I recently had a proposal to prepare to begin working with up-and-coming leaders within a Fortune 500 company. Every single time I sat down to prepare it, an “emergency” popped up. Mom needed my help or a home issue (typically some annoying farm critter) arose. I just could not manage to get that thing written even though I knew almost exactly what I would say. I was infuriatingly stuck.
What about you?
Here you are in 2025—your business plan is laid out, your goals are set, you know exactly what actions you need to take to uplevel your work. But wait… you’re stuck. Despite all your planning and preparation, something is holding you back from taking action. Sound familiar?
Clearly, you’re not alone. Often, we find ourselves hitting an invisible wall, unable to move forward. The truth is, we get so caught up in our usual ways of thinking that we forget to step back and see things from another angle.
If you’re feeling stuck, it’s time to shift your perspective and break through those mental blocks. Here are six simple strategies to help you tackle challenges and move forward with clarity and confidence.
1. Break Through Your Upper Limit
Luckily, and as I’m sure you’ve heard me say ad-nauseam – I’m a big fan of The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks. So, in my situation, I finally realized what was happening. I had an Upper Limit problem. While I’d worked with leaders in many organizations in the past, none of the corporations were as large or growing at as fast a pace as this one.
Just the realization of that allowed me to challenge myself to get that proposal done. I was approved for the contract and began working with my first amazing director almost immediately.
In this book, Hendricks introduces the concept of the Upper Limit Problem—a self-imposed ceiling for success and happiness that keeps us tethered to our comfort zones. The idea is we unconsciously sabotage ourselves to avoid breaking through this limit, whether it’s by procrastinating, falling ill at a critical moment, or prioritizing seemingly “urgent” tasks over the goals that matter most. By understanding this phenomenon, we can start to recognize the patterns holding us back and take steps to move beyond them.
Here’s a streamlined version of how to break through your upper limits:
- Identify Hidden Barriers: Are you afraid of outshining others? Do you believe more success means a bigger burden? Recognizing these barriers is the first step.
- Spot Limiting Behaviors: Do you worry excessively, deflect praise, or hide your true feelings? These patterns often kick in when you’re close to breaking through.
- Challenge Yourself: When you feel resistance, pause and question what’s triggering it. Understanding your upper limit allows you to move through it.
2. Shift Your Perspective
Sometimes, the best way to tackle a block is to look at it from a new angle. When you’re overwhelmed, ask:
- What’s the worst-case scenario here?
- What are some options to handle this challenge?
Seeing things differently can help you plan and feel better prepared for any outcome.
Quick Tip: Consult with a trusted mentor or use tools like OpenAI (have you used the advanced conversation feature on the mobile app? 🤯) to talk through challenges. Asking new questions can spark fresh solutions.
3. Turn to Mindfulness
Meditation Apps: When the mental clutter becomes too much, taking a moment to breathe and reconnect with your inner guidance can work wonders. Platforms like Insight Timer or Headspace offer guided meditations specifically designed to reduce overwhelm, quiet the mind, and help you reset. Even 10 minutes can make a huge difference, allowing you to approach challenges with a clearer head and renewed focus. Apps like these make it so easy to explore a variety of meditations, whether you’re seeking mindfulness, stress relief, or visualization exercises.
Journaling: If your thoughts feel chaotic or stuck, journaling is a game-changer. It’s my favorite tool. Putting pen to paper helps you release mental clutter, clarify what’s truly holding you back, and reframe problems into actionable solutions. Journaling can also help you track your progress, uncover hidden patterns, and shift your energy toward manifesting future goals. Bonus: It’s a safe space to dream big, strategize, and bring positive energy into alignment with your vision.
4. Combat Internal Gremlins
We all have those internal gremlins—negative self-talk or doubts that creep in and wreak havoc on our inner peace. When this happens, step back and reflect: Is this fear or doubt truly grounded in reality?
Proactively addressing these thoughts, rather than letting them spiral, is the key for regaining control and confidence.
5. Ask for Help
Sometimes you need an outside perspective. A strategy coach can partner with you to identify barriers, develop a plan, and create tools that help you stay on track. Don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance—it’s one of the smartest moves you can make when feeling stuck. Shameless plug: I’m here to help! Set up a discovery call and together we can shift your perspective.
6. Take Action on Your Goals
When in doubt, do something—anything—that aligns with your goals. Even the smallest step forward can build momentum and confidence. Break your goals into manageable chunks, and tackle one piece at a time.
Moving Forward
The key to overcoming blocks in your business lies in your mindset. Whether it’s understanding your upper limit, shifting your perspective, or finding tools to reset, each of these strategies will help you get unstuck and make progress. Challenges are a normal part of growth—but with the right approach, you can navigate them and come out stronger on the other side.
Take a deep breath, grab a journal, and start addressing those blocks today. You’ve got this!
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