Getting Unstuck in Recovery: The First Steps Toward Change

Moving Beyond Feeling Stuck

In recovery, feeling stuck is one of our most common feelings. Whether it’s from addiction, a job we hate, or a relationship that doesn’t serve us, it’s easy to feel like we’re spinning in circles. But here’s the good news: feeling stuck is a sign that change is needed and possible.

How To Get Out Of A Sober Rut

1. Why We Get Stuck: Holding On to What No Longer Works. It’s easy to stay committed to things that once worked well. But as we grow and evolve, those same things can start to hold us back. Whether it’s a toxic relationship, unhealthy habits, or even addiction, when we keep trying to make something work long after it’s stopped benefiting us, we get stuck. I know I stayed stuck in alcohol addiction long past its usefulness, convinced that one more drink would fix everything. But addiction, like anything else, has a shelf life—and once it becomes destructive, it’s time to let go. The first step to moving forward is identifying what no longer serves you and recognizing it’s time to stop trying to make it work.
2. The Power of Clarity: Defining What You Want. Feeling stuck often stems from not knowing where you want to go. When I was in the thick of my addiction, I didn’t know what a life without alcohol looked like. I had to get clear on what I wanted out of life—something I had avoided for years. The same principle applies in recovery: you need a clear vision of what you want. This clarity doesn’t come overnight but begins with one simple step: write it down. Write down what you enjoy, what you want more of, and where you want to be. It becomes real once you have it on paper, and you’ll start building momentum.
3. Breaking Big Goals into Small, Achievable Steps. Getting sober, finding a fulfilling career, or building healthy relationships can seem overwhelming. And when something feels overwhelming, the instinct is to avoid it. But as I learned, breaking a big goal into smaller, manageable tasks makes it achievable. Whether it’s sobriety or a career change, take the first small step. For example, when I thought about quitting drinking, the overwhelming fear of the unknown would paralyze me. But the decision to go to rehab—just one simple step—was the catalyst for everything that followed. Breaking your big goals down into smaller, actionable steps will keep you moving forward and prevent you from feeling stuck.
4. Overcoming Doubt and Fear with Action. As you start pursuing your goals, doubt and fear will inevitably creep in. I can’t tell you how often I hesitated to start my podcast because I thought, “Who am I to share my story?” But when we act despite fear, something magical happens. Momentum builds. The fear doesn’t disappear, but it becomes easier to push through. Every time you take action, you reinforce the idea that you can do this. Whether it’s taking one step toward sobriety, finding a healthier job, or pursuing a new passion, small actions build the confidence needed to keep going.
5. The Role of Support: Mentors and Positive Relationships. While self-motivation is important, you don’t have to go it alone. Finding support from mentors and positive relationships is key to long-term success. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your goals and who are on their own journeys of growth can inspire you to push past your fears. When I finally decided to start this podcast, I reached out to others who had already made similar strides. Their guidance and wisdom helped me avoid common mistakes and stay focused on my goal. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek advice from those who’ve been where you want to go.

Learn More in the Full Episode

If you’ve found this article helpful, I encourage you to listen to the full Sober and Happy Podcast episode. In this episode, I dive deeper into overcoming the feeling of being stuck in recovery and provide actionable steps to help you move forward in your journey.