Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

My “Stuck” Moment 

 

A few years ago, I hit a wall. 

 

On paper, my life looked great—my career was stable, my days were full, and I had everything I thought I wanted. But something wasn’t right. I wasn’t unhappy, but I wasn’t excited either. It felt like I was just going through the motions. 

 

I remember one afternoon, sitting at my desk, scrolling through job boards without any real intention to apply. I wasn’t looking for a new job—I was looking for something I couldn’t quite define. What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel like this? 

 

It took me a while to understand, but here’s what I learned: feeling stuck isn’t a failure—it’s a signal. It’s your inner compass telling you something needs to change. And it’s the perfect starting point for a better, more fulfilling path. 

 

Why Do We Feel Stuck? 

 

When you feel stuck, it’s not random. It’s usually tied to one of these three things: 

 

1. A lack of purpose: You’re busy, but your work or daily life doesn’t feel fulfilling. 

1. No room for growth: You’re going through the motions without evolving or challenging yourself. 

1. Misaligned values: Your goals don’t reflect who you are or what you care about anymore. 

 

For me, it was all three. I was chasing goals that no longer resonated with who I had become. Once I realized that, everything started to shift. 

 

How to Break Free 

 

Feeling stuck is frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity—a chance to realign and move toward something better. The key is to stop spinning your wheels and start getting clear on what you really need. 

 

Start with Reflection 

 

Feeling stuck is your mind’s way of waving a red flag. To move forward, you need to pause and reflect. 

 

Ask Yourself: 

 

• What feels “off” in my life right now? 

• When was the last time I felt genuinely excited or inspired? 

• Am I chasing old goals that no longer fit who I am today? 

 

What I Did:
I spent weeks journaling my answers to these questions. At first, it felt uncomfortable—I didn’t have all the answers. But over time, I started seeing patterns. I realized I was holding onto outdated ideas of success that no longer made me happy. 

 

Reconnect with What Inspires You 

 

Sometimes, the reason you feel stuck is because you’ve let go of the things that used to light you up. Life gets busy, and passions fall to the wayside. 

 

Try This: 

 

• Think back to a time when you felt truly alive. What were you doing? Who were you with? 

• Revisit a hobby or activity you’ve put on hold, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. 

 

For me, it was writing. I had set it aside for years, but once I started making time for it again, it felt like coming home. 

 

Take One Small, Brave Step 

 

The hardest part about breaking free is starting. Feeling stuck feeds on inaction. The longer you wait, the harder it feels to move forward. 

 

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to make a huge leap. Small steps build momentum—and momentum changes everything. 

 

Ideas to Get Started: 

 

• Reach out to someone whose journey inspires you and ask how they got started. 

• Explore a new skill or passion, like taking a short online class or reading a book that interests you. 

• Set aside time to brainstorm your “What if…” ideas—the dreams you’ve ignored for too long. 

 

Progress Over Perfection 

 

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that clarity doesn’t come from waiting for the “perfect” moment. It comes from trying, learning, and adjusting along the way. 

 

You don’t need to have everything figured out to take the first step. Every small action you take will create momentum, and that momentum will carry you toward something better. 

 

Imagine What’s Possible 

 

Picture this: Six months from now, you wake up feeling excited about your day. You’ve taken  

 

small, intentional steps that align your life with what truly matters. You’re no longer stuck—you’re thriving. 

 

That’s not just a fantasy—it’s entirely possible. And it all starts with deciding to take that first small step. 

 

Key Takeaways 

 

1. Feeling stuck is a signal that something in your life needs to shift. 

1. Reflection and reconnection are powerful tools for gaining clarity. 

1. Progress comes from small, intentional steps—not perfection. 

 

Let’s Talk 

 

Feeling stuck doesn’t have to last forever. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to spark the clarity you need. 

 

Contact us 

 

to explore what’s holding you back and how to take those first steps toward a more fulfilling path. I’d love to hear your story and help you move forward. 

 

What’s one small step you’ll take this week to get unstuck? Share it with me—I’d love to cheer you on!