Therapy Shorts 16: Stuck in Life? Five Hard Truths That Set You Free

Life doesn’t always go as planned. As humans, we’re constantly facing changes, and sometimes, we get stuck. We can find ourselves stuck in jobs, relationships, or situations where we feel trapped. Most of the time, we keep moving forward because, as a species, we’re resilient. We make plans, set goals, and tackle life’s hurdles—whether those changes were expected or not. But sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy. Our thinking traps us, keeping us from opportunities for growth. Often, it’s down to changing the way we talk to ourselves. There are simple steps you could—and should—take to help yourself move forward. Many people I’ve spoken to know this deep down, but they still procrastinate or make excuses. The truth is, you can change your life in a moment if you choose to.

Accept Your Reality: Many of us live in a fantasy version of who we are because facing reality feels too hard. But accepting reality means looking at the problems you’re avoiding, ending the procrastination, and being honest about who you really are. It’s about examining your thoughts, beliefs, behaviours, and even your relationships.

Make the Right Choices: We all look back sometimes and say, “If only…” or “I wish…”. Hindsight is easy, but how many of us keep making the same mistakes? Often, the wrong choice is simply the easiest one. Choosing differently—choosing what actually serves you and your self-care—means facing discomfort, but it’s worth it.

Focus Your Energy: Many people waste energy worrying about things they can’t control. It’s easy to blame outside factors and fall into hopelessness. But your energy should go where it matters: your own thoughts, feelings, and perspective. That’s where your power is.

Practice Self-Discipline: Too many of us avoid issues, hoping they’ll disappear. We chase instant gratification—shopping, eating, distractions—anything to avoid discomfort. Facing issues as they arise, and practicing patience, gives you a real chance to move forward.

Declutter Your Life: Toxic relationships drain us, whether with friends, family, partners, or colleagues. Sometimes, we give far more than we get. It’s time to set boundaries, ask for your needs to be met, and protect your energy.

If you feel stuck, start with yourself. You have more power than you think.

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Dr Nicholas Jenner

Dr. Nicholas Jenner, a therapist, coach, and speaker, has over 20 years of experience in the field of therapy and coaching. His specialty lies in treating codependency, a condition that is often characterized by a compulsive dependence on a partner, friend, or family member for emotional or psychological sustenance. Dr. Jenner's approach to treating codependency involves using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a treatment method that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. He identifies the underlying causes of codependent behavior by exploring his patients' internal "parts," or their different emotional states, to develop strategies to break free from it. Dr. Jenner has authored numerous works on the topic and offers online therapy services to assist individuals in developing healthy relationships and achieving emotional independence.