Life can be tough. We all face challenges, obstacles, and setbacks that can leave us feeling lost, confused, and stuck in a rut. Whether you're caught in a loop, at a crossroads unsure of which new path to take or you've hit a rough patch and are struggling to bounce back, it's important to remember that there is always a way forward. Here are some tips to help you navigate through tough times and find your way back on track.

Embrace Change

One of the first steps to moving forward when you feel stuck is to embrace change. Especially if it's a change you didn't want or ask for that's set you off balance, such as a personal loss, a financial challenge or the end of a relationship. 

Unfortunately change is inevitable, so if you haven't yet, try being open to new opportunities, ideas, and experiences that could come from these changes.

You know when people say all that jazz about how when one door closes, another one opens... yadee yada? Well annoyingly, they are sometimes right. Embracing the changes (even if through gritted teeth) may just help you see things from a different perspective and discover new paths that you may not have considered before.

Create Change

If dealing with change isn't the issue but it's more feeling stuck in the same old samey stuff that's holding you back, bring about your own positive changes to set your new direction. These can be very gradual or small changes like trying a new place for lunch, taking a different route to work or learning about something new. You could even review 'A day in the life of you' - What did you do today? Where did you go? What went well? What didn't? What could you mix up/change/improve to get yourself out of this rut?

Set (realistic) Goals

Setting goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose. When you're feeling lost or unsure of what to do next, setting yourself a goal can help you focus your energy and motivation on working towards something meaningful. A little tip here though, if like me you think the whole 'work hard, play hard' mentally was so 1980's and life is for living, not just surviving then don't go all Wolf of Wall Street on the goal setting.

Try and set yourself goals that are actually meaningful and achievable and even better if they are enjoyable to complete. Start small so you can build momentum and gain a sense of accomplishment. As you reach each goal, set new ones that will challenge you and push you further towards your ultimate objectives. Also just as important as the goals themselves - don't forget to reward yourself when you achieve one!

Seek Support

Don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Whether it's talking to a friend, family member, or counsellor. Many of us don't like to 'be a burden' (especially Lou, queen of the introverts here) but seeking support can provide you with the guidance, encouragement, and perspective you need to move forward. Plus we often forget how much other people like to help and support us. So basically by sharing your 'stuck in a rut' conundrum with your trusted ones, you're practically doing them a favour ;)

Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and don't hesitate to lean on them for support when you're feeling stuck.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is essential when you're going through a tough time. Ironically, as you may be aware, it's also harder to do when you feel 'meh'. Try if you can to make self-care a priority by engaging in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it's exercising, meditating, spending time in nature, or indulging in a hobby you love, practising self-care can help you recharge, rejuvenate, and regain your strength to face life's challenges head-on.

If you are deep in the state of 'meh' and it's all looking too peopley outside so staying comfortably in your little rut is easier, I get it. A slightly different approach when you are feeling well and truly, properly stuck is the 'Do it badly' approach.

Basically take all the pressure off yourself and know that doing something is better than doing nothing. Even if doing it badly means eating ice cream for breakfast, hey at least you had some breakfast! Good on ya girl!

Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive attitude can make all the difference when you're feeling stuck in a rut. Practice gratitude, focus on the good things (however small), and remind yourself that tough times don't last forever. When you are struggling to stay optimistic, remember you have the ability to overcome obstacles. If you didn't you wouldn't have made it this far, right?! Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth and resilience and you, an absolute woman warrior have the power and inner strength to create a better future for yourself.

Take Action

Moving forward requires taking action. (If you're going with the 'do it badly' approach and you've made it out of bed today, then you're already smashing it - nice one. Instead of waiting for things to change or improve on their own, take any steps you can to move towards your goals and dreams. Break down the scary stuff into smaller, manageable steps, and start taking even just a little bit of action today. Even small progress is progress, and every step you take brings you closer to where you want to be.

Reflect and Learn

When you're feeling stuck, try a little self reflection on your situation. It's not easy I know but try if you can to learn from your experiences. Ask yourself what lessons you can take away from the challenges you're facing, and how you can use them to grow and evolve. Reflecting on your journey can help you gain insight, wisdom, and clarity on what steps to take next. Especially if you're not sure how you really feel about the rut you're stuck in.

Try Visualisation

If the above hasn't quite got you moving then I have a bit of an out of the boxy type method to share with you. I want you to visualise the rut you are in. Every detail! Close your eyes and decide if your rut is outdoors or indoors? What about it is keeping you stuck? Is it a dark place? Are you physically stuck in it or is something just blocking your way out? Is it a place you know well, somewhere that's new to you or far away?

Now think about how you will get out of it. What's the simplest, most obvious solution to getting out of your imaginary rut? Do you need an object, friend, expert, tool or machinery to help you out of your rut? Or maybe you know exactly the knowledge, strength or skill you need to work your own way out of it?

Just close your eyes now and see what comes to your mind before you read on.

So what sort of a rut did you imagine you are stuck in then? Maybe your car got stuck in muddy tracks? Have you fallen into a deep hole you can't get out of? Are you hiding from gunfire in a bunker? Or are you on a hamster wheel unable to get off? What does your rut look like to you and how will you get out of that place you've got yourself stuck in?

Sounds a bit lah lah, I know but bear with me here - let's say you imagine your car is stuck in the tracks of a muddy field. Did you imagine you needed some help, maybe from a Farmer with a tractor to pull you out? Then support may be what your mind is looking for. Find an expert in your life and talk through your rut with them. If you imagined falling down a hole, maybe change was forced on you that you didn't want? Be honest with yourself now, are you really stuck in that hole or have you just not spotted the ladder yet?

Round and round on the hamster wheel hints at your mind really wanting some change, don't let the fear hold you back, make a plan to get off that wheel. If you imagined danger all around that rut you are in then you might be just a tad too comfortable in that safe little bunker of yours. There's a chance that current comforts have led you to be more fearful of what's next than you need to be.

We often hold the answers we seek but in that mass of information we carry, it can get buried in our minds. Sometimes visualisation can give us some clues to where those answers are hiding. So even if it sounds way out there, you might as well give it a go if it helps you work out how to move forward.

Remember - This too shall pass

Remember, feeling stuck in a rut is a temporary state. With patience, perseverance, and a positive mindset, you can overcome any obstacle and find your way back on track. Be willing to make and embrace change so you can set goals with support. Practice self-care, stay positive, take action, and reflect and learn from your experiences.

You have the power within you to navigate through tough times and create a brighter, more fulfilling future for yourself. Trust in yourself and believe that better days are ahead. Stay strong, stay resilient, and keep moving forward. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with courage and determination, you can conquer any challenge and find your way back on your path to success and happiness.