Growth isn’t linear: What to do when you feel stuck
College is full of twists and turns, and that’s normal. It’s common to feel uncertain about your major, your future or even your next steps. If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Let’s talk about what it means to be “stuck.”
Reframe: Feeling stuck means you’re learning
Growth isn’t a straight line. You might make progress, hit a wall, take a detour and then move forward again. These shifts or moments of failure happen a lot throughout life. In fact, setbacks are often where the most meaningful learning happens.
It’s normal not to have everything figured out right now. The important thing is to discover what you need and clarify what you want to work toward.
Reset: Rethink your goals
Sometimes people feel stuck because the goals they’ve set aren’t realistic for where they are right now. Take a moment to ask yourself:
- Is this goal achievable with the time, energy and resources I have?
- If not, can I adjust it to something more doable?
Small, actionable goals are often more effective than big, overwhelming ones. Progress is progress, even if it’s slow.
Take a break: Rest is productive
We live in a culture that glorifies the grind. But here’s the truth: you can’t grow if you’re exhausted, burned out or disconnected. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause.
Find time for a walk or gentle stretching. Do something creative. Connect with friends or get outside. When you reconnect with your body and heart, your mind often follows.
Reconnect and realign: Find what feels right
If you’re unsure about your path, take time to reflect on what makes you you. Try this quadrant activity:
- Write down 5-10 things in each of these categories: experiences, skills, passions and personality traits.
- Look at your list. What patterns do you see?
- Share it with someone you trust and ask for their feedback.
This can help you reconnect with your values and strengths—and maybe even spark new ideas for your path forward.
Instead of chasing a single “passion,” ask yourself: Do my current actions align with my values? If not, it might be time to explore new options. That could mean connecting with Career Services, joining a student organization or trying out a new class that excites you.
College is a time of discovery. What you thought you wanted might change—and that’s okay.
Find support: You don’t have to do this alone
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Talk to people who care about you—friends, family, mentors or someone further along in your academic journey. That could be a TA, an advisor or a student whose resilience you admire.
鶹ѰBoulder has many support services to help you navigate your path. Whether it’s academic advising, Career Services, the Basic Needs Center, tutoring or mental health support, you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can also connect with peer wellness coaches, who are trained students ready to help you set goals, manage stress and find resources that fit your needs.
Wherever you are on your journey, it’s okay. Growth isn’t linear, and setbacks are part of the process. Learning how to navigate uncertainty now will build resilience that lasts a lifetime.