From Stuck To Thriving – A Personal Guide To Getting Unstuck
- Brainz Magazine
- Sep 12, 2024
- 5 min read
Written by Susan Fong, Life Coach for Singles
Susan is a trained Life Coach and an avid adventurer who embraces singlehood while continually tackling new challenges. She guides singles in overcoming self-doubts and social stigmas and lead to fulfilling lives. Susan shares and inspire widely as a confident single woman about her breakthroughs beyond self-imposed limitations.
Life is full of transitions, and for many of us–especially singles and professionals–roadblocks like self-doubt, anxiety, and societal pressures can leave us feeling trapped. As a single professional, I’ve experienced the pressure of balancing career, personal expectations, and societal norms, often questioning whether I was on the right path. There were times when self-doubt clouded my vision, but over the years, I’ve learned that embracing change and taking intentional steps are the keys to breaking free and thriving.
The journey of transformation begins with a simple yet profound realization: desire. It’s that spark within that tells you, “I deserve better. I want more.” But desire alone isn’t enough–you need to harness it into action, build resilience, and embrace a growth mindset. Here’s how I turned my own experiences into a powerful framework that you can use to get unstuck and thrive.
Cultivate self-awareness and acceptance
The first step toward breaking free is self-awareness. Observing your thoughts, actions, and emotions gives you the insights into how they shape your experiences. Self-awareness is like holding up a mirror to your inner self–it reflects your strengths, reveals your weaknesses, and exposes the hidden patterns that keep you stuck.
I learned this lesson while working in remote places like Luchun, a mountainous village in China. Facing the unknown in unfamiliar territory pushed me to confront my fears and recognize my resilience. This environment was a mirror, forcing me to acknowledge my strengths while also confronting my weaknesses.
However, self-awareness alone isn’t enough–it must be paired with acceptance. For a long time, I was my harshest critic, blaming myself for situations beyond my control. But real growth happens when you embrace all parts of yourself–the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. Acceptance doesn’t mean settling; it’s a compassionate step toward building something better.
To start your journey, I recommend simple yet effective tools like journaling or a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). These practices allow you to see yourself clearly, setting the stage for meaningful change.
Acknowledge your situation and take action
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when life’s challenges pile up–whether it's a stagnant career, loneliness, or the grind of everyday life making you question your purpose. I’ve been there too. The turning point came when I stopped waiting for change to happen and decided to take action.
In my years working with grassroots communities in the development sector, I witnessed the power of small, consistent actions. Real progress is built over time, not through giant leaps, but through steady steps forward. One of my favourite is the “Wheel of Life” reflection tool. This helps assess key areas like career, relationships, and health, allowing you to pinpoint where you need to focus. It’s a game-changer for creating actionable, manageable plans.
Remember, transformation doesn’t happen overnight–it’s about the steady, consistent steps that eventually lead you to your goals.
Make empowered choices
For years, I believed my circumstances defined me–that my skills and potential were fixed. But adopting a growth mindset changed everything. It taught me that challenges are opportunities for learning and growth, not obstacles. This shift empowered me to see failures as stepping stones, not limitations.
The concept of a growth mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes that our abilities and intelligence are not fixed. With effort, learning, and perseverance, we can develop and grow. This mindset transformed how I approached my personal and professional life. Every setback became an opportunity to learn something new about myself, and each challenge pushed me closer to my potential.
When I was working in internationally in the development sector, dealing with diverse communities, I realized that the biggest barriers we face are often the ones we set for ourselves. By reframing difficulties as opportunities for growth, you empower yourself to break through them.
I encourage you to adopt the same approach. Embrace the challenges in your life as a vital part of your growth journey.
Commit to change
Commitment is the key that turns desire into action. My personal transformation didn’t truly begin until I decided to create a structured framework for change and commit to it. Without commitment, all the self-awareness and positive thinking in the world won’t make a difference. You need a clear roadmap, achievable goals, and the perseverance to see them through.
A Personal Development Plan is essential. Break your goals into manageable steps, set clear milestones, and commit to the process. Whether you’re looking to pivot in your career or improve your relationships, having a plan is critical. Equally important is having accountability–someone who will support you, offer honest feedback, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Success isn’t just about the big wins–it’s about the small, consistent victories that add up over time. Share your goals, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed. This is how you turn commitment into lasting change.
The unstuck project
The path from stuck to thriving isn’t always a straight line, but it’s a rewarding journey. My own experiences of feeling stuck fuel my passion to help others break free from their self-imposed limitations. The Unstuck Project was born out of this desire–my self-coaching program that has empowered me to live fully and intentionally. It’s not just about getting unstuck; it’s about discovering my potential and crafting a life that aligns with my values and dreams.
Ready to get unstuck?
Are you feeling trapped by self-doubt, societal pressures, or the fear of the unknown? With the right support, a clear action plan, and a commitment to personal growth, you can overcome any obstacle in your way. “The Unstuck Project” is built around the DARE model–Desire, Act, Reinforce, Explore–a proven framework that has guided my journey and helped countless clients transform their lives. It’s more than a coaching program; it’s your personal roadmap to clarity, confidence, and fulfilment.
If you’re ready to make a lasting change, I invite you to take the first step today. Book a free discovery call with me, and as a special bonus, I’ll send you a complimentary “Overcome Negative Self-talk” worksheet to kickstart your journey.
Visit here to schedule your call. You have the power to thrive!
Susan Fong, Life Coach for Singles
Susan is an ICF accredited Life Coach and an avid adventurer who embraces singlehood while constantly challenging herself. As a confident single woman, Susan shares and inspires widely about her breakthroughs beyond self-imposed limitations. Her overarching mission is to assist singles in overcoming self-doubts and social stigmas so they can live fulfilling lives. Susan's coaching prowess is enriched by her diverse background as a humanitarian professional in the development sector. Having worked internationally with individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, ranging from grassroots communities to executive levels, Susan brings a unique understanding of human dynamics and cultural sensitivities to her practice.
