How to Get Unstuck and Move Forward: A Guide for Babes Ready to Thrive
Do you feel stuck, unsure of where to go or how to start moving forward? You’re not alone—I’ve been there, Babe! In fact, I’m there now, figuring out what’s next and how to make it happen. Whether you’re navigating a career change, a relationship shift, or just feeling lost, this guide is for you.
Let’s explore these four steps together—because, as Abe Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” It’s time to sharpen our axes and prepare for the changes ahead!
Step 1: Take Stock of the Good
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to overlook the wins. Start by writing down all the good things in your life:
Celebrate your wins: Did you get through a tough year, support a loved one, or crush a personal goal? Big or small, it all counts.
Appreciate your relationships: Do you have friends or family who genuinely care about you? Recognize their presence in your life.
Self-care check-in: Are you doing things to nurture your well-being, like exercising, journaling, or taking mental health days?
Financial stability: Are you saving for your future or working toward financial goals?
For me, this means celebrating a thriving career, the strong friendships I’ve built, and the ways I’ve grown emotionally after major life transitions.
Real Talk: When I felt stuck in my career, I reminded myself that I’d built something stable and rewarding. It gave me the confidence to dream about what’s next without undermining the work I’ve already done.
Step 2: Identify What’s Holding You Back
Once you’ve acknowledged the good, it’s time to face the hard truths. Ask yourself:
What’s bothering you? Are you stuck in a job, relationship, or mindset that no longer serves you?
What fears are holding you back? Fear of failure, judgment, or the unknown can keep us paralyzed.
What needs to change? Whether it’s setting boundaries, healing a broken relationship, or letting go of guilt, clarity starts with honesty.
For me, this meant admitting I’d been using my busy life as an excuse to avoid taking risks. Yes, I’m juggling responsibilities, but deep down, I knew fear was playing a bigger role.
Real Talk: Are you up at night worrying about money, relationships, or your purpose? Naming these fears can be freeing—and it’s the first step toward tackling them.
Step 3: Make a Plan
Here’s where the magic happens. Dreaming is fun, but planning turns dreams into reality, right? Break it down:
Set actionable goals: Want to switch careers? Start by updating your résumé or reaching out to a mentor.
Commit to daily habits: Small steps, like setting aside 15 minutes to journal or researching a new skill, compound into big changes over time.
Forgive and let go: Whether it’s forgiving yourself for past mistakes or releasing resentment toward others, emotional clutter holds you back.
For example, I’ve decided to set one career goal and one personal goal every month. This keeps me focused without feeling overwhelmed.
Real Talk: A plan doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to exist. Writing it down is half the battle!
Step 4: Take Action, Babe!
Now comes the hard part—execution! You’ve got this, Babe! Here’s how to keep yourself on track:
Track your progress: Revisit your plan monthly to see what’s working and adjust where needed. Peter Drucker said “You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” and I truly believe this in all areas of life! (For my fellow analytics babes, It doesn’t have to be a complicated spreadsheet with graphs, but whatever gets you there!)
Stay accountable: Share your goals with someone you trust who can check in on your progress. Give them some guidance on how they can help you with this.
Celebrate milestones: Every step forward is worth acknowledging. Celebrate even the small wins! No Babe celebrates alone! Share your wins on our community Facebook page and we’ll cheer you on!
For me, this looks like setting reminders to revisit my goals, tracking habits in a journal, and texting a close friend when I hit a milestone.
Real Talk: It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow. Focus on consistency, not perfection.
Let’s Get Unstuck, Babe!
If you’re ready to get unstuck, start with these steps. You’ll be amazed at what happens when you focus on the good, face the hard truths, and take intentional action.
I’d love to hear your progress! Visit the Been There, Babe Facebook page or drop a comment on the blog. Let’s inspire each other and show that no matter where you are, you can create the life you want.
