Why you feel stuck — and how to get motivated - Shannon Odell

Summary

The video script explores the feeling of being 'stuck' in the middle of a project, whether it’s something personal or large-scale like social inequality or climate change. It discusses how the ‘stuck in the middle’ effect is caused by a shift in perspective, where progress becomes overshadowed by the distance left to cover. The script suggests breaking goals into smaller tasks and emphasizes the power of individual actions in creating collective momentum. It highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and maintaining motivation through small, consistent steps to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Feeling stuck is a common experience that can happen in both small and large-scale endeavors, like writing a paper or addressing societal issues.
• 😀 The 'stuck in the middle' effect occurs when progress feels less rewarding as you move closer to your goal, leading to frustration.
• 😀 Breaking down big goals into smaller, achievable sub-goals can help maintain motivation and make progress feel more manageable.
• 😀 Celebrating small wins along the way, especially in large-scale efforts, helps maintain momentum and avoids feeling powerless.
• 😀 Focusing on the bigger picture or the end goal can make progress feel impossible, especially with complex issues like social inequality or climate change.
• 😀 People who stay motivated and engaged in their goals often believe that their personal actions can make a difference, even if the change is incremental.
• 😀 Moral outrage, when directed properly, can serve as a powerful unifier, helping to galvanize communities to address injustice and other societal issues.
• 😀 The long history of social progress shows that individual actions, when combined, create collective momentum that can drive significant change.
• 😀 Collaboration and community involvement are essential for problem-solving, staying motivated, and overcoming challenges, as they offer support and encouragement.
• 😀 The key to getting unstuck is often simply taking action, even if it feels imperfect. Starting with small steps can eventually lead to meaningful progress.

Q & A

What causes the feeling of being 'stuck' in the middle of a project?

The feeling of being 'stuck' often arises due to a shift in perspective as you move closer to your goal. Early on, any progress feels motivating, but as you near the end, the focus shifts to the remaining distance, leading to frustration.

What is the 'stuck in the middle' effect in psychology?

The 'stuck in the middle' effect refers to the loss of motivation that often occurs in the middle stages of a project, as individuals become fixated on how far they still have to go, instead of recognizing the progress they've made.

How can breaking down a project into smaller goals help with motivation?

By dividing a project into smaller, more achievable sub-goals, individuals can create less daunting benchmarks. These incremental wins help maintain motivation and provide more opportunities to celebrate progress along the way.

Why do people often feel powerless when working towards large societal goals?

Large societal goals, such as addressing social inequality or climate change, are complex and overwhelming. Because no single person or action can solve them, focusing solely on the end result can lead to a sense of personal powerlessness.

What did the 2021 global survey of young people reveal about their belief in the future?

The survey found that over half of young people believed that humanity was doomed, reflecting a sense of hopelessness about global challenges such as climate change and social inequality.

What is one reason why some people stay motivated to take action despite challenges?

People who stay motivated often have confidence that their individual efforts can make a difference. This belief is rooted in the history of social progress, which shows that collective action can drive meaningful change.

How does moral outrage contribute to social movements?

Moral outrage, such as anger over systemic injustices, can help individuals focus on the stakes of an issue. When properly harnessed, it can unite diverse communities and fuel collective action, as seen in the American Civil Rights Movement.

Why is collaboration important when working toward societal change?

Collaboration is crucial because it allows for better problem-solving, support, and encouragement. Witnessing others’ efforts can motivate personal action, and sharing the load can help individuals stay energized and resilient.

How does the support of others help when you're feeling stuck?

The support and encouragement from others can serve as a source of inspiration, joy, and motivation. It can also provide practical help and emotional resilience when you're feeling defeated or unsure of what to do next.

What is the simplest way to overcome the feeling of being stuck in a project?

Taking any action, no matter how small or imperfect, is often the most effective way to break free from feeling stuck. Whether it’s writing a sentence, running an extra mile, or casting a vote, progress begins with taking that first step.