The 3 Reasons We Stay Stuck

Feeling stuck in life can be one of the most frustrating experiences. It’s that sense of spinning your wheels, repeating the same patterns, or knowing you need a change but feeling powerless to make it happen. The truth is, staying stuck often comes down to three core reasons: emotional upset, disempowerment, and incompletions. Understanding these barriers—and learning how to overcome them—can set you free to move forward and create the life you want.

1. Emotional Upset: The Cloud That Blocks Clarity

Emotional upset often arises when something triggers deep-seated feelings of hurt, fear, or frustration. These emotions can quickly take over, clouding judgment and keeping you trapped in a reactive state. When you're in this space, decision-making becomes nearly impossible, and progress grinds to a halt.

As Shawn Bearman explains, “Emotional upset keeps you in a loop of reaction, not creation. It’s like trying to run forward while dragging a heavy anchor.”

The key to breaking free is using tools like the Reset Process, which involves pausing, acknowledging your emotions, and releasing them. For example, if a painful memory or attachment keeps surfacing, take time to journal about it, read your thoughts aloud, or practice mindfulness techniques to regain focus. Once the emotional charge is neutralized, you can shift your energy toward solutions instead of remaining stuck in the problem.

Learn the ReSet Process here for FREE: https://www.reclaimyourpower.ca/du

2. Disempowerment: The Silent Barrier

Disempowerment is more subtle than emotional upset but equally debilitating. It occurs when you feel capable of functioning but lack the drive to take meaningful action. This often results in going through the motions—doing what’s required but not truly engaging with your goals.

Shawn identifies this as a hallmark of the “dwindling spiral of doom,” where people start settling for less because they’ve lost faith in their ability to create more. The first step to regaining empowerment is to recognize when it’s happening. Pay attention to moments where you avoid taking action or choose what feels comfortable over what’s truly aligned with your purpose.

Practical steps include reframing your mindset by asking: What small, empowering action can I take today? Building momentum with small wins helps you reclaim a sense of control and move toward larger goals.

We teach everyone how to go from being from disempowered to empowered with velocity. You can learn by attending our Charity Event coming up...fee is by donation.

3. Incompletions: Energy Drains You Don’t Notice

Incompletions are unresolved events, emotions, or tasks that occupy mental and emotional bandwidth, often without you even realizing it. These can include unfinished projects, unsaid words, or lingering guilt about past actions. Each one acts as an open tab on your mental browser, draining energy and focus.

Shawn suggests starting with a simple exercise: “Make a list of everything that feels incomplete—projects, conversations, or even unprocessed emotions. Then, ask yourself: What do I need to say, do, or hear to close this loop?”

For emotional incompletions, writing about the experience in detail and reading it aloud can be incredibly freeing. For practical tasks, set clear deadlines to address unfinished business. Partnering with an accountability buddy can also provide the support and encouragement needed to tackle these energy drains.

The Hidden Payoff of Staying Stuck

Sometimes, staying stuck serves a hidden purpose. Maybe it allows you to avoid uncomfortable responsibilities or cling to familiar routines, even if they no longer serve you. Acknowledging this hidden payoff can be eye-opening—and a powerful motivator to break free.

Ask yourself: What am I gaining by staying in this place? What would I gain by moving forward? This simple reflection often reveals that the cost of staying stuck far outweighs the comfort it brings.

Moving Forward: The Choice Is Yours

Breaking free from being stuck starts with recognizing the three reasons you’re held back: emotional upset, disempowerment, and incompletions. While each one presents its own challenges, the common thread is that they can all be addressed with awareness, action, and intentionality.

As Shawn says, “Getting unstuck isn’t about fixing your life overnight—it’s about making the decision to start.” By identifying just one area to work on, you begin the journey toward transformation. The path forward may not always be easy, but the freedom, clarity, and growth you gain make it worth every step.

Book a free call with Shawn Bearman to GET Unstuck!

Shawn Bearman, CEO of INeedCoaching.com (a Community of Coaches)

Contact: shawn@ineedcoaching.com

Master Certified "Coach of Coaches"

Tags: #GetUnstuck #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalFreedom #Disempowerment #LifeTransformation #ShawnBearman #MindsetShift #LifeHacks