Getting Unstuck: How Dead Ends Become New Paths

Everyone feels stuck every now and again, paralyzed by the gnawing feeling that something must change – whether in one’s work or work environment, or in a life situation or way of living. But when is this feeling an indication of major psychological impasse? And when will this failure to get “unstuck” threaten not only your personal life and career, but even the healthy functioning of the rest of your team or organization? What are the steps to navigate out of this kind of rut and find a meaningful way forward?

In Getting Unstuck, psychologist Timothy Butler shares a proven model for moving from a state of career or life impasse to a new vision based on deeper knowledge of the work and life structures that will ultimately be most meaningful. Outlining a process that he has used with thousands of executives and MBA students, Butler explains how to recognize a state of psychological impasse and shows that this state is in fact the beginning of a necessary and predictable process of psychological development that is repeated many times throughout one’s life. Further, he shows how to turn impasse into a vision of meaning and purpose, first by awakening and deepening one’s imagination, then by recognizing patterns of meaning in one’s life, and finally, by taking action to turn one’s meaningful vision into a daily reality.

Supported by a wide range of stories of others who have accomplished similar life transitions, this book is written for anyone who feels stuck and is looking for practical and authoritative guidance for moving out of his or her own immediate impasse.