Personal Development: How To Move Forward When You’re Feeling Stuck

It can be common to feel stuck and unsure of how to move forward on your personal development journey. These prompts are designed to help you find clarity, develop a better understanding of yourself, and explore possible next steps. Consider setting a timer, letting the words flow without judgment, and taking breaks to breathe deeply if emotions run high. We’ll explore themes of new beginnings, embracing uncertainty, self-trust, and resilience.

Moments when moving forward may feel difficult

• When you have goals but aren’t sure how to achieve them
• When even a small step forward seems out of reach
• When unexpected situations derail your plans and leave you feeling stuck
• When you’re not sure what you want out of life
• When life’s challenges are hard to carry
• When your progress seems to have stalled and you don’t know how to regain momentum

• I can handle change, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• There’s no deadline for becoming who I want to be.
• I move forward at my own pace; my story unfolds in its own time.
• I have the resilience to rewrite my story as many times as necessary.
• I am brave enough to begin again, no matter how many tries it takes.
• Each ending is a new beginning.
• Emotions are temporary; the feeling of being stuck doesn’t mean I am stuck.
• I have the capacity for growth.

• “If we only move forward when we feel 100% prepared, we might never move at all.” – Melissa Hummelt
• “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” – Mandy Hale
• “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
• “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” – Robin Sharma
• “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” – J.P. Morgan
• “Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” – Alan Cohen
• “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.” – Langston Hughes

• What change in your life seemed the hardest at first, but shaped you in the most meaningful way?
• If you could rewrite your story starting today, what would your first chapter say? What are some things you can do to make this new story a reality?
• What emotions does the phrase “starting over” bring up? Fear, excitement, or both? Explore why.
• What fears are holding you back from embracing change right now?
• What beliefs about “success” or “timelines” do you want to let go of today?
• Imagine yourself one year from now, looking back on this season of change. What do you hope you’ll thank yourself for?

Moving forward

Feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward can be a universal human experience. While journaling may not solve all of the challenges you may encounter on your self-development journey, it can be one tool among many for further reflection and growth. Sometimes, simply talking to someone about what you’re experiencing can light the way forward. If you’re not sure where to turn or what step to take, online therapy can be a supportive resource to help you to get started exploring your goals with a compassionate therapist.

For additional support, explore these articles about moving forward despite feeling stuck:

Do You Feel Stuck Thinking, “I Worry All Day, Every Day?”

How To Deal With Bad Things In Life And Move Forward

Resilience And Trauma: How To Move Forward In The Wake Of Trauma

National Renewal Day: How Self-Improvement Can Boost Mental Health

Using Visualization For Self-Improvement And Personal Development

If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsafe with thoughts that come up, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.