How to Stop Stagnating and Seizing Opportunities

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How to Stop Stagnating and Seizing Opportunities

Most all of us reach a point in life where we feel unmotivated and unfulfilled. We start stagnating, losing interest in our tasks, and procrastinating on responsibilities. While these periods of stagnation are normal, they shouldn’t last long. Far too many people start stagnating and think it’s the end for them, whether in their careers, their marriages, or other areas of their life, so they give up.

Does that sound like you? Well, this isn’t the end. This post is for everyone out there who needs to stop stagnating and seize opportunities. 

What Causes Stagnation?

Causes of stagnation differ for every person, but one of the most common triggers is career dissatisfaction. According to Forbes, more than half of United States workers aren’t happy in their jobs. Other common factors are burnout from overwork and fear of making mistakes.

Before you begin fighting stagnation, you should find its cause. Identifying the root of the problem is the first step to healing. Ask yourself questions. Am I happy with my job? Where do I see myself in five years? Have I lost sight of my future goals? Once you’ve identified the problem, you can develop your strategy to become an opportunity-seeker.

How to Fight Stagnation

The opposite of stagnation is growth. Therefore, personal growth is key to fighting stagnation. Here are five great tips for personal growth:

1. Switch up Your Routine  

Routines are helpful, but monotony is an enemy of personal growth. You’ll never grow if you do the same thing all the time. If you always drive to work, try taking the bus or bicycling (when these options are feasible). If you always drink the same tea, try a new flavor. These small changes promote an adventurous spirit. You’ll become better-equipped for making bigger changes by switching up your routine.

2. Find a Creative Hobby

Creativity encourages innovation. When you practice creativity, you’re more likely to have inventive ideas. You’ll also find inspiration everywhere. After embracing my creative side, I can find inspiration in an abandoned chair on the side of a road or a bee buzzing outside. It’s hard to stagnate when your mind is constantly producing new ideas. 

Want to learn more about how creativity can help you in your career? Check out my post “The Importance of Creativity in the Workplace.”

3. Become a Volunteer

The need for volunteers exists everywhere, from nonprofits to newspapers. Volunteering is a wonderful way to gain experience and open up the door for paid opportunities in the future. Plus, volunteering looks great on a resume.

Many internships are also volunteer opportunities. LinkedIn teems with unpaid internship positions. These opportunities often require fewer hours, so it’s a great way to gain experience without taking a new job or losing too much time.

4. Be a Lifelong Learner

Being a lifelong learner makes you both more employable and happier. The pursuit of knowledge keeps your brain sharp and enhances your mental health. Learning also helps you become more adaptable. When you make learning a daily part of your life, challenges do not seem as daunting; you’re already used to problem-solving and researching.

These days, there are educational opportunities everywhere. Libraries offer free classes and workshops. Colleges offer certificates. Online providers like MasterClass offer various courses like creative writing, cooking, and photography for reasonable prices. There are no excuses for not learning.

5. Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back  

Often people don’t take new opportunities because they are afraid. Fear is normal, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Taking risks is how you grow. If you’re always afraid to fail, you’ll never get anywhere.

Why Should You Be an Opportunity-Seizer?

Life is short, and you should live it to the fullest. Seizing opportunities helps you live a more fulfilled, productive, and happy life. Stagnation is a waste of precious time, and it won’t get you anywhere.

Make the decision to stop stagnating and start seizing opportunities by calling career expert Robert Braathe today.

Citations:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/02/22/three-reasons-youre-stagnating-and-how-to-deal-with-it/?sh=782470f45576
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2019/10/25/more-than-half-of-us-workers-are-unhappy-in-their-jobs-heres-why-and-what-needs-to-be-done-now/?sh=12d177582024
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/career-stagnation#:~:text=To%20fight%20career%20stagnation%2C%20you,for%20the%20future%20a%20reality.
https://careervision.org/lifelong-learning-lifelong-success/

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