Stuck? How to get unstuck and thinking clearly again

Sometimes, and for no apparent reason at all, we get stuck. It’s like something breaks inside the engine of our brain, keeping us from moving forward. We feel the symptoms, we can’t seem to think clearly, make decisions, or get motivated. We wrestle with problems, understanding concepts or are unable to take action. Unfortunately, we can’t open the bonnet upstairs and fix things, but there are some simple things we can do to clear our mind and get our brain juices flowing again.

DON’T FORCE THE ENGINE

There is no point in forcing things. It’ll only lead to frustration and negativity. Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to let it rest for a while. It’s like trying to rev up the engine of a car when it’s stuck in the mud. It only digs in deeper. As pressing or important as something may be, sometimes it is better to…

FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING

For a while anyway! Because maybe the reason we got “stuck” in the first place was that we tried too desperately; and desperation leads to one thing only: more desperation. Instead, make a point to focus your energy on something totally unrelated for a short while, a few hours, or a whole day if you have to! Remove yourself from the thought and the situation, and do something that requires minimal mental effort. Some of my best ideas come to me when I’m out walking in nature. As mum says: you’d be amazed at how many ailments a little fresh air can cure!

SEND AN S.O.S

Ask for help. Don’t expect to know everything or to be able to solve every riddle and puzzle that life throws at you. If you don’t have the answer, someone else will, and that someone else will more than likely be happy to help. In business, we have leaders, managers, administrators, helpdesks… in life, we can’t fulfil all those roles single handedly. This is where other people come into play. Whether it’s a family member, a colleague, a friend, a mentor or a coach… let them know you trust them enough to send them an S.O.S

SLEEP ON IT

Many successful entrepreneurs have admitted to have come up with some of their most brilliant ideas at night. Throughout the centuries people have solved algorithms, untangled complex equations, got inspiration for revolutionary inventions, bestselling books and amazing songs… all in their sleep. All you have to do is keep a pad and pen beside your bed. Just before you doze off, think about what it is you want to have happen, and let your brain waves do the rest. According to neuroscientists, it is during sleep that our brain’s chemical environment provides the greatest opportunity for memory consolidation and creativity to take place.

So, the next time you feel stuck, instead of driving yourself crazy trying to solve a problem or coming up with a great idea, think again. Well, actually, don’t. Follow the advice above instead.