Stop Walking In Circles

Do you ever feel like you’re working your socks off but not actually moving forward? That sense of running in place can really get under your skin. In this episode, I explore how we slip into that stuck mode and share a brilliant story that made me rethink the difference between spinning our wheels and making real progress.

Today’s talk uncovers why our brains sometimes sabotage us just when we’re about to push through the tricky bits of life or work. I dive into the subtle messages we send ourselves that keep us from noticing what we actually achieve. By the end, you’ll have a fresh perspective on staying motivated, even when it feels like you’re stuck at square one.

The Feeling of Getting Nowhere

Have you ever found yourself checking your to-do list, ticked off half of it, yet still feeling like you’ve done nothing? You’re not alone. It’s natural to measure success by enormous milestones instead of the smaller steps that build up over time.

This kind of self-doubt sneaks up on us. We focus on what hasn’t been done and forget to notice what has. Our minds latch onto perceived failures, overshadowing the little wins that pile up in the background.

Why Small Steps Matter

We often expect massive leaps forward every time we set a goal. It’s like wanting to be an expert guitar player after only a few lessons. But hidden within those tiny, daily efforts is how real change occurs.

Even a short burst of focused effort can spark a confidence boost. Over a week, these small moments of growth compound into genuine progress. You may not see it in the mirror each day, but trust that there’s more improvement happening than you think.

A Surprising Story of Effort

You know how sometimes you look back and realise you were changing all along? Recently, I was chatting with a friend who felt stuck in his new artwork. He’d been practising every day but insisted he wasn’t any better. Then someone looked at his older drawings and pointed out huge differences in style and technique.

“I just felt like I was running on a treadmill, working so hard but staying in the same spot.”

Seeing his evolution side by side blew his mind. He’d gone from shaky lines to smooth, expressive shapes without even noticing. That’s the power of steady, consistent effort. We change bit by bit until even we’re surprised.

Recognising What You’re Doing Right

Sometimes we obsess over what’s missing instead of what’s there. It’s helpful to switch your focus. Maybe track small wins in a notebook or snap a quick photo whenever you complete something. These tangible reminders can be lifesavers when your mind plays tricks on you.

Also, notice patterns in your energy. Some days are perfect for buzzing through tasks, others for reflection or rest. When you sync your efforts to your natural rhythms, you’ll feel less helpless and more in control.

Stop Trying to Do Everything at Once

It’s so easy to overload ourselves. You might think that piling on more tasks will prove you’re being productive. But there’s a reason experts suggest focus. Pick a key area and give it your honest attention. Even a 15-minute burst can make a difference.

Slow down the frantic race in your head. Quality over quantity might be cliché, but there’s truth behind it. Do one thing better rather than lots of things half-heartedly. You’ll find it reduces stress and burnout.

Key Takeaways

• Little victories add up faster than you realise.
• Avoid piling on tasks, focus on what truly matters.
• Track your progress in simple ways to reveal real growth.
• Sync your effort with your energy, ride the natural ups and downs.
• If you’re feeling stuck, look back on past achievements for proof that you’ve progressed.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to listen to the full episode. The podcast player is right at the top of this page, so hit play and join the conversation. Don’t let that stuck feeling keep you from seeing the progress happening under your nose.