How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
A common phrase I hear from clients before they start coaching is:
“I just want to know I’m on the right path and not crazy.”
They’re wondering if they’re doing what they’re meant to be doing.
They want clarity, confidence, and the validation that the next move they’re making is the right one.
Why Feeling “Not Ready” Is Normal
No matter how old or accomplished we are, moving forward feels risky.
We fear wasting time, making the wrong decision, or being judged.
But the truth is, no one, not even the best coach or strategist, can make that forward-moving decision for you.
As someone who’s worked with hundreds of individuals navigating their next step, here’s what I know for sure:
The path to clarity is best started with reflection before action.
A Step-by-Step Way to Get Unstuck
If we were sitting down for coffee and you were telling me that you weren’t sure what to do and that you were feeling stuck, here’s what I’d ask you. (These questions work for teens, college students and even adults who are unsure of what comes next.)
1. What do you want?
This is the question to ask when you’re about to make a major transition (i.e. from high school to college or career), when you’re ready for a change or facing a change, or when you need to step back and evaluate why you’re doing what you’re doing.
When you know your answer, write it down.
FYI: This is where you need to be honest with yourself. You’d be surprised at how many people know deep down inside what they want, but they can’t bring themselves to be honest with their own selves about it. This is a super important part of getting unstuck.
💡 If you’ve never thought about this question before it might take a few weeks or months to explore your answer. That’s okay!
2. Where are things currently?
What does your situation look like right now compared to where you want to be?
Is there anything standing in your way of moving forward?
It can be any number of things. No judgement on them either. It could be:
Lack of resources or motivation
Fear of failure
Pressure to meet expectations
Or simply uncertainty about what’s next
Name it. Seeing your obstacles clearly makes them easier to work around.
3. Why does this matter to you?
Every goal has a reason behind it. What’s your reason? Your why?
When we’re about to pursue something new, even though it’s something that we want, we need to know why we want what we want. Things don’t happen overnight, so remembering why you’re doing what you’re doing becomes an anchor.
4. What options do you have right now?
What are the ways in which you can start moving forward? List every option whether it feels too simple or extremely outlandish.
There’s always a way forward.
5. What’s one action step you can take today?
Looking over your answers, what’s one thing you can do right now to get you closer to what you want?
You don’t need to overthink this. Nor do you need to know all the answers. And you definitely don’t need to wait until you feel ready.
Take one simple step. Anything is better than nothing!
Note: You don’t even need to make any major commitments right now. Each step that you take is giving you information that you can then use to decide if this is still what you want.
How This Applies to Teens (and Parents)
Parents often tell me they worry about their teen being “unmotivated” or “unsure of what to do next.”
Oftentimes, their teen is scared of making the wrong choice.
Helping your teen clarify what they want, name what’s in their way, and take one small action is how they can start feeling confident about their direction.
Related: How to Help Your Teen Build Confidence and Take Action
Final Thought
You don’t have to feel ready to move forward.
You just have to start.
Small steps compound into clarity.
And clarity leads to confidence.
Whether you’re helping your teen get unstuck about the future, or helping yourself, the key is the same:
Determine what you want, then take one small step today and another small step tomorrow. Rinse and repeat.
About Anna
Anna Nelson is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and ICF-Certified Coach who helps teens and parents make confident, intentional decisions about college, career, and life. Learn more about her Strengths-Based Pre-College Prep Program or book a free strategy session to talk about your teen’s next step.