Fastest Way to Get Unstuck? Get Perspective From These 3 Types of People
When you’re stuck, your thinking is the problem
You’re stuck. Spinning your wheels. Staring at the same problem from the same angle and getting nowhere. Maybe it’s your career, your health, or a big life decision that feels impossible to move forward on. Whatever it is, your usual tricks aren’t working.
Here’s the hard truth: When you’re stuck, your thinking is the problem. And the fastest way to shift your perspective? Talk to people who see the world differently than you do. Specifically, you need insights from three types of people:
People Like You – Those in your field, on your level, or a few steps ahead.
People Completely Different From You – Outsiders who bring fresh, non-redundant ideas.
The Black Sheep – The challengers who push back, question your assumptions, and make you uncomfortable.
Each of these groups has something valuable to offer. Let’s break down why you need them—and how to use their perspectives to get unstuck fast.
1. People Like You: The Power of Proximity
Ever notice how top athletes train together? Or how industry leaders often run in the same circles? It’s not just about networking—it’s about calibration. Seeing what people like you are doing (or not doing) gives you a benchmark and a reality check.
How They Help
They show you what’s possible. If someone in your industry just made a bold career move, launched a business, or mastered a skill you struggle with, that’s proof it can be done.
They expose you to new strategies. Maybe you’ve been grinding alone when your peers are leveraging mentors, partnerships, or automation.
They give you real talk. The right peers won’t sugarcoat things. If you’re making excuses, they’ll call you out. If you’re overcomplicating things, they’ll simplify.
Action Steps
Observe. What are your peers doing that you’re not? What risks are they taking? What trends are they capitalizing on?
Ask direct questions. “If you were in my situation, what would you do next?” or “What’s the best decision you’ve made in the past year?”
Don’t just admire—act. Seeing someone succeed should be fuel, not just inspiration. Borrow strategies, adapt ideas, and move.
2. People Completely Different From You: The Non-Redundant Thinkers
Stuck thinking leads to stuck action. If you keep consulting the same types of people, you’ll get the same tired answers. This is where outsiders—people from completely different industries, backgrounds, or ways of thinking—become invaluable.
How They Help
They break you out of your bubble. If you’re in finance, talk to an artist. If you’re a fitness coach, talk to a tech founder. Their methods won’t be your methods, but their mindset might be exactly what you need.
They introduce radically different problem-solving approaches. A chef thinks about process differently than an engineer. A musician approaches discipline differently than a CEO. Cross-industry thinking sparks innovation.
They remind you that your ‘big problem’ is just one way of seeing things. Perspective shift = power shift.
Action Steps
Intentionally seek out diverse perspectives. Go to events outside your field. Read books from unrelated industries.
Ask for solutions, not just opinions. Say, “I’m stuck on X. How would you tackle this in your world?”
Translate their insights into action. A marketing strategy from a filmmaker? A discipline habit from an athlete? There’s gold there if you look.
3. The Black Sheep: The People Who Push Back
Let’s be honest—no one likes being challenged. But comfort zones don’t create breakthroughs. The people who push back against your thinking, poke holes in your plans, or question your assumptions are often the ones who help you the most.
How They Help
They force you to confront blind spots. What if the problem isn’t external, but how you’re approaching it? A challenger will make you question your default mode.
They pressure-test your decisions. If your idea, career move, or solution crumbles under their scrutiny, it wasn’t strong enough to begin with. Better to refine now than regret later.
They build resilience. Learning to hear tough feedback and still move forward is a superpower.
Action Steps
Find someone who disagrees with you—and listen. Not to argue, but to understand. Why do they see it differently? What are they noticing that you’re missing?
Engage in structured debates. If you’re debating a big decision, ask someone to argue the opposite side convincingly.
Use pushback as fuel, not discouragement. If someone says, “That won’t work,” ask, “Why not? What would?” Growth happens in friction.
Ready to Get Unstuck? Here’s Your Game Plan
Step 1: Identify your three people: one peer, one outsider, and one black sheep.
Step 2: Schedule conversations with each. Keep it simple—coffee, Zoom, or a quick DM.
Step 3: Apply their insights. If you don’t act, you’ll stay stuck. Pick one new perspective and implement it this week.
Your next breakthrough isn’t coming from another solo brainstorming session. It’s coming from the perspectives you’ve been missing. Get out of your head, into conversation, and watch how fast you move forward.
Need Help? You’ve pushed. Adapted. Over-functioned. You’ve tried to get unstuck.
But sometimes, getting unstuck is about being open minded to new angles and opportunities.
💡 Let’s get honest about what’s working and what’s not. Book your free 20-minute consult today.
Article References
The sources cited in the article:
Mel Robbins. "How to Get Unstuck: Do This to Create the Future You Want." Mel Robbins - How to Get Unstuck
American Psychological Association (APA). “How to Get Unstuck.” APA - How to Get Unstuck
Harvard Business Review (HBR). “When a Major Life Change Upends Your Sense of Self.” HBR - Major Life Changes Sense of Self
Forbes. "Feeling Stuck? A 3-Step Guide to Get Unstuck and Move Forward." Forbes - Feeling Stuck? How to Move Forward
The NYTimes. “Feeling Stuck? 5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Life.” NYT - Feeling Stuck? 5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Life
