What To Do When It Seems Like You Can’t Do Anything At All
Posted September 24, 2008 in Inspiration, Lifestyle, Productivity 10 Comments »
“I’m stuck!”
If you’ve ever been a kid (or if you’re currently a parent) then you’re probably already familiar with those words. Those words seem to come out of a child’s mouth automatically whenever a problem seems too difficult to tackle.
Freelancers don’t usually say anything aloud, but we can get stuck just as easily.
You may have reached a point in your business where you can’t figure out what to do next. Maybe you’re stuck because you’re facing an exceptionally challenging task. Or, maybe you’re stuck because you’re dealing with something unfamiliar.
Whatever the cause, the result is the same. You’re… well, you’re “stuck” and you need a little push to get your business back on track.
Here are a few things that can help you get unstuck:
1 — Ask a question.
You may be an adult and you may be an expert at what you do, but you’re not beyond asking questions. If it’s a client project that’s got you stuck, try asking the client for more information. Other places to ask questions include forums, help desks, and even blog posts.
2 — Think unconventionally.
When I was about four I spent most of one day upside down. Why? When my Dad asked, I said it was because I wanted to see what the world looked like that way. Truthfully, I haven’t changed much. I still like to look at problems in unusual ways. Try it! It works.
3 — Move!
Often exercise can help the brain to think more clearly. I’ve solved a number of prickly business problems while walking. Even better, verbalize your problem while you walk. (Yes, I’m telling you to talk to yourself.) Exercise has also been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of depression.
4 — Divide and conquer.
Can you turn your big, unmanageable problem into several smaller problems? If you can break your problem up into pieces, then do it. Solving several smaller problems is less intimidating than facing a single giant task that is seemingly insurmountable.
5 — Expect to win.
Attitude is everything. If you think that a problem can’t be solved, then you probably can’t solve it. If you adopt the attitude that you will succeed, odds are that you will succeed. Tell yourself that you will solve this problem, and then set about doing so.
6 — Take a break.
Walk away from the project. Clear your mind. Think about something else for a while. If there is time, get totally involved in another project and don’t think about your “problem” project for a while. After your break you may find that your fresh perspective sheds a new light on the problem.
7 — Ask for help.
The most successful people in the world know how to delegate and you should learn how to do it as well. If you’re still totally stuck after reading all of this advice, then look for someone to help you with your project. Ask your client if you can subcontract.
What about you? What do you do when it seems that you can’t do anything at all?
******
Photo by Beige Alert
About the author: Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 19 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts
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10 Comments
Diane Penna
September 24th, 2008 at 3:19 pmI’m definitely all for #6. If I’m stuck, I have to walk away – whether it’s for an hour, a week, or a year. It works.
Laura Spencer
September 24th, 2008 at 5:43 pmThanks Diane!
I’m glad that you found the post helpful.
Keep the comments coming!
David Hepburn
September 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pmLove the choice of picture. Thank goodness we don’t have to deal with that out here in sunny San Diego. :-)
Laura Spencer
September 24th, 2008 at 9:37 pmThanks David! It illustrates the “stuck” concept very well.
Meryl Evans
September 25th, 2008 at 10:08 amSometimes we’re stuck because an ugly task awaits us and we’re dodging it. Break it down… start in a different place… don’t feel forced to do it in a linear fashion.
OR else… #6 will have to do.
Jenny Cromie
September 25th, 2008 at 10:14 amThese are great suggestions, Laura, and this is a really good post. Number #3 always works well for me.
-Jenny
Karen Putz
September 25th, 2008 at 10:38 amI want to work on #4– learning how to break down tasks so I don’t feel so overwhelmed all the time. When I’m overwhelmed, that’s when I feel stuck.
Laura Spencer
September 25th, 2008 at 1:51 pmHi Meryl, Jenny, and Karen!
Great comments. I’ve found most tasks CAN be broken down. Few people realize the problem-solving potential of exercise.
Erica
September 25th, 2008 at 4:19 pmThat was very motivational. When I was a freelancer, I had a lot of problems trying to find good paying writing jobs, until I came up with a solution. It can be hard for a freelancer out there, no matter what the job might be, copywriter, writer, programmer. Sometimes, you do just have to walk away from the situation until you can clear your head.
DKumar
September 28th, 2008 at 5:05 pmI’ll Going to Support You on Final point (# 7). Mostly people don’t know how to get helped & it’s really necessary.