Have you ever felt stuck? 

Like you’re moving through life on autopilot—going through the motions but not feeling truly alive?

I know that feeling all too well. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. And one of the most recent was mid-2024, just a couple of months after I got baptized.

Baptism was a powerful moment for me—a public declaration of my faith and surrender to God. But afterward, I found myself asking, “What’s next?” I wanted to deepen my relationship with God, to build my faith into every aspect of my life, including my journey as a personal trainer. But I didn’t know how to do it. I felt stuck, unsure of my next step.

The Turning Point

I watched my wife grow spiritually through her weekly small group meetings, and it struck me: maybe that’s what I needed. A group of people I could learn from, lean on, and grow with. But as I searched for a group, nothing seemed to fit. It took a few months of waiting before a Men’s Group finally opened up.

When I joined, it was exactly what I needed. Sitting with other Christian men—some early in their faith journey, others well into it—opened my eyes to the power of community. We shared openly about the struggles we face as men: balancing work and family, overcoming personal demons, and staying true to our faith in a world that often tests it.

Hearing their stories of how faith had helped them persevere encouraged me to keep moving forward. It gave me the accountability I needed to stay grounded and the courage to integrate my faith into my work. Week after week, I felt less stuck and more inspired, knowing I wasn’t walking this journey alone.

The Truth

It reminded me of a simple truth: we’re not meant to do life on our own. Accountability—the kind that comes from being vulnerable with others who share your values—can be the key to breaking free from the rut you’re in. Research supports this: a 2015 study published in the journal Obesity found that people with accountability partners were more likely to stay consistent and achieve their health goals.

So if you’re feeling stuck, I’ll ask you this: who are you surrounding yourself with? Do you have people in your corner who will lift you up, challenge you, and hold you accountable to your goals?

Joining that Men’s Group was a game-changer for me, and it could be for you too. Find your people. Step out of your comfort zone. Open up about your struggles. Because when you do, you might just find the clarity and strength you’ve been searching for.

Here are four tips to help you get started if you’re feeling stuck:

1.) Admit you’re stuck. The first step to getting out of a rut is acknowledging you’re in one. Be honest with yourself about where you are and why you feel this way. There’s no shame in admitting you need a reset—it’s the first step toward growth. Studies in psychology highlight the importance of self-awareness, showing that identifying a problem is crucial for implementing effective solutions. You can read more about the value of self-reflection in my blog post, “Embracing Fitness and Faith.”

2.) Surround yourself with accountability. Whether it’s a Men’s Group, a close friend, or a trusted mentor, find people who will challenge and encourage you. Accountability keeps you grounded and focused, especially when you feel like giving up. As mentioned earlier, having accountability partners significantly boosts your chances of success, according to evidence-based research like the 2015 study in Obesity.

3.) Take one small step. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re stuck, but big changes start with small steps. Whether it’s reaching out to someone, joining a group, or carving out time for prayer and reflection, one small action can create momentum. A 2016 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that setting small, achievable goals can lead to higher motivation and greater overall progress. Here is a great article on Medium on how small steps can lead to lasting change.

4.) Stay consistent. Breaking free from a rut doesn’t happen overnight. Commit to showing up every day, even when it’s hard. Progress comes from consistency, not perfection. Research in habit formation, such as a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, suggests that consistency over time is key to creating lasting change.

Above All

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Find your community, lean into your faith, and take that first step forward today.

Want to see how I’ve combined faith, grit, family, and fitness into a journey inspired by listening to God? Download my free Dad Grit Manifesto and discover how you can apply these principles to your own life.