Removing Mental Blocks That Keep You Stuck

I think of mental blocks as confusion. Imagine your mind
is like a hallow bamboo. When it is clear and open
your creative ideas percolate, bubble up and turn
into inspired actions your business or life. You feel
like you are in the flow. It is a great feeling
because you are moving forward, putting new ideas into
action, taking risks and making positive changes.

Confusion causes a block in the pipeline. You feel
unable to move forward and your energy begins to
drain, you feel stressed, despondent and frustrated.
You had this great idea and then halfway there you
begin feeling self-doubt, fear or insecurity and those
emotions are in conflict with your original
inspiration. As a result you feel blocked. You think
one way and feel another or you have two conflicting
thoughts.

This happens for me when I am writing. People call it
writers block in an attempt to make it normal and
okay. But really it is only confusion somewhere in
the process. I begin with a good idea and I start
writing. It's flowing really well and then suddenly
wham, its not flowing. I have learned techniques to
get past those blocks. I go for walks, listen to
baroque music or take my computer to a cafe.

Other situations are more challenging. Sometimes its
about changing a habit. I had a client who was
stressed from working too many long hours in his
business. He hated how he felt but didn't trust his
employees enough to delegate. He felt stuck. There is
always a way to get past the block. In his case I
asked him what he would need in order to feel more
trusting of his employees. That new question opened
up the flow as he was not used to doing anything but
complain and be stressed.

The main thing to remember is that mental blocks are
not permanent or immoveable. It was your confusion
that created them in the first place so it is within
your own power to move past them as well.

Here are five easy things that can help you to move
past your mental blocks.

1. Find someone impartial to talk to. Another person's
objectivity can help you to see a little clearer.

2. Take an action even if you are not sure if it will
work. Any movement will put you into a new frame of
mind which frees up the energy.

3. Ask yourself what you gain from staying blocked?
You may not like what you hear but it can help you to
see how your fears or insecurities are in the drivers
seat.

4. Change your language. If you say things like,
"It's too difficult, or too complicated" this
negative self-talk will keep you feeling stuck. Say,
"I am doing it, I am no longer blocked." Notice how
that feels liberating.

5. Move your body. Exercise the body also frees up the
mind.

Remember to celebrate your mind. It is your greatest
gift.