Here is an excerpt from my #1bestselling and TAZ award-winning book, Business & Personal Secrets for Getting Unstuck. I also use this story in my talks to businesses, colleges/universities, and professional organizations.
Many of us remain stuck in a job because it is simply too much effort to find another one. It just got too hard to try. Updating resumes, filling out applications (most of which a difficult to follow, don’t always work, and we never hear back). The entire process is frustrating and disappointing. It is just easier to stay stuck.
It’s the hard that makes it great!
Life is hard, and it certainly is not fair. It is full of challenges and obstacles that often appear overwhelming. Tom Hanks had a line in the movie A League of Their Own when Gina Davis’ character planned to leave the team. Ms. Davis’ character had just said, “It just got too hard.” Tom Hank’s character’s response was, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t, everyone would do it. It is the hard that makes it great.” Nothing worthwhile is going to be easy.
Most obstacles can be overcome, and 99% of things we worry about never happen, but you will need help. One of the secrets to becoming unstuck is learning how to ask for and accept help and determine which people/organizations can actually help.
If you are unhappy with your circumstances, decide to start moving forward. There is nothing new to see in the past.
How many of you love the job you do? Be honest! Everyone needs a source of income. For most of the population, that means working for a company or organization as an employee. Most people may like their job or the people they work with, but very few live their passion. How many times have you said or heard, “Hey, it’s a job” or “It pays the bills?”
Stanford professors Bill Burnett & Dave Evans wrote in their book Designing Your Life (pre-COVID):
“In America, two-thirds (66%) of workers are unhappy with their jobs, and 15 percent hate their work. So why do they stay? Many fear it’s too late in life to make a significant change. It’s not – reframe your belief. Dysfunction belief: It’s too late. Reframe: It is never too late to design a life you love.” …
Pick up the pieces and start moving forward
Yet people remain stuck. Why? Is it fear of the unknown? Is it too much effort to go through the application and job search process we described above? Is it easier to “trust the devil you know?” Is it not the right time to make a change? Is it just complacency or laziness? Dawn Stobell said: “Too many of us say we don’t have time. When you stop making excuses for yourself, you will realize how much time you have to dedicate to your purpose, and you can start spending your time making positive changes in ways that matter to you.
If you want to be happy, live a fulfilling life, and get unstuck, pick up the pieces and start moving forward. You will be amazed that better times and better people will come into your life.
DM me to speak at your organization. Let’s talk.
