Mel Robbins: Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re ready to change 

Known as the self-help guru whose tagline “let them” has encouraged millions to stop worrying what others are doing or saying, and focus on their own personal growth, has another significant lesson: don’t be afraid to keep moving forward to goals. 

During an interview with Norah O’Donnell on CBS Sunday Morning this week, Robbins said, “If you feel stuck in your life, it doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means that what’s missing in your life is growth. And if I can get you to grow and learn in any area of your life, you start to change.”

The 57-year-old mother and former lawyer—who, at one time in her 40s, was unemployed and over a million in debt—shares her motivational mindset and messages through her books, including The Let Them Theory, and the accompanying namesake podcast. Still, 15 years later, her loyalists still refer to her iconic 2011 TED Talk, “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over.” 

In this CBS interview, Robbins said we to accept change in one’s life trajectory, building the comparison to sustainable needs:

“When you’re thirsty what do you need?”

“Water.”

“When you are hungry, what do you need?”

“Food.”

“When you’re stuck, do you know what you need? Growth.”

This motivation for self-advocacy can be an astounding motivator for personal growth and change. When one accepts they are ready to move forward, do the work and make the change, positive results happen. 

And there’s data to back this up. Growth mindset interventions are increasing in popularity and can be effective, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin. A meta-analysis of 53 prior analyses revealed “positive effects on academic outcomes, mental health, and social functioning, especially when interventions are delivered to people expected to benefit the most.” 

Furthermore, understanding that change is inevitable can be scary, but key to personal growth, according to an article in Psychology Today. The article offered pointers for self-growth, including to adopt a growth mindset, to engage in activities that broaden perspectives and push you out of your comfort zone—and to remind yourself of the progress you’ve made thus far. 

All opportunities that only exist if you feel “stuck.”

After all, being “stuck” is really just a way to access your full potential:

• 3 questions that will help you regain momentum when you’re stuck
• Change is a choice: Embrace your power to transform
• How to train your brain to embrace change

And, if being stuck makes you feel like you’re broken or behind or a failure—remind yourself of your progress, and of your end goal. Envisioning what life looks like once you’ve achieved your accomplishments can be a great source of motivation, whether it’s pursuing more education, starting a business, or changing career paths. 

One quote from Robbins’ book sums how you can move from what you interpret as being broken, to being an achiever:  “You don’t need anyone else’s permission to be happy, to pursue your passions, express yourself more, or to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. The only permission you need is your own.”

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