How Do You Get Unstuck?
Mike Barzacchini Photo
How often do you get stuck? Sometimes the better question for me would be, “how often do you get stuck in one day?”
I try to pay attention when I get stuck or I feel like I’m about to get stuck. And I try to stage an unstuck intervention. Something small and meaningful that changes my mindset, my energy, and my attitude. Here are some of my unstuck strategies:
Brew tea.
Walk the dogs. We have four, so I can usually find a willing partner.
Go out and look at the trees (the birds, the moon…).
Read poetry.
Search for an inspirational quote and write it down in my notebook.
Write in my journal.
Stretch.
Meditate for five or ten minutes.
Do timed writing or timed drawing — something like three minutes — on a topic or idea unrelated to what I’m working on.
Write a letter to a family member or friend. Not an email or text, but an old-fashioned pen on paper letter or postcard.
One of these will usually unstick me and often lead to a new thought or better idea related to the project I’m working on. What works for you when you’re trying to get unstuck?
