Here are some key takeaways from an interview with psychology expert Adam Alter:
Being "stuck" in life is very common. People often get stuck in careers, relationships, creative pursuits, etc. Identifying when you feel stuck is the first step to getting unstuck.
To get unstuck, taking action is important even if it's not directly moving you forward. Doing something liberates you from feeling stuck and gets momentum going. Lower expectations and just start small.
Explore broadly, say yes to opportunities, then exploit the most promising option. This exploration then exploitation is key to creativity and having "hot streaks" in your career.
Do a "friction audit" to identify obstacles holding you back. Remove or minimize these sources of friction for big gains. Ask yourself and others what causes the most friction.
Hardship often precedes the most rewarding breakthroughs. Let things get hard and persist through challenges - that's where creativity and progress happen.
Pay attention to mundane routines and small moments. These often provide more meaning than "big" events when looking back.
Getting unstuck is about reframing problems, taking action, and having perspective. The simple choices we make daily compound over time for or against us.