Why People Stay Stuck

Most people want to improve their lives. They want better relationships, more money, and richer experiences. Here's the truth about why you're not where you want to be right now: Many people honestly think they're putting in the effort, but they're not getting the results they want. While others quickly figure out exactly what to do and make it happen, you must be willing to do the work, learn, build relationships, and take the necessary steps to achieve success.

Below are the most common reasons why people stay stuck. These concepts have become some of my favorites to write and speak about. When I write, sometimes I like to look at life holistically, while other times I prefer to get granular. This time, I want to examine life from a broader perspective.

Waiting for the Right Time

A common mistake people make is waiting for this magical moment when everything aligns. They're waiting for the right time to start writing a book, enter the dating market, start a family, or hit the gym. But here's the reality: there is no ideal time.

This isn't to say there aren't better or worse times to begin something. Certainly, some moments are more favorable than others. However, I believe that seeking the ideal situation is the enemy of taking amazing action. Your first attempt at writing won't be stellar. When you start dating, you'll encounter some disappointing experiences. No matter how prepared you think you'll be as a parent, you won't be ready for everything that comes your way.

Not Accepting Reality

I often write about your reality and your reaction to it. There are things in your life that you simply cannot change. Many people struggle because they don't understand what they can and cannot control. Although circumstances shift constantly, you cannot single-handedly change reality. In this context, I define reality as anything you have little or no control over.

We must work within the boundaries of reality. You cannot change the economy, industry politics, or other people. All you can do is accept reality and operate within its constraints. When I was in my early twenties, I realized this world wasn't built for someone with a disability like mine. Since then, I've viewed my job as accepting my reality and finding a way to move forward.

Acceptance doesn't mean being at peace with or loving every aspect of your situation. There are parts of my life and disability that I absolutely despise. Some activities take me more time and effort, while others require assistance. These are challenges I deal with daily, and accepting them doesn't make them easier. Watching others navigate life without a disability brings up countless emotions.

Acceptance means understanding what I need to do to move forward.

Unwillingness to Change

Over the past couple of years, we've witnessed an explosion in AI technology. This year, I've been studying how to incorporate AI into my work, which required changing my entire approach to business goals.

One common factor that keeps people stuck is wanting change without changing themselves. Before you can transform your life, you must transform your approach to life. The literal definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results. Life can be described as a series of inputs and outputs. If you want different outcomes (better relationships, more money, greater opportunities, improved health, or any enhancement), you must create better inputs. In other words, change your approach to life.

Most of the time, your life won't change without you changing first.

Opportunities aren't dead. However, it's your responsibility to find, create, and capitalize on them. Something magical probably won't happen unless you make it happen.

Your Path Forward

Stop waiting for the right time. Accept reality. Be willing to change. This is how you create the life you want. You're not waiting for something to happen—you're making something happen.

The difference between those who achieve their goals and those who remain stuck isn't talent, luck, or circumstances. It's the willingness to start before feeling ready, accept what cannot be changed while focusing on what can be, and continuously adapt their approach based on results.

Your success story begins the moment you stop making excuses and start making moves.