Feeling Stuck? Overcoming the "Stuck in the Middle" Effect
How to Get Unstuck
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a project, feeling like moving forward is impossible? Maybe you’re unsure of the next step, or setbacks have made you question whether continuing is even worth it. Many of us experience this feeling of being stuck—whether it’s while writing a term paper, pursuing personal goals, or tackling large-scale issues like social inequality or climate change.
Understanding the “Stuck in the Middle” Effect
Psychologists refer to this as the “stuck in the middle” effect. This phenomenon occurs when, after starting a goal with enthusiasm, motivation begins to wane. At the beginning of any project, every small achievement feels like a significant win because we compare ourselves to where we started. For instance, if you’re training for a marathon, even a short jog can feel like an accomplishment in those early days. However, as you progress, your perspective shifts—you start comparing your current progress to the end goal instead of your starting point.
This shift can lead to frustration. Instead of celebrating how far you’ve come, you may feel discouraged by how much is still left to do.
Strategies to Regain Motivation
One effective way to maintain momentum is by breaking large goals into smaller, more achievable sub-goals. This strategy creates incremental benchmarks that make progress feel more tangible and provides more opportunities to celebrate small wins, keeping motivation high.
Consider a student working on a thesis. Instead of viewing the entire project as one daunting task, they can break it down into smaller parts: conducting research, drafting each chapter, and revising. Celebrating each completed chapter can help maintain enthusiasm and focus.
A global survey in 2021 found that over half of young people believe humanity is doomed due to challenges like climate change and social injustice.
The Power of Belief in Change
Motivation to take action isn’t solely about how much you care. Research on climate change activism shows that even among those deeply concerned about the issue, only about a third take regular action. The key difference among those who do act? A belief that their personal involvement can make a difference.
Think of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She believed in her ability to make a difference through grassroots environmental activism by founding the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. Her efforts led to the planting of millions of trees and inspired many others to take action.
Taking Action, No Matter How Small
The road to success—whether personal or societal—is long and full of obstacles. The best way to get unstuck is to take any action, no matter how small or imperfect. Progress begins with writing that next sentence, running that extra mile, or casting that vote for a better future.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals felt overwhelmed by uncertainty and fear regarding health and safety measures. However, those who focused on small actions—like volunteering for local food banks or participating in community health initiatives—found renewed purpose and connection amidst chaos.
Feeling stuck is a natural part of any journey. By shifting perspectives, breaking goals into manageable steps, and seeking out supportive communities, you can push forward and make meaningful impacts—both personally and collectively.
Closing Remarks
Remember that everyone experiences moments of feeling stuck; it’s part of being human. By recognizing this phenomenon and employing strategies to overcome it—like setting smaller goals and collaborating with others—you can navigate through challenges with renewed motivation and purpose. Whether you’re working on personal projects or contributing to larger societal issues, every small step counts toward making progress!
