Your Inner Critic in Minutes and Find Steadier Confidence
Explore more tools at thejeffturner.ca
Until next time, I’m Jeff Turner and remember to take care of yourself, however that looks to you.