A Simple Hack to Get Unstuck

Do you ever find yourself trying to figure out the right action to take or the right way to do something, and you just feel stuck?
 
Want to know a brain hack that helps?
 
All you have to do is change one little word.
 
Instead of telling yourself you need to figure out “the” right action or “the” right way, change it to “a” right action or “a” right way. Exchange “the” with “a” 😊
 
Trying to figure out “THE” right way implies that there is only one correct solution or approach, and your job is to identify it, leaving little room for error. It tricks your brain into thinking that there is only ONE right action, way, step, path, etc. That can cause immense pressure, stress and frustration to find the “perfect” solution, anxiety if you can’t figure it out and about whether it’s the right one, and even disappointment if it doesn’t work out.
 
On the other hand, trying to figure out “A” right way implies that there are multiple possibilities and solutions, and your job is to simply find an effective or satisfactory one. This more flexible approach allows for exploration, experimentation, and learning along the way which can lead to increased satisfaction and joy that comes from the process of discovery and creative problem-solving. It also helps you feel more comfortable with taking a risk.
 
Using “the” produces what I call hard thinking and a rigid mindset, while using “a” produces gentle thinking and a flexible mindset.
 
Want to do an experiment? Say these two sentences out loud:
“I need to find the right way to do this.” (Notice how you feel.)
“I need to find a right way to do this.” (Notice how you feel.)
 
What do you notice?
 
For me, using “a” feels much more relaxed. It also feels much more doable.
 
When we feel more relaxed, we’re activating the regions of our brains that help us to think more creatively. We’re no longer pushing the panic button that gets our fight, flight, freeze reactions going which shut down the very brain regions we need activated to find solutions.
In some cases, it might be important to find the one right way to do something, but in most cases, focusing on simply finding a right way will most likely be much more effective.
 
So, next time you’re questioning what to do, do yourself a favor and exchange “the” with “a”. Don’t allow yourself to fall for that trick again.
 
Struggling to figure out even “a” right step to take? Reach out to me for a virtual complimentary coaching session. One of my specialties is helping stuck people get unstuck. 
 
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt stuck? What helped you to get unstuck? What suggestions do you have?