Too Proud to Stay Stuck
Embracing humility over ego is the key to progress; when stuck, let go of pride, seek feedback, and act decisively to move forward.
Adam Danyal & Julia Danyal
September 04, 2023
WRITTEN BY: ADAM DANYAL
We all get stuck sometimes. A project stalls. A habit persists. A relationship plateaus. When progress stops, frustration builds.
In those moments, our instinct is to push harder. Try new tactics. Swap strategies. Anything to get unstuck. But often our ego gets in the way. We resist asking for help or feedback. Admitting we’re stuck feels like failure.
A VP I know struggled as his division's growth slowed. He tweaked processes and realigned teams, but nothing helped. Quarter after quarter, he sank deeper into quicksand. Yet he told no one, afraid to reveal he was stuck.
His stubborn pride backfired. By the time leadership found out, a turnaround was nearly impossible. His division missed targets two years straight before finally rebounding.
We’ve all been there. But staying stuck is a choice we make, not a fate we suffer. The ego may resist, but the path forward is clear:
Be humble. Admit you’re stuck to yourself, then others. Silence helps no one.
Let go. Your current tactics failed. Welcome new perspectives without resistance.
Ask boldly. Request help from colleagues and leaders. They want you to succeed.
Act decisively. Once a path is clear, commit fully. Half-measures prolong the rut.
We lead by results, not perception. Facing failure takes courage, but the comfort of confidence awaits on the far side. If you’re stuck, be too proud not to ask for a hand. Progress awaits those brave enough to grab it.
From our Leadership Bookshelf:
WRITTEN BY: JULIA DANYAL
Getting unstuck often requires letting go of ego and opening yourself to new perspectives. In their insightful book “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership”, authors Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp provide a helpful framework for leaders who feel stuck and want to move forward.
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Key takeaways:
1. They advise becoming aware of when you're avoiding responsibility and blaming others. Take ownership of your role in being stuck.
2. Let go of your ego-driven need to be right. Open yourself to feedback from others to gain new perspectives.
3. Have courageous conversations to ask for help. Vulnerability builds trust and connection.
4. Focus on contribution rather than self-image. Think about how you can add value rather than protect your pride.
5. Reframe stuck points as learning opportunities, not failures. Each experience makes you wiser.
Having the humility to admit when you are stuck is the first step to getting unstuck. Letting go of ego and pride allows you to be vulnerable and ask for help. With this mindset of openness and continual learning, leaders can overcome the barriers of perception and fear. Progress awaits those who focus on service over self-image. By implementing the wisdom from Dethmer, Chapman, and Klemp's work, you can move forward with a renewed vision.