No-one likes to feel stuck, stagnant, with progression plateauing or even stopping altogether. Keeping the abstract feeling of ‘forward’ is an ideal to always be striving for.

In horse-riding terms, the word ‘forward’ is used not only directionally, but also to describe the feeling that the horse is willingly and actively taking you in the direction that you want to go. It’s a positive great feeling because you have momentum and flow. You are going somewhere in steady rhythm without pressure or feeling out of control.

In business, study, or life in general the feeling of ‘forward’, of steadily improving, making steps toward goals is imperative and, I think, strongly linked to personal happiness. Considering necessary future steps, taking action, keeping your mind open to change and consistently making progress to new levels helps to alleviate feelings of being stuck, lost, unworthy or helpless. That feeling of ‘forward’ builds on confidence and helps to create a positive spiral.

I’ve personally taken nose dives in confidence and progression in my horse-riding skills, and these past months lost momentum in working towards launching my first online shop (which I had hoped would happen back in July). When it all seems too hard, why bother continuing?

Because the feeling of being lost, stagnant, frustrated and out of control is not something I want to continue. I’m back to finding all the small pockets of time – setting goals, making lists and plans, and taking small steps every day. I’m back to feeling excited about my shop that is slowly but surely growing to be launch-ready, and building on possibilities for the future. Also constantly having to remind myself that rest and self-care are a necessary part of maintaining ‘forward’.

Are you feeling stuck with anything right now? What are two small actions you could take this week to start building momentum and feeling ‘forward’ again?