If I would learn to do just one thing, take one small step, I know that the logjam of my work would spring free and the results would flow down the river of creativity to completion. So why won’t I address that one little stuck place?
Logjam #1 – You can’t make a decision
The first place a logjam shows up is when you need to make a decision and keep putting it off. Look at a choice as an experiment, not a commitment. Then explore that choice more deeply to see how it resonates. Remember, not choosing is actually a choice. What do you want to do? What will change because you choose to do it? Make a decision to get unstuck.
Logjam #2 – You need to know more about the situation
Part of the decision making process is that you may need to do more research to see what appeals to you, what resources are needed, and how much time it will take. You may need to know how much it will cost to produce, its earning potential and how much impact it will have. It took awhile for me to move back into podcasting, but now that I have, I see that podcasts are meeting a big need of mine to have a conversation – even if it’s just me talking. When considering a new choice, notice what need or yours will be met if you go that direction.
Logjam #3 – You can’t identify what is stuck
In my Deeper Song Mantra Day Process, I have added two lines, “Is anything keeping you stuck?” and “ What steps will you take to move forward?” Not every day contains a potential stuck place, but if helps me look for the potential logjams and do something about them. Even if you know you are stuck, you may not know where the jam is. When you continually fall behind on projects, notice what happens to pull you off track. Where is the logjam? What can you do to un-jam it?
Logjam #4 – You need to learn a particular skill
Needing to learn a new skill is where I get stuck the most. I need to learn a new step in a program, or work my way though the first time of doing something and I keep putting off even the most basic step – I don’t even look to see what I need to learn. I put off podcasting a few weeks because I hadn’t used SoundForge in a lot of years. It felt like a lot to relearn. Once I got in, I remembered a lot and I’m back up to speed. Camtasia is next and it feels like there is a black hole waiting to devour me. All I have to do is open the program to see what awaits me. It’s always easier after you take a small step towards clarity.
Logjam #5- You don’t even know you are stuck!!!!
Not recognizing you are stuck is a little harder to work with. When I noticed I had a rather large collection of almost-but-not-quite-completed projects, I created a new workflow process to help me complete more of my work and turned it into a course. One of the realizations the process taught me was that I love to create, but I’m not as excited or diligent about the technical completion to get the work out the door. That’s a major reason for my lack of consistent completion of my projects. With that knowledge, I created a new workflow process that scheduled in technical practice/study time.
What are the logjams in your relationships?
Is the give and take in your relationships unbalanced? Are you being supported in the new direction you are now going? We are in a constant cycle of change. That means we change and our circumstances change Do you need some new friends or even a new tribe? Re-examine your relationships on a regular basis to make certain you are being supported and noursihed.
What are the logjams in your work?
Look at the balance between work and play. Make certain you are getting the support and nourishment you need in your place of work – especially if you are a solopreneur. Are you still happy and fulfilled by the work you do? What needs to change and how will you change it?
What are the logjams in your health?
Aging creeps up on you and takes you by surprise. Get real about the organic modifications in your body and keep up with its ever-changing needs. Adjust your diet. Try new versions of exercise. Learn a new sport. What does your body need to help it get unstuck and moving back into the mainstream of strength and flexibility?
First, acknowledge that you are stuck. Then see where you are stuck. Finally, take action – you have to figure out one small step you can take that will release the logjam that is keeping you from the success you know you desire and deserve
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
Unfolding And The Art Of Wu Wei (Podcast: – 20 minutes)
How to Find and Express Your Distinctive Voice (Podcast: – 20 minutes)
How Willing Are You to Change – And Why Not? (Podcast: – 20 minutes)
The Sit Around, Turn It Off Day
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