A few weeks ago, I was feeling really stuck trying to navigate through a life-altering problem. After our home burned in May, it has been months of back and forth with insurance which is preventing us from moving forward to rebuild our home and our lives.
I felt overwhelmed and told my husband I was really stuck. I told my best friend I was stuck. I talked with several other people too and used the same word – stuck. All of them listened with compassion and offered advice.
Then I heard Simon Sinek’s podcast, Change is Uncomfortable – So is Stay Stuck, which changed everything. In it, Sinek distinguishes the difference between being stuck, stabilizing and adopting an infinite mindset. In it, he defines being stuck as a state of paralysis, often driven by fear of failure. He says it is the pain of stagnation that holds people back from pursuing growth.
When defining stabilization, he reminds us that humans crave safety, and stabilizing can also prevent us from growth when we solely focus on creating a safe and secure environment.
Mindset Shift
Sinek’s alternative to being stuck or stabilizing is to adopt what he calls an infinite mindset. His explanation has become my path forward in dealing with our insurance and rebuilding challenges. He emphasizes four essential perspectives:
- Embracing uncertainty – This helps embrace change rather than fearing the inevitable uncertainties.
- Learning from adversity – Using the adage, “Smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors,” Sinek reminds us that we learn and grow when we face challenges and uncertainty. Tap into what you have learned from navigating past adversities. Not every example had a positive outcome, but you can still learn from the experience.
- Courage from relationships – Rather than isolating, seek support from others who can give you more courage moving forward.
- Choosing discomfort for growth – Sinek reminds us that “The discomfort of change is far less damaging than the pain of staying stuck.”
Whether dealing with personal issues like the one with my insurance and rebuilding, or challenges at work, ask yourself if you are stuck or stabilizing. Maybe it’s time to re-frame the situation and adopt an infinite mindset.
Tags: Leadership, Mindset
