It’s a phrase I’ve heard plague the working class for decades: “I just feel stuck.” When we lack constant change or growth in our job, we can sometimes experience a rush of dissatisfaction with our current roles.

Feeling “stuck” might show itself in a lack of motivation, feeling like you have limited growth opportunities, having unclear goals, frustration, burnout, etc.

Often, when these feelings arise, we run to the job listing sites and start calling around in our network, seeing where God might call us to go next…. but what if the call isn’t to go anywhere? What if the call is to bring renewal right where you are? Then what?

I’ve learned that in moments where we feel “stuck,” God may just be calling us to stay. Here are four ways we can get “unstuck” and discover where God is working in us and through us at work.

1. Stay connected. Take time to deepen your relationship with God. Engage in regular prayer, meditation, and scripture reading. Seek His guidance and ask for the strength to face challenges with a positive attitude.
2. Stay engaged. Staying engaged at work involves actively finding ways to maintain motivation, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose in your daily tasks. Seek out new challenges, collaborate with colleagues, actively look for places where you can be the light for your team. Reflect on the impact of your work and how it contributes to the larger goals of your organization or community. Understanding the significance of your role can provide a deeper sense of fulfillment.
3. Stay grateful. Practicing gratitude is the quickest way to experience God’s presence. When you can, take a few minutes and jot down everything you are grateful for – doesn’t matter how small or how big! Brené Brown, author and researcher once said, “It’s not joy that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.”
4. Stay in tune. Spiritual disciplines are a great way to stay in tune with where you’re at, emotionally and spiritually. Make sure to be aware of how things or people make you feel during your day; these moments are direct messages from God calling us to pay attention to how we are feeling. These may be the exact moments He is calling us to partner with Him.

By integrating these spiritual practices and practical steps into your daily routine, we can get “unstuck” and take advantage of the opportunity to bring renewal to our work and find a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

In the Workmatters Institute, we learn through story tellers how to discover the sacredness of our work. Our reflections and discussions lead us to a final project of sorts, called the Faith and Leadership Action Plan. The four-step process helps us discern where God is calling you to make a difference right now – right where you are. If you’re feeling “stuck” at work and you think the Workmatters Institute could be a place of discovery for you, join us next month for WMI-NWA or WMI-Online.

Suggested Reading:

Author Joseph Novello calls our human desire for constant progression and growth “The Myth of More.” In his book, “The Myth of More: And Other Lifetraps That Sabotage the Happiness You Deserve,” Novello explores the idea that true happiness isn’t found in accumulating more material possessions or achievements, but in appreciating what we already have. Novello identifies “lifetraps” – patterns of behavior developed in childhood that can hinder our adult happiness. He emphasizes the importance of spirituality and aligning our desires with God’s will to achieve lasting serenity. The book combines traditional psychiatry with spiritual insights, offering practical advice for overcoming these lifetraps and finding genuine happiness.