We all feel stuck sometimes at work. Maybe you want to quit your job and start another career. Maybe you’re trying to build a new skill or habit. Maybe you’re searching for a new idea to pitch. How can you take steps to get un-stuck?
 
Start by silencing your inner cynic. In the early stages of exploring new possibilities, being too negative can shut down creativity and progress. Suspend disbelief and make room for new ideas to germinate and take shape. Who knows? A bad idea can become great if given a chance.
 
Then, strip away what you think you know. When you know a lot about a certain topic or industry, your thinking can become rigid. You may be clinging to conventional wisdom that limits you. Take a step back and see if there’s a broader perspective you’re not considering, or if a different approach might actually be possible.
 
Finally, stop trying to seem perfect. Perfectionism is a barrier to meaningful change when it leads to a fear of failure or prevents you from trying new things. Instead, get comfortable with failure. Next time you make a mistake or things don’t turn out the way you’d hoped, spend some time reflecting on what you’ve learned or gained and how it could bring you closer to a breakthrough.
This tip is adapted from “What to Do When You Feel Stuck at Work,” by Kim Christfort and Suzanne Vickberg
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