Ep. 177 Getting Over a Slump

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/ Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI Episode Summary What do you do when you’re putting in the work, but nothing seems to be happening? In this episode, I’m talking about getting through a slump, that frustrating period where you’re applying for jobs, going on dates, working toward a goal, or building something of your own, but you feel like you’re completely stuck. I share what my own slump has looked like after my TEDx Talk, when I expected all of my hard work to lead to new clients and speaking opportunities and instead found myself wondering what the hell I was doing wrong. But here’s the thing: not getting the result you want doesn’t automatically mean you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes you need to change your strategy. Sometimes you need to be patient. Sometimes you need to recognize all the progress you’ve made that isn’t showing up in the form of the big outcome you’re waiting for. I also talk about why adulthood can feel so frustrating when you’re used to getting constant feedback, how to give yourself more objective feedback, why your slump can start to become part of your identity, and the questions you can ask yourself when you need to get moving again. Because your slump doesn't define you. And you don’t have to wait until you stop feeling disappointed to start taking action. In This Episode We Discuss What a slump actually looks and feels like Why you can do everything "right" and still not see results How to know when you need to change your strategy Why adulthood comes with significantly less feedback than you're used to Why progress isn't always measured by the big outcome you're waiting for The danger of letting a slump become part of your identity Questions to ask yourself when you're feeling stuck Why you need to keep taking action even when you're disappointed Understanding the lag between taking action and seeing results Key Takeaways Not getting the result you want and doing something wrong are two very different things. If you keep doing the exact same thing and expecting a different result, it's time to change your strategy. Adulthood comes with significantly less feedback than school, sports, and other structured environments you're used to. You have to learn how to give yourself objective feedback instead of relying entirely on external validation. The big outcome you're waiting for isn't the only measure of progress or success. Look at what you've learned, who you've met, what you've improved, and what you've actually done. New strategies need time to work, so give yourself room to see the results. You can be frustrated, disappointed, and upset while still choosing to move forward. Frequently Asked Questions What is a slump? A slump is that frustrating feeling of being stuck in the same place despite putting in consistent effort toward something you want. You aren't necessarily moving backward, but you aren't seeing the progress you expected either. How do I know if I'm doing something wrong or just experiencing a slump? Look at your actions objectively. If you've been doing the same thing repeatedly with no results, it may be time to change your strategy. But if you've been consistently taking action, learning, adapting, and trying new things, the lack of an immediate result doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. How do I stay motivated when I'm not seeing progress? Instead of measuring yourself exclusively by the big outcome you're waiting for, look at what you've actually done. Who have you met? What have you learned? What have you improved? What actions have you taken? Those are forms of progress, too. Why does adulthood feel like it has so little feedback? For most of your childhood and young adulthood, you're constantly given feedback through grades, sports, rankings, teachers, parents, and other structured systems. Once you become an adult, there isn't a report card telling you how you're doing. You have to learn how to create some of that feedback for yourself. How do I stop my slump from becoming my identity? Be careful about turning an experience into a statement about who you are. Not getting a job doesn't mean you're bad at getting jobs. Being single doesn't mean you're unlovable. A business being slow doesn't mean you're a bad entrepreneur. Your current circumstances are not your identity. How long does it take to get out of a slump? There isn't a set timeline. Sometimes changing your strategy creates a faster result, while other times you need to allow more time for your actions to catch up. The important thing is continuing to take intentional action rather than allowing yourself to stay stuck indefinitely. What if I'm still disappointed even after I start taking action? You can be disappointed and still take action. You don't have to wait until you feel positive, motivated, or confident before doing something that could improve your situation. Helpful Resources: Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success 3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/ Email Me: coach.jessdiamond@gmail.com Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9 Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5 Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US