This was recorded during Easter, with Mike in Canada and Helge just arriving in northern Sweden.

It’s about being stuck, how it feels and what to do. We’ll start with Helge’s story.

More than 20 years ago, I had just gone through a burnout. While a burnout in some cases are caused by a work/life balance that is thrown off, this was purely work related. I could not cope with the tasks I had and the demands that I put on myself together with what the organization had given me. For those that have exerienced it, you know the signs, maybe going to sleep – waking up in the middle of the night, being totally sure that you are late for work. In the shower you realize that you haven´t actually slept more than an hour. Being in the situation, I did not feel enough support at work. I didn´t want to keep doing what I did, I got into conflicts – and the possibilities I was longing for where far, far away. I was stuck.

So what did I do? I tried to leave. I applied for other jobs, did not get as much as an answer. I also applied for two jobs inside the army which required extensive testing, full days with traveling a 1000 km. I did not get those jobs. What it however did for me was a feeling of doing something about the situation. I was trying to influence my situation for the better. That gave me a calm that I needed, and I focused all my energy only on the tasks that I had. With that, I did a better job and did not get into conflicts. A year later, the opportunities and possibilities that had been so far a way where suddenly open.

What would the delayed lesson be?

Sometimes, when stuck at work, the only thing that matters is to keep moving. Baby steps, but keep moving. Focus on today, maybe this week. The movement will bring the energy that you need to succeed.

In the next post, Mikes story – and more about how to decide on what to do when stuck.