You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re not lazy.
But you might be doing what used to work—even though it no longer fits the life you're living now.

That’s what being stuck often is.
Not failure. Not weakness. Just a sign that something needs to shift—your approach, your focus, or your expectations.

What If You’re Not Actually Stuck?

When people feel stuck, they usually try harder, think more, or fix everything at once.
But momentum rarely comes from overthinking or overwhelm.

It often starts with a better question.

What if this stuck moment isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal?

A signal to pause.
To shift how you’re seeing the situation.
To take one different action—not ten.

Try This Instead: 3 Unstuck Moves

1. Ask yourself: What’s one thing I haven’t tried yet?

Not the big leap. Just the overlooked move.
A different email. A new walk route. A “no” you usually say “yes” to.
Small shifts start big momentum.

2. Update the story

Instead of “I’m stuck,” try:

“I’ve grown—but my choices haven’t caught up yet.”

That line alone can rewire your next step.

3. Move your body before you move your life

Change your space. Change your posture. Go outside. Write something.
Physical action leads to mental clarity more than we realize.

This Week’s What If

What if you're not stuck—you’re just one action away from seeing it differently?

Want more questions like this? Subscribe to The What If Weekly.

Or explore the book Start With What If for 52 weekly shifts that help you think and act differently—starting today.

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FAQs for “Feeling Stuck in Life? Here’s What to Do Next”

❓ Why do I feel stuck even when I’m trying hard?

Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it often means you’ve outgrown your current approach. What used to work might not fit your life anymore, and that’s a signal to try something different, not push harder.

❓ What’s the fastest way to get unstuck?

Start by doing one small thing differently. It could be a new choice, a small change in routine, or even moving your body before you try to shift your mind. Tiny actions are often the quickest way to restart momentum.

❓ Can the What If Rule help me when I feel stuck?

Absolutely. Try asking yourself: What if I’m not stuck—I’ve just outgrown what used to work? That question alone can change how you see the problem and open up your next move.

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About Doug Fleener

Doug is the creator of The What If Rule and author of Start With What If. He helps people create better perspectives and options through one powerful question at a time. Subscribe to his newsletter or check out the book to start your shift.