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Jon Acuff’s 3 Things You Can Do to Get Unstuck

Jon Acuff’s 3 Things You Can Do to Get Unstuck

Life loves to throw curveballs. One day, you’re working toward big goals, and the next, you’re staring at the ceiling, wondering how you got stuck in a bad episode of The Office (but without the humor). Whether it’s a job that feels like a glorified hamster wheel or a dream that’s starting to feel like wishful thinking, getting stuck isn’t fun—but it’s not the end of the world either.

Author and career guru Jon Acuff says the problem isn’t always the situation—it’s how we approach it.

“We’ve bought into this cultural lie that a job’s just a job,” he explained. “But if you’re going to work 40-60 hours a week for 40 years, it should matter.” Translation: Stop settling for mediocre and start taking steps to move forward.

So if you’re stuck in a rut and tired of endlessly refreshing LinkedIn or doomscrolling through TikToks of people “living their best life,” it’s time to shake things up. Acuff has three practical, no-nonsense tips that just might get you moving again—and, spoiler alert, they don’t involve running off to Bali or selling your stuff to start a van life YouTube channel. Let’s dig in.

1. Own Your Situation

The first step to getting unstuck is taking responsibility for where you are. That’s not easy to hear, especially if external factors have been at play. But Acuff doesn’t mince words.

“It’s not your company’s job for you to have a good job,” he said. “That’s your job. That’s your responsibility.”

Blaming your boss, your company or even the economy might feel justified, but it won’t change anything.

“I worked in corporate America for 15 years, and I blamed my bosses for holding me back,” Acuff admitted. “When I started working on my own, I realized I was the one holding me back. All of a sudden, I had this sense of, ‘Oh, remember all those things you said you’d do if nobody was holding you back? Well, now you don’t have a boss—let’s see you do them.'”

Taking ownership means shifting your mindset from victim to problem-solver. Instead of saying, “My job is boring, and there’s nothing I can do about it,” ask yourself, “What can I change about my situation right now?”

One way to start is by identifying what’s within your control. Maybe it’s volunteering for new projects at work, having an honest conversation with your manager or carving out time outside of work to pursue something that excites you.

2. Learn Something New

One of the quickest ways to shake up a stagnant situation is to add something fresh to the mix—like a new skill.

“It’s impossible to get stuck somewhere old if you keep learning something new,” Acuff said.

But this isn’t just about throwing yourself into another online course for the sake of it. It’s about being intentional. What skill would make you more valuable in your current role or help you transition into a new one? What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t made the time for?

For Acuff, this concept hit home when he realized that high schoolers—the next generation of employees and consumers—had moved away from blogs entirely.

“I asked a room full of high schoolers, ‘Who here reads blogs?’ And not a single one of them raised their hand,” he said. “They were all on Snapchat. I honestly didn’t want to get on Snapchat, but if I’m going to stay relevant in conversations with high schoolers who turn into college students who turn into employees, then I need to know how to do that.”

Learning something new isn’t just about future-proofing yourself—it’s also about breaking through ceilings.

“The way to break through a ceiling is to learn something new,” Acuff said.

That ceiling might be a skill gap, a lack of confidence or even just boredom. Whatever it is, adding new tools to your toolbox is a surefire way to move forward.

3. Seek Wise Counsel

When you’re stuck, it’s tempting to ask the people closest to you for advice. But not all advice is created equal.

“We all have that one friend who’s just as much of an idiot as we are, who will tell us, ‘Yes, start the ferret farm! People love ferrets!’” Acuff joked. “Don’t talk to that friend.”

Instead, seek out someone who’s been where you are and made it to the other side. Acuff calls this finding a “seasoned guide”—someone with the wisdom and experience to help you see what really matters.

“Talk to the friend who’s 10 years ahead of you and goes, ‘I was in the same place, and I thought these 10 things mattered, but these are the only things that do,'” he said.

But seeking counsel isn’t just about finding someone older or more experienced. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who will tell you the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. Acuff believes accountability is key: “Having someone who believes in you, but who will also call you out when you’re making excuses, can make all the difference.”

If you don’t have someone in your immediate circle who fits this description, look for opportunities to connect with mentors through your church, workplace, or online communities. And don’t be afraid to invest in your growth by hiring a career coach or attending networking events.

Bonus: Stop Overthinking

One of the biggest barriers to getting unstuck is analysis paralysis. You might feel like you need a perfect plan before you take the first step—but Acuff argues that’s a trap.

“Perfectionism is the perfect recipe for being stuck,” he said. “We think, ‘If I can’t do it perfectly, I shouldn’t do it at all.’ But the reality is, done is better than perfect.”

Taking action—even imperfect action—creates momentum. And once you have momentum, it’s easier to course-correct along the way.

“Sometimes, just showing up is half the battle,” Acuff said. “Your ability to not be on your phone and lost in a meeting is a game-changer.”

So, start small. Send the email. Schedule the meeting. Sign up for the class. Whatever it is, stop waiting for the perfect moment and just start.

Let’s be real: Getting unstuck isn’t something you can accomplish overnight. It’s a process that requires intentionality, humility and a willingness to try new things. But as Acuff reminds us, the effort is worth it.

The good news is, you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with one step. Take ownership of your situation, learn something new, or seek advice from someone who’s been there before. And remember: You don’t have to have it all figured out.

“The first job’s job is to teach you how to have a job,” Acuff said. “You traded three months of vacation for eight days a year—that’s a transition. Let’s figure out how to work through that.”

So wherever you are—whether you’re navigating a career rut, financial strain or just a general sense of frustration—know that you’re not alone. And with a little effort, a lot of grace and some practical steps, you can get unstuck and start moving toward the life you were made for.

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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