Understanding and Overcoming Life's Stuck Spots
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Chapter 1: Identifying Stuck Points
When navigating through life or work challenges, individuals often encounter two primary types of obstacles: external blocks and internal blocks. External blocks are factors beyond our control, such as unpredictable weather, illness in loved ones, chronic health issues, or significant global events. In contrast, internal blocks stem from our beliefs about ourselves and the world, including procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, and a tendency to please others.
Many of my coaching clients come seeking assistance in transitioning from point A, their current situation, to point B, their aspirations. My role involves determining whether they are facing internal or external blocks, and more often than not, it’s a combination of both.
For instance, consider Joey, who aspired to generate $200,000 in revenue in 2023. As the year progressed, he felt disheartened because he was falling short. Upon discussing his situation, he revealed he was on track for about $130,000 but had lost a client, which represented an external block. Additionally, he spent a month caring for his elderly mother, which further complicated his efforts to replace that lost client—another external setback.
However, upon returning from his mother's care, Joey began to struggle with self-belief. He questioned whether his field—journalism—could truly support his goal of $200,000. This doubt marked an internal block, reflecting a limiting belief about his potential. Compounding this, he felt he was lagging behind his peers, and every scroll through Twitter prompted the nagging question: "Are you really good enough for this?" This too was an internal block. Consequently, he procrastinated on finding a new client, feeling inadequate and fraudulent whenever he engaged on social media, leading to a decline in his income.
Our lives are often a blend of these internal and external challenges. When faced with an external block, the solution often involves seeking support through therapy, coaching, community, and setting realistic expectations while adopting a more seasonal mindset. My therapist refers to this approach as "building a cocoon."
In contrast, addressing an internal block requires a different strategy. Many internal barriers are ingrained over time. When I discuss mindset, I refer to the collection of beliefs and patterns formed through years of experience, shaping our worldview and, at times, obstructing our aspirations.
Sometimes, these worldviews can become outdated. Joey recognized his frustration with himself; he wanted to achieve his goals but understood that his mindset was keeping him trapped. The self-doubt he experienced felt all too familiar, and the habit of procrastination had been part of his life for decades.
What excites me about addressing internal blocks is that we possess the power to change the narrative. We can take control of our perspectives. Teaching you how to do this is the most vital strategy I can offer for building your business, and it can genuinely transform your life.
Joey examined his beliefs about journalism, discerning between what felt true and what was merely influenced by external voices. He realized that diversifying his revenue streams could indeed lead him to his goal of $200,000, seeing evidence that it was achievable.
We also explored the roots of his "not good enough" mentality. By reflecting on his childhood experiences of bullying, he began to see that the critical voice within was attempting to protect him. By stepping away from social media, he encountered fewer opportunities for comparison, which alleviated some of his internal struggles. We discussed how he could navigate this persistent belief in healthier ways moving forward.
Once Joey clarified his actionable steps, the guilt and shame associated with his procrastination faded. Remarkably, he felt he was regaining his momentum. While he did not reach the $200,000 target, he secured a new client and discovered that a more relaxed approach felt incredibly rewarding.
I can share business strategies all day, but the focus of this newsletter is mindset. Mindset underpins many of our challenges, and internal blocks can feel suffocating. My aim is to help you gain insight into your patterns and employ effective tools to tackle them differently.
xo,
Jenni
Curious about my background? I'm a writer and business coach based in Central Oregon. I have two small children and work part-time to prioritize quality time with them. Recently, I've been focused on non-linear business development and teaching individuals how to create successful businesses that prioritize their human needs first.
This excerpt is from my free newsletter, Mindset Mastery. Explore my coaching offerings here, follow me on Twitter & Instagram, or download my complimentary business plan for creatives!