Feeling Lost?
Are you stuck in a rut? Do you feel discouraged and demotivated? Don't worry—you're not alone. But while it might feel like you'll never break free from this negative mindset, there are ways to reflect and move forward. The next time you find yourself trapped in a seemingly never-ending loop of doom, here are 20 questions to ask yourself to reset your mind and start making progress.
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1. What's Stopping Me?
If you're feeling stuck in life, it's worth asking yourself what's stopping you from achieving the thing you want. Is it your doubts? Is it your fears? Probe yourself to figure out what it is that's making you hesitate. Once you find the answer, you might be more motivated to overcome it.
2. What Am I Trying to Achieve?
What are you trying to achieve? Is it something far-fetched, unrealistic, or vague? Or is it something specific and possible? It'll help to narrow down your main goals, then think of actionable steps you can immediately take to start accomplishing them.
3. How Would I Define "Good Enough"?
Sometimes, we might feel stuck in life because we feel like we're not "good enough." But instead of letting the negative voice in your mind take over, ask yourself: How would you define "good enough"? How would others define it? Are you just being overly critical, even when you're actually doing far better than you think you are?
4. What Do I Really Want in Life?
It's easy to spiral and think you're not "good enough," but when you prod deeper into the why, you might find that you come to a standstill. After all, what do you really want in life? What is it about what you're hoping to achieve that's making you feel like you're not there yet? Once you pinpoint your major life goals, the picture may become clearer.
5. Where Do I See Myself in 10 Years?
Think back to 10 years ago and ask yourself if that younger version of you would've predicted you'd be where you are today. Note down your reflection, then ask yourself the question again in the opposite direction: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? When you look back 10 years later, would that older version of you be proud of where you are today?
6. What Do I Need to Do to Become Who I Want to Be?
Even if you've outlined your goals, they may still feel too daunting to start. If you feel like you're incapable of taking the first step, it might help to question how you view yourself. Do you doubt yourself because you feel like you're not yet who you're supposed to be? But if that's the case, what do you need to do to become the person you want to be?
7. How Would Others Define Me?
If you were to ask your friends and family to define who you are, what would they say? Try noting down your own answer to this question—how would you define yourself—then compare it to the replies of others. This may help you see whether you're being overly critical of what you're truly capable of.
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8. What Am I So Afraid Of?
Just as it may help to ask yourself what's stopping you from achieving what you want, it might also be helpful to pinpoint what you're afraid of. For example, are you scared of starting because you're afraid you'll fail? Narrowing it down might give you a better perspective on how to overcome your fears.
9. What's the Worst That Could Happen If I Try?
Another question you can ask yourself if you're too afraid to start is: What's the worst that could happen if you try? Even if you fail the first time, it doesn't hurt to learn from your attempt and to try again. The more you challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and break free from the negative voice in your head, the sooner you'll realize you're smarter and more capable than you think.
10. If the World Ended Tomorrow, How Would I Want to Leave My Mark?
How would you spend your last day if the world were to end tomorrow? What would be the thing you want others to remember you by most? If you want to leave with no regrets, it'll help to narrow down what matters to you the most and how you could fulfill them.
11. What's My Greatest Accomplishment?
Instead of ruminating about all the things you think you can't do, flip the script and be kinder to yourself. What's your greatest accomplishment? What steps did you take to achieve it? How long did it take you, and what did progress look like? Reflecting on your past achievements may help you gain a better idea of how to repeat your successes.
12. What Am I Most Passionate About?
Maybe the reason you're feeling stuck is because your interests and views have changed. So, instead of trying to force yourself to achieve goals you no longer align with, take some time to figure out what you're truly passionate about, then go from there.
13. What Do I Lose? What Do I Gain?
Every choice you make comes with a trade-off: staying where you are might feel safe, but you may also miss out on growth. On the other hand, taking a leap might bring discomfort, and you might end up losing more than you gain. When you’re stuck, try weighing both sides honestly. What would you lose by changing things up, and what could you gain? Sometimes seeing the balance clearly makes the next step a lot less scary.
14. What Does Progress Look Like to Me?
Progress looks different to everyone. You might feel like you're not doing enough to achieve your goals when you actually are, just as you might overestimate how much effort someone else is putting into their own goals. Define what progress means for yourself, and remember to celebrate your wins along the way.
15. Who Do I Admire Right Now, and What Could I Learn from Them?
Take a look at the people whose work and success you admire. What is it about their accomplishments that inspires or motivates you? What could you learn from them and how they approach their goals? Mirroring their mindset or how they tackle their challenges may help you gain more confidence in achieving your own goals.
16. What Inspires Me the Most?
What inspires you? When you're stuck in a rut, it may help to reflect on what makes you feel motivated to start. Whether it's seeing others achieve success or reviewing your past accomplishments, reconnecting with that inner spark can feel encouraging and uplifting.
17. How Would I Talk to Myself If I Were a Friend?
We're our own worst critics. But what if you talked to yourself like you were a friend? What would you say to yourself, and what advice would you give to yourself to overcome that overly critical voice in your head? Remember: speaking to yourself negatively isn't the way to motivate yourself, so be kind, and treat yourself as you would a friend.
18. What's One Step I Could Take Today to Get Unstuck?
Sometimes, thinking about the future and the big picture can make you more anxious and deter you from starting. So, instead of imagining too far ahead, root yourself in the present and think about one thing you could do today to get yourself unstuck. Start small—you'll gain momentum later.
19. When Was the Last Time I Felt Genuinely Excited?
Maybe you're lacking motivation because your daily routine isn't energizing you and draining you instead. Maybe it's your work, school, or other responsibilities that have made you feel bummed and burnt out. When, then, was the last time you felt excited? What can you do to make yourself feel that way again?
20. Am I Happy?
If you're stuck in a rut, try to pinpoint whether you're just feeling bored or if you're burnt out and need a change of scenery. It'll also help to ask yourself if you're happy with where you're currently at. If you're not, then it's time to reconsider your goals, interests, and passions, and see what you can change to start living life better and happier.
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