"Vous n'êtes pas coincé là où vous êtes à moins que vous ne décidiez de l'être."

When you think about feeling trapped in life, whether it’s in a job that drains you or a relationship that feels like it’s going nowhere, it’s easy to believe that you’re stuck. But the truth is, you’re not. You’re only stuck if you decide to be. This idea, though simple, is incredibly powerful. It reminds us that we have the power to change our situation, no matter how dire it seems.

Imagine you’re at a dead-end job. Every day feels like a drag, and you’re convinced there’s no way out. But if you dig a little deeper, there’s always something you can do. Maybe it’s taking night classes to gain new skills. Perhaps it’s networking to find opportunities elsewhere. The point is, the moment you decide to take action, you’re no longer stuck.

Let’s take a step back in history for a moment. Think about Nelson Mandela. He spent 27 years in prison under apartheid in South Africa. If anyone had an excuse to feel stuck, it was him. But he didn’t. He used that time to educate himself and plan for a future where he could make a real change. When he was finally released, he didn’t let the past hold him back. Instead, he became the country’s first black president and a global symbol of resilience and freedom. Mandela didn’t decide to be stuck. He decided to use his circumstances as a springboard for something greater.

Now, let’s dive into a more everyday example. Picture Sarah, a single mom working two jobs to make ends meet. She dreams of becoming a nurse but feels it’s impossible given her current situation. One day, she decides to explore online courses. They’re flexible, and she can study after putting her kids to bed. It’s tough, and she’s exhausted, but she’s no longer stuck. Each online class she completes is a step toward her goal.

So, how can you apply this to your own life? Start by identifying one small action you can take to improve your situation. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Small steps add up. Maybe it’s updating your resume, reaching out to a mentor, or even setting aside ten minutes a day for a new hobby that brings you joy. The key is to start moving, no matter how slowly.

Let’s say you’re in a relationship that isn’t fulfilling. You don’t have to decide today whether to stay or leave. Instead, focus on what you can control. Open up a conversation with your partner about your feelings. Seek counseling. Read books on relationship building. By actively engaging in the process of improvement, you’re refusing to be stuck.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, and they’re telling you about their stagnant career. You could remind them of this very idea. Encourage them to look for those small changes they can make. Perhaps they can volunteer for a new project at work or even start a side hustle that excites them. The important thing is to keep moving, to keep pushing forward, even when it seems like you’re at a standstill.

In the end, it’s all about mindset. You hold the power to change your story. Don’t let the feeling of being stuck define you. Decide to take control, even if it’s just one small step at a time. You’re not stuck unless you choose to be.