Are You "Stuck in the Weeds" of Your Career or Business? Here’s How to Step Back, Refocus, and Move into Growth
- Lisa Fitzpatrick
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Does this sound familiar? You wake up with big plans to move forward on an important project or dream, determined that today will be different. But as the hours pass, your time gets swallowed up by emails, meetings, admin, unexpected appointments, and endless distractions. By the end of the day, you're done, yet the important tasks remain untouched.
You’re working hard but not making real progress. The key to breaking this cycle isn’t working harder - it’s about working smarter. Let’s explore how to break free from the weeds, regain control, and start focusing on what truly matters so you can step into growth and fulfilment.

1. Reconnect with Your Bigger Purpose
When you're buried in the day-to-day, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started. Taking a step back and reconnecting with your bigger purpose brings clarity and direction, ensuring your actions align with your long-term vision.
Ask yourself:
Am I focusing on what truly moves me forward, or am I caught up in distractions?
How am I aligned with my values?
If I were to zoom out, what should I focus on today that truly matters?
Action Step: Spend 10 minutes every day realigning your priorities. Identify the top three actions that drive real progress and make sure your time is spent on them. The satisfaction of completing meaningful tasks is worth it!
2. Let Go of What’s Not Essential for You
You don’t need to do everything. The key to growth is learning to let go of tasks that drain you or don’t move you closer to your goals. Delegating or removing non-essential work frees up energy for what matters most.
Ask yourself:
What tasks can be delegated, automated, or eliminated?
Where am I spending time and energy that isn’t contributing to my growth?
Action Step: Choose one task this week to offload. This will create space for the things that matter most.
3. Protect Your Time and Set Boundaries
Time is your most valuable resource. Without boundaries, your time gets consumed by interruptions, low-priority tasks, and endless meetings. Protect your time to focus on high-impact work.
Ask yourself:
What am I saying yes to that doesn’t align with my bigger goals?
How can I create stronger boundaries, like fewer meetings or more uninterrupted focus time?
Action Step: Block out dedicated time each day to focus solely on your top priorities. Set a habit of disappearing for deep work - you’ll be amazed at the results.
4. Surround Yourself with the Right Support
When you’re too close to a problem, it’s hard to see the best path forward. The right support, whether it’s a coach or trusted colleague, can challenge your thinking and hold you accountable.
Ask yourself:
What will help me stay accountable when I feel stuck?
Who challenges me to step outside my comfort zone and think bigger?
What am I not seeing here?
Action Step: Reach out to someone you trust for feedback or brainstorming. Fresh perspectives can lead to breakthroughs.
5. Take Intentional, Aligned Action Every Day
Success doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from doing what truly matters. Stop waiting for the perfect moment - take action that aligns with your goals today.
Ask yourself:
What’s the one thing I can do today that will move me closer to my vision?
How can I push myself outside my comfort zone today?
Action Step: Every morning, set a clear intention for the day and take action. No overthinking, no procrastination—just progress.
Deeper Pitfalls to Avoid
You might feel stuck because of deeper-rooted challenges. It's not just about distractions or to-do lists. Common pitfalls that keep people stuck include:
Perfectionism: Waiting for things to be perfect can keep you in the weeds. Sometimes, progress is better than perfection.
Fear of failure: The fear of making mistakes can lead to inaction. Taking small, consistent steps can mitigate this fear.
Lack of clear goals: Without clear objectives, it's easy to become overwhelmed and unfocused. Set clear, achievable goals to guide your actions.
Long-Term Maintenance: Keep Your Focus
After stepping back and refocusing, the real challenge is maintaining that momentum. To avoid slipping back into old habits, consider these practices:
Regularly revisit your bigger purpose: Every few weeks, take time to reconnect with your vision. This will help realign your actions.
Find an accountability partner: Having someone to keep you accountable can help maintain focus and prevent common pitfalls. Coaching is rooted in action and accountability, driving meaningful progress.
Time block effectively: Treat your time like your money - choose how and who you spend it with wisely and guard it against distractions.
Final Thought: Move Beyond the Weeds and Step into Growth
You don’t have to stay stuck in the weeds. With clarity, intentional action, and the right support, you can move from feeling overwhelmed to leading with purpose. It’s time to step into a place of growth, success, and fulfilment.
👉 What’s one action you can take today to break free from the weeds and start moving forward with purpose?
Let’s work together to design a path forward that works for you. Get in Touch