Stuck Happens: Getting Unstuck in Life and Career with Deanna deBara
Stuck Happens: Getting Unstuck in Life and Career with Deanna deBara
On this episode of The Breakout Podcast, hosts Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther sit down with writer and podcast host Deanna deBara to discuss getting unstuck in life and career. Deanna breaks down why we get stuck in career, relationships, or personal growth. Furthermore, she explains how it impacts both the brain and body. Most importantly, she focuses on how to move forward. If you’ve ever felt trapped, this episode is for you.
What Does It Mean to Be Stuck?
Deanna deBara is a writer, speaker, and podcast host who, through her work, helps people break free from the feeling of being stuck. As the creator of Season of Stuck, she explores the psychology, neuroscience, and personal stories behind life’s toughest transitions. In particular, she focuses on how these factors influence personal growth. Her work provides a deeper understanding of why we feel stuck and, more importantly, how to move forward.
Deanna explains that feeling stuck isn’t just a mental block. In fact, it has physiological roots. “You can’t think your way out of a body problem,” she shares. Addressing what’s happening in both the brain and body is the first step toward meaningful change.
She describes stuckness as the unsettling space between who you were and who you are becoming. As a result, this transition can feel overwhelming. This experience can feel paralyzing. However, she emphasizes that it isn’t just about mindset. It’s also about nervous system regulation. Her own journey of being stuck has taken many forms. One example is that she battled addiction in her early 20s and later faced career uncertainty as an established writer. Each time, she found that small, intentional steps helped her break through inertia. Consequently, these actions led to lasting change.
Strategies for Getting Unstuck
Throughout the episode, Deanna shares actionable strategies for navigating stuckness and regaining momentum:
⭐ Recognize Stuckness as Normal – Feeling stuck isn’t a personal failure; it’s a universal human experience. Acknowledge it without judgment.
⭐ Engage the Body First – Before tackling mindset shifts, focus on nervous system regulation. Activities like movement, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help recalibrate your response to stress.
⭐ Use “Micro-Yeses” – Instead of overwhelming yourself with big changes, take small, manageable steps forward. Ask yourself, “What’s the smallest thing I can say yes to right now?” and build from there.
⭐ Shift the Narrative – The stories we tell ourselves can keep us stuck. Reframe self-limiting beliefs to open up new possibilities.
⭐ Seek Support – Whether through community, therapy, or trusted friends, breaking out of stuckness is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
Major Takeaways from Deanna deBara
Feeling stuck isn’t just mental—it’s deeply connected to the body’s nervous system. Address both for real progress.
Small, consistent actions create momentum. Micro-yeses add up over time.
Vulnerability and openness about stuckness help build connection and resilience.
Listen Now
Want to hear more? Tune into Deanna’s conversation on The Breakout Podcast for deep insights on breaking through barriers and stepping into your next chapter. Listen here.
About The Breakout
The Breakout Podcast features transformative tales of personal growth. Hosted by Abbracci Group’s thought leaders, Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther, it explores powerful stories of change. Join them monthly as they chat with inspiring guests who offer practical insights on breaking boundaries, boosting confidence, and living boldly. Subscribe today to listen to our upcoming episodes filled with inspiration, motivation, and practical advice to help you unleash your full potential! Join our Breakout community.
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#4 in the Top 100 Indie Self All-Time Chart
