11 Things You’d Never Think To Do When You Feel Stuck (But Actually Work)

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Life becomes blurry when you feel stuck in life. You start going through the motions, letting life control you instead of being the one in control. It’s that frustrating mix of “I don’t know what to do with my life” and “I don’t want to be like this anymore.” And yet, despite the discomfort, you stay stuck — not because you’re lazy or incapable, but because your mind is on a loop that’s hard to break.

If you’ve been wondering how to figure out what to do with your life or how to finally start getting out of your head, this post is for you. The truth is, the path forward isn’t always about forcing clarity — sometimes, it’s about doing the unexpected. Here are 11 unconventional things you probably haven’t tried (but actually work) when you feel completely stuck.

Why Do We Feel Stuck and Unmotivated?

Feeling stuck doesn’t just come out of nowhere — it usually builds up quietly over time. Maybe you’ve been doing your best, but no matter what you do, the results just don’t want to show up. Or maybe life has thrown a bunch of problems at you all at once, and now you’re overwhelmed, mentally drained, and unsure where to even begin.

When unhappy things like this happen, it’s not always your fault. Life happens. You get tired. You hit emotional walls. And honestly? We’re all just humans. But even though the cause may not be your fault, it is your responsibility to make things better.

If you want to find yourself again and stop feeling like you’re on autopilot, you have to gently take back the wheel. Learning how to get moving when you feel stuck often starts with the smallest mindset shift — like choosing not to beat yourself up for how you got here. You’re allowed to pause, reassess, and create a new direction.

11 Ways To Make Progress When You Feel Stuck In Life

When life feels heavy and directionless, the best thing you can do is get intentional. These aren’t just random feel-good tips — they’re things to do to improve your life by helping you reconnect with who you are and what you actually want.

Whether you’re trying to find yourself again or wondering how to figure out what to do with your life, these ideas are all about progress, not perfection. Think of them as gentle but effective habits to change your life — the kind that help you get unstuck and start fresh.

1. Change Your Mindset

If you want to get unstuck, it has to start in your mind. What you think and how you think is everything. Your thoughts shape your actions — and your actions create your results. That means if you’re constantly thinking, “I’m behind,” or “Nothing ever works out for me,” then you’ll naturally act from a place of fear, self-doubt, or procrastination.

The good news? You can shift your mindset by intentionally feeding it better input. Start reading books that inspire growth, watch motivational videos that remind you of your power, and follow creators or thought leaders whose content makes you feel like anything is possible. Enroll in online courses, attend workshops, and educate yourself — not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually too.

Taking care of your mindset is one of the most underrated things you can do when you feel stuck. Because the truth is: whatever you think, you become. And when you start believing you’re capable of more, you’ll start acting like it. And eventually, you’ll start seeing the results. It all begins with a thought — so make it a powerful one.

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2. Review Your Goals

When you’re feeling stuck, it’s easy to forget what you were even working toward in the first place. That’s why taking time to review your goals can be such a game-changer. It helps you reconnect with your “why” and find out what you want to do with your life right now — not based on who you were a year ago, but who you’re becoming today.

Sometimes we get stuck simply because the goals we’re chasing don’t align with us anymore. And that’s okay. Life changes, you change — your vision is allowed to evolve too. Go through your current goals and ask yourself: “Does this still excite me? Is this still what I want?”

Even refining just one goal can reignite your passion and give you a new reason to wake up with purpose. This gets you excited about life again — and that spark is often all you need to start moving forward.

3. Romanticize Your Journey

When you’re stuck, life can start to feel painfully ordinary. But what if you chose to see this season as a beautiful part of your story — not a setback, but a setup for your next glow-up? That’s the power of romanticizing your journey.

Light a candle while you journal. Dress up just to run errands. Walk through your neighborhood like you’re in a movie. Create small moments that make you feel alive again. When you start treating your everyday life like it matters, it suddenly starts to feel like it does.

Remember, this is all part of your growth. Every confusing detour, every moment of doubt — it’s shaping you. And the sooner you get out of this rut, the sooner you’ll become the woman of your dreams. So why not make the process feel beautiful, even while it’s messy?

4. Write a NOT-To-Do List

Sometimes, the best way to move forward isn’t just about adding more habits — it’s about cutting out what’s holding you back. That’s where a NOT-To-Do List comes in.

Take a moment to write down all your distractions — the habits, thoughts, and activities that steal your time and energy. Maybe it’s endless scrolling on social media, saying “yes” to every favor, or negative self-talk that drags you down. These distractions are quietly sabotaging the future you want.

By putting them on a list, you create a clear reminder of what you shouldn’t do if you want to make real progress. The sooner you identify and set boundaries around these distractions, the more focused and productive you’ll become.

Sometimes, saying “no” is the most powerful step toward saying “yes” to your dreams.

5. Set a Soft Hustle Action Plan To Stop Feeling Stuck

When you’re feeling stuck, the pressure to hustle harder can make things worse. But here’s the truth: just because you’re not working doesn’t mean that things aren’t working. Growth happens in both action and stillness.

A soft hustle action plan means creating small, intentional steps toward your goals — without burning yourself out. It’s about making progress gently, not forcefully. Maybe that looks like working on your passion project for 30 minutes a day, applying to one opportunity a week, or planning rest just as deliberately as you plan your to-do list.

This approach helps you stay consistent while protecting your peace. Make sure you’re not overworking yourself just to feel like you’re being productive. Trust the process — even when it’s quiet. The results will come, and you’ll arrive with your energy intact.

RELATED READ: How To Achieve Healthy Work-Life Balance For Women

6. Schedule Rest

When you’re trying to change your life or get unstuck, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing more, more, more. But without rest, even the most productive days will catch up to you. That’s why it’s essential to schedule rest just like you schedule your tasks.

Rest isn’t lazy — it’s part of your long term strategy. It recharges your mind, resets your energy, and helps you avoid burnout before it hits. Think: guilt-free naps, solo walks, no-phone Sundays, or even just going to bed earlier without explaining yourself.

Progress doesn’t only come from pushing — sometimes, it comes from pausing. The more you prioritize rest, the more sustainable your growth becomes.

7. Feel Stuck With The Same Old Routine? Change Your Routine Into a More Exciting One

If every day feels the same, it’s no wonder you feel stuck. Sometimes, the problem isn’t your entire life — it’s just your routine. A little refresh can go a long way.

Switch up your mornings with a walk, try a new café to work from, take a different route home, or start your day with music instead of scrolling. Even the smallest changes can spark new energy and creativity.

Sometimes all you need to feel unstuck in life is a routine reset — something that reminds you life doesn’t have to feel dull and repetitive. When your day-to-day becomes more intentional and exciting, your mindset follows.

8. Solve One Problem at a Time

Trying to fix your whole life at once is a fast track to feeling overwhelmed. When you’re juggling a million thoughts, tasks, and “shoulds,” it starts to feel like your problems are never-ending — and that’s exactly what keeps you stuck.

Instead, solve one problem at a time. Break it down. Pick one thing that’s within your control today, and start there. Maybe it’s organizing your space, replying to that one email, or learning one new skill that brings you closer to your goals.

Don’t overwhelm yourself. Multitasking your healing, growth, or progress will only stretch you thin. Focus creates clarity — and clarity brings momentum. One thing at a time is more than enough.

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9. Just Do It

Sometimes the only way out of feeling stuck is to stop thinking and start doing. We wait around for motivation to magically show up — but in reality, motivation comes after action, not before it.

Don’t wait for motivation. Take that first small step, even if you don’t feel ready. Open your laptop, start the workout, write the first sentence. Do it messy. Do it unsure. But just do it.

Action builds momentum, and momentum builds confidence. The more you move, the clearer things become. Stop waiting for the perfect time — progress begins the moment you do.

10. Start Doing Things That Make You Feel Happy

When you feel stuck, joy is often the first thing to go — and one of the first things that can bring you back. Reconnect with the simple activities that light you up, no matter how small they seem.

Watch your favorite childhood movie. Paint just for fun. Dance in your room. Bake something new. Call a friend who makes you laugh. These aren’t just distractions — they’re things to do to make you feel better and shift your energy in the right direction.

This is such a good way to kickstart your motivation. When you feel good, you naturally start making better choices and feel more inspired to take action. Happiness is fuel — don’t underestimate it.

11. Have Dates with Your Friends

When you’re stuck in your own head, sometimes the best way to shift your energy is to step outside of it — and into good company. Surrounding yourself with people who are good for your energy can be incredibly healing and motivating.

Plan a coffee date, a walk, or even a FaceTime catch-up with friends who inspire and uplift you. Just being around their positive vibes can remind you of what’s possible. And hearing all the exciting stuff going on in their lives might spark something in you too — a little reminder that you can create your own version of exciting, too.

Final Thoughts

Making progress in life isn’t always about hustling nonstop. Sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens in the quiet moments — in the waiting, the reflecting, the slow but steady shifts. There’s progress in stillness, too.

And above all, your mindset is everything. It’s the foundation for how you show up, how you move forward, and how you handle the seasons where nothing seems to be changing. When you feel stuck, start there — shift your thoughts, and your reality will begin to shift too.

I know how discouraging it can feel to wait for results, especially when you’re putting in the effort and nothing seems to be happening. But don’t let that stop you. Even if you can’t see it yet, every small step, every mindset shift, every moment you choose not to give up — it’s all building something.

Keep going. You’re not behind — you’re just getting ready for what’s next.