Why You're Still Feeling Stuck

I was about to start this newsletter with an apology.

I was about to apologize for being off my weekly posting schedule which was caused by literally being in bed sick for a week + one of the largest snow storms in Kansas City + I am figuring out my best rhythm for writing for 2025. But the truth of the matter is that you probably didn’t even know. But it also reminded me of something that I have learned over the past year…. that life is not about perfection, & it’s about shifting as unexpected, uncontrollable circumstances arise & knowing that a pause can be a gift.

Yes, I did significantly less things as I was sick & during the storm, but that pause gave me a chance to focus on healing & it also gave me the space I needed to process & think creatively.

Which leads me to this thought of why you might be still feeling stuck despite your best intentions.

No matter what you do, something always seems to be holding you back.

Maybe you’ve been chasing other people’s goals, operating out of other people’s timelines, or maybe you are waiting for the perfect time.

The good news is that you can shift these patterns starting today (and it’s not about working harder or doing more. It’s about creating rhythms that are authentic to you).

The Shift That Changes Everything

Let’s uncover 5 patterns that might be keeping you stuck & work through how to break free from them.

1. You make other people’s goals your own

   It’s easy to fall into this trap. Maybe you set a fitness goal because your friend did, or you’re chasing a career path because it ‘makes sense’ to others. Sound familiar?”
   But here’s the truth: when you adopt someone else’s goals, you lose sight of what truly matters to you. This creates misalignment—keeping you stuck in a life that feels more like theirs than yours.
   Ask yourself: What do you really want?
   

2. You ask advice from others more than trusting yourself
   Seeking advice can be helpful, but constantly relying on others’ opinions keeps you stuck in a cycle of second-guessing. The more you doubt yourself, the harder it becomes to take action.
   Remember —nobody knows your journey better than you do. You already have the wisdom you need - it’s time to trust it.
   

3. You plan more than you do
   Planning can often feel like the safest option. Mapping out every detail makes it seem like you’re making progress, but at some point, you have to do something. The truth is, clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Take the first step step, even if it’s messy.
   Action creates clarity. Your first step could be the one that changes everything.
   

4. You are waiting for something in your life to change
   You’re telling yourself, ‘Once things settle down…’ or ‘When the timing is better…’

   But here’s the truth: there’s no perfect moment. Waiting keeps you stuck. The life you want starts when you decide to take the first step—not when the circumstances feel ideal. Stop waiting. Use what you have now, otherwise the life you hope for will never come.
   

5. You lack an intentional daily rhythm that supports you
   It’s hard to move forward when your days feel scattered and unintentional. Without rhythms, it’s easy to stay stuck in old patterns, waiting for something external to change. But the secret to building momentum is creating intentional simple habits that support the life you want.

   Your days set the tone for your life. You are in control of your actions more than you think

Put It Into Practice

This week, take notice of how you spend your time & where your thoughts go when you think about doing something that is just for you. Do any of these patterns resonate with you? If so, how can you make a different choice compared to the response that you comfortably fall back on?

Getting unstuck begins & ends with small intentional actions over time. A life of freedom, confidence & clarity is just a few small intentional actions away from where you are right now.

Cheers,

Lauren

• January’s Book Club pick for The Unconventional Woman’s Club, my membership community for women who desire to live an aligned life with confidence & clarity, is If Women Rose Rooted. I literally picked this up at my favorite local bookstore because I was drawn to it. I had no idea how relevant it would be to what I need right now & what women in general need.

• If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, this podcast episode is an absolute necessary listen.

• Anyone else excited for the Onyx Storm release? I stumbled upon this podcast a few years ago & their chapter recaps of all things Fourth Wing are GOLD.

• I am a paper collector - cards from people i love, business cards from restaurants that I want to remember, tickets to concerts, you name it. When i first started traveling, I would keep a notebook with everything all in one place (instead of like I do now which is a pile in a dresser drawer), maybe it’s time to bring back a memory journal for 2025.

• Beautycounter’s website is shutting down to prepare for it’s official relaunch this year. Order your favorite products by January 13th.

If you’re ready to embrace your uniqueness and design a life that feels true to who you are, here are two ways we can work together:

✨ Feeling stuck in a life that doesn’t fit?
The 'Fitting In to Flying Free' guide is your first step to breaking free and building confidence in your own path. It’s the shortcut you need to start living boldly and unapologetically. Download it now.

✨ Craving a community that gets you?
The Unconventional Woman’s Club is where unconventional women like you find clarity, confidence, and connection. With the Alignment Road Map and a supportive community, you’ll have everything you need to create a life that’s truly aligned with your values and aspirations. Join now.

You deserve to live the life you desire - let’s do this together.

Some of the links included in this newsletter are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. I only share products and resources I truly believe in and think you’ll find valuable. Thank you for your support!