(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)


Stuck while improving something recently I bumped into an old bit of wisdom which helped me get moving. Paraphrasing – when you have a problem you do not understand, do any part of it you do understand, then look at the problem again.

Brilliant. And simple. Why does it work? Because once you have solved the part you do understand you will be in a different place; you will see the remaining problem in a different context. That new context can reveal additional approaches, resources, and solutions.

Yes, you still may not be able to solve the original problem. If so, repeat the process, handling another part you do understand.

Why was I stuck originally? Because I wanted to solve the original issue with a grand, sweeping design. Ta-Da! Unable (initially) to do so, I froze. (The ego is a terrible servant and a powerful master.)

There are other reasons for getting stuck, both mental and emotional:
Fear that what you do won’t work.
A need to look good in the process.
You may run out of limited resources.
Self-doubt.
And on and on.

The key to making progress is to make progress. However small it may seem.


Coaching Point: Do you ever get stuck?


Copyright 2020 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.