How to Show Up Strong - Even When You’re Feeling Stuck

Have you ever set a big, exciting goal—maybe starting your own business, chasing a dream job, or making a major life change—only to find yourself feeling… stuck? Like you’re spinning your wheels, even though you know deep down you’re meant for more?

Ever Feel Stuck? You’re Not Alone.

We all hit moments where showing up feels hard, especially when doubt and overwhelm creep in.

But what if there was a simple way to break through and show up strong, even on the toughest days?

I’ve been there.

When I first started thinking about opening my own coaching business, I’ll be honest—my “why” wasn’t just about using my talents to help others (though that was certainly part of it). I was at a point in my life where I felt burned out as a professor, stuck, and not as useful as I wanted to be.

And if I’m being truthful, I also wanted to make a little extra money on the side.

A little extra money on the side.

But everything shifted when I tried a deceptively simple exercise that helped me dig deeper into my motivation. What I discovered completely changed how I show up for myself, my family, and my clients.

The Power of Digging Deeper

When you’re feeling stuck, it’s easy to focus on surface-level solutions: set new goals, make a to-do list, push through. But true resilience—and the ability to show up strong—comes from getting clear on what really drives you underneath it all.

The “7 Levels” Exercise

This tool, made popular by Dean Graziosi, invites you to ask yourself “why?” seven times in a row. It sounds simple, but each layer takes you closer to your core motivation, helping you reconnect with your deeper purpose.

My Real-Life "7 Levels" Example

Here’s how this looked for me, honestly and in my own words:

1. Why do I want to start a coaching business?To make some money using my talents.

2. Why is making money and using my talents important to me?Because I want to feel useful in the world and make an impact.

3. Why is being useful and making an impact important to me?Because being fulfilled in my work matters to me.

4. Why does being fulfilled in my work matter to me?Because when I’m fulfilled, I show up as my best self for my family, my clients, and myself.

5. Why is showing up as my best self important to me?Because I want to make a positive impact—especially for my kids, so they can see what’s possible and feel inspired.

6. Why is it important to be this example for my kids?Because I want them to build a life they love, to see what’s possible when you follow your purpose, and to know they can create a ripple effect for others.

7. So what does all this really mean for me?It means moving from autopilot to intentionally doing and being what I love—so I can live out my purpose and help others (especially my kids) do the same.

   
   

By the seventh layer, I realized my work wasn’t just about using my skills or earning extra income. It was about creating a ripple effect of purpose and fulfillment for others. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning, even on the tough days.

Take the Next Step . . .

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your goals, try this exercise for yourself. Don’t stop at your first answer—dig deeper. You might be surprised by what you discover.

When you connect with your deeper motivation, you unlock a well of resilience and energy that can carry you through challenges. It’s the difference between just chasing goals and truly living your purpose.

Practical Steps to Show Up Strong When You’re Stuck

• Pause and Reflect: Take a few quiet moments to ask yourself what you really want—and why.

  
  

• Try the 7 Levels Exercise: Write down your goal, then ask “why?” seven times, digging deeper with each answer.

  
  

• Reconnect with Your Purpose: Notice how your answers shift from surface reasons to your core values and desires.

  
  

• Take One Small Action: Once you reconnect with your deeper motivation, choose one simple step you can take today. Progress builds momentum.

  
  

• Give Yourself Grace: Remember, everyone gets stuck sometimes. Showing up strong doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being present and persistent.