Feeling Stuck

Feeling Stuck? Here’s What Leaders Can Learn About Backing Up to Move Forward
Have you ever found yourself completely stuck, unable to move forward no matter how hard you push? Recently, I had a moment at the farmhouse that got me thinking about leadership and life. I was hauling a trailer up the back hill, aiming to park it in just the right spot. The field had been soft from recent rain, and soon enough, my tires sank into the mud, grinding to a halt. I was stuck.
As I sat there, my mind started racing. "I could walk two miles back to the barn and get the tractor," I thought, but I didn’t want to make that long trek. Instead, I kept trying to power through, pushing the trailer forward, hoping somehow I’d break free of the mud. After about 20 minutes of spinning my wheels—literally—I realized something: I wasn’t getting anywhere. If anything, I was just digging deeper into the mud.
That’s when I made a crucial decision. Instead of fighting my way forward, I shifted gears and backed up. Slowly, carefully, I reversed until I found firmer ground, then adjusted my direction. Only then was I able to move forward and get the trailer to where it needed to be.
This experience made me think about leadership. As leaders, how often do we find ourselves in situations where we feel stuck? Maybe we’re pushing a project, an idea, or a team forward, but no matter how hard we try, progress stalls. Our instinct is often to keep pushing, thinking that sheer force or determination will eventually get us through. But sometimes, that’s not the answer.
The trailer situation taught me a valuable leadership lesson: there are times when moving forward means first stepping back.
Recognizing When You’re StuckThe first challenge for any leader is recognizing when you’re stuck. Just like the trailer in the mud, it’s easy to get so caught up in the momentum of pushing ahead that we don’t realize we’re no longer making progress. Whether it’s a business strategy that isn’t working, a team dynamic that’s unhealthy, or a personal goal that seems out of reach, the first step is admitting that things aren’t moving the way they should.
Leaders often resist this recognition. Why? Because acknowledging you’re stuck can feel like failure. But it’s not. In fact, it’s a critical moment of self-awareness that can lead to a breakthrough. The longer we keep spinning our wheels in the mud, the deeper we dig ourselves into the problem.
The Value of ReversingBacking up can feel counterintuitive for leaders. We’re wired to push forward, break through obstacles, and maintain momentum. The idea of reversing—even just to reassess—can feel like losing ground. But sometimes, stepping back is the only way to regain control.
When I finally stopped trying to push the trailer forward, I was able to see things from a different perspective. I realized that backing up wasn’t a sign of failure—it was part of the solution. By taking a few steps back, I gave myself room to adjust and find a new way forward.
In leadership, this often means revisiting old decisions, shifting strategies, or even re-evaluating your team’s dynamics. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can only come when you’ve backed up far enough to see the bigger picture.
Knowing When to Ask for HelpBacking up also brings us to another important question: When do you keep trying, and when do you call for help? In my case, I had the option of walking two miles to get the tractor. It would have solved the problem quickly, but I hesitated because I didn’t want to take the extra time or effort. Leaders face this dilemma all the time. Do we ask for help, or do we try to work it out ourselves?
There’s no shame in seeking help. In fact, some situations require it. But as leaders, we must also develop the ability to know when the situation calls for patience, persistence, or a strategic retreat—versus calling in reinforcements. Sometimes the challenge isn’t about finding a solution through others but about taking the time to reevaluate and adjust.
The Path You Didn’t Plan Might Be the Right OneThe biggest lesson from that day wasn’t just about getting unstuck. It was about realizing that the path I ended up taking was different from the one I had originally planned. I didn’t want to back up, shift direction, or take an alternative route. But when I did, it actually worked out better. I avoided an even muddier stretch and found firmer ground.
As leaders, we often get so focused on our original plan that we don’t allow room for adjustments. We’re determined to stick to the path we envisioned, but sometimes, life—or leadership—requires us to take a detour. And those detours can lead us to better outcomes than we originally imagined.
The Million-Dollar QuestionSo how do we know when it’s time to back up or when to ask for help? That’s the million-dollar question, and there’s no easy answer. Every situation is different, and the decision often comes down to a combination of wisdom, experience, and gut instinct.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Don’t be afraid to reverse to move forward. It may feel like a setback, but in reality, it’s often a strategic move that positions you for long-term success. Whether in life or leadership, sometimes the best way to reach your destination is by taking a step back, finding firmer ground, and shifting direction.
So next time you feel stuck, ask yourself—are you willing to step back, reassess, and find a better path? Or are you still trying to push through, looking for the easy way out? The answer could make all the difference.