If you're anything like me, getting yourself stuck is a frequent experience. Sometimes I feel stuck in the caliber and quality of the friendships I have. Sometimes I've felt stuck in my career path and current job situation. Sometimes I feel stuck in bad habits and characteristics that hurt the people I love. Feeling stuck is a common human experience, and it sucks. 

One of the scariest moments of my life was getting stuck in an underwater cave on an island off the coast of Italy with my wife. We swam into the cave and within a few seconds the mouth of the cave was closed with waves crashing into it. People were screaming, getting hurt, and panicking. Little did we know that the waves were caused by a boat cruising by outside the cave, but at the time we felt like our lives were in danger. Feeling stuck is scary.  

Does being stuck have to be the end of the story? I don't think so. 

Here are three things you can do when you get stuck:

1. Reality check: get clear on your situation. What's the problem? What's the problem beneath the problem? What's really going on? Sometimes this means you have to step back, get perspective, examine the problem. Journalling might help, so might talking it through with a non-judgmental friend. 

2. Set goals: when I feel stuck, sometimes it's because I'm feeling overwhelmed by the immensity of the change that I'm trying to undergo, and I don't know what to do. Setting goals is a way to break down a gigantic change project into small, manageable steps. 

3. Hire a consultant: God has designed certain people to be uniquely wired to offer counsel, wisdom, and strategy. Do you have a few friends like that? The most helpful consultants are those who offer advice only after they fully understand the problem, and they offer suggestions without condemnation or judgment. 

What works for you when you feel stuck?