TheUPside Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Why You Feel Stuck (And What To Do About It)
Host: Theresa Flood
Release Date: March 31, 2026

Episode Overview

In this value-packed episode, Theresa Flood explores the common experience of feeling stuck—whether in life, business, or relationships. She breaks down the three main types of “stuckness” people encounter: complacent stuck, frustrated stuck, and misaligned stuck. For each, she offers practical insights, reflective questions, and actionable strategies to help listeners identify their patterns and start moving forward, emphasizing that growth comes from within and is sparked by self-awareness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Three Types of Feeling Stuck

Theresa introduces her framework for understanding stuckness (01:02):

• Complacent Stuck

  • Characterized by comfort and boredom; life or work is fine, but uninspiring.
  • Growth has stopped due to lack of challenge.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “A combination between stressed and bored is just a terrible combination... If we’re not growing inevitably, we’re going to feel stuck.” – Theresa (03:30)

• Frustrated Stuck

  • You’re putting in the work but not getting results.
  • Can be due to a strategy problem, a leverage problem, or a timing problem.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “When you’re frustrated stuck, you’re showing up consistently, you’re doing the work, you’re putting in the reps, and you’re not seeing the results.” – Theresa (08:15)

• Misaligned Stuck

  • Occurs after expected success, leading to questions like “What’s next?”
  • Presents as low energy, lack of fulfillment, procrastination, or aimlessness.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “Vision is energy and it is the energy that will pull you through. You really don’t need more motivation. You need more clarity.” – Theresa (18:35)

2. Deep Dive: Categories of Stuck and Solutions

A) Complacent Stuck (01:30 – 07:00)

• Often sneaks up after periods of routine success.

• Not painful, but lacks excitement—“just going through the motions.”

• Solution:

  • Raise your standards.
  • Do something that stretches you.
  • Antidote: Courage.

  “If you are in a place right now that you would say, ah, that kind of resonates, I think it’s me… I’m going to challenge you to raise your standards, to push yourself beyond your limits.” – Theresa (05:15)

B) Frustrated Stuck (07:05 – 15:49)

• Strategy Problem: What worked before isn’t working now; may require coaching or a new approach.

• Leverage Problem: Hitting growth ceilings; need new systems, better tools, or collaborators.

• Timing Problem: Progress is happening but isn’t visible yet—patience and persistence needed.

  “If you think about a farmer that sows seed, the rains water the seed, and yet nothing happens on the surface. But underneath the soil, those roots are starting to grow…” – Theresa (13:52)

• Antidote: Endurance.

  • Stick with it, adapt as needed, but don’t quit.

C) Misaligned Stuck (15:50 – 21:30)

• Arises when past goals no longer align with present desires or life circumstances.

• Symptoms: low energy, fulfillment, second guessing, procrastination.

• Often the result of an outdated vision or borrowed goals.

• Solution:

  • Pause and reconnect with what matters to you now.
  • Reevaluate your vision for the next 3, 5, or 10 years.
  • Antidote: Vision.

  “You need a clear, meaningful and purposeful vision. You really don’t need more motivation. You need more clarity. And that is what vision is going to give you.” – Theresa (18:40)

Action Steps and Listener Challenges

• If you’re complacent stuck:

  • Do something bold and outside your comfort zone—learn something new or take on a challenge.
  • (19:32)

• If you’re frustrated stuck:

  • Don’t quit; adjust, pivot, and endure. Progress may be happening behind the scenes.
  • (20:00)

• If you’re misaligned stuck:

  • Pause, ask big questions, reflect, and realign your vision.
  • (20:30)

Memorable Quotes

• “Growth always requires tension.” – Theresa (04:10)
• “Raise your standards. Choose discomfort intentionally.” – Theresa (05:20)
• “Coaching can really help us when we’re frustrated stuck. Coaching can really help with solutions and with strategy.” – Theresa (10:10)
• “You aren’t as stuck as you think you are.” – Theresa (13:30)
• “Clarity will create energy, energy will create action. And action is what gets us unstuck.” – Theresa (18:55)
• “When you invest in your growth every single day, it’s going to yield you great returns.” – Theresa (21:40)

Resources & Next Steps

• Self-Reflection Audit:
  • Theresa will send out a free self-reflection audit for subscribers to help identify where listeners may be stuck and outline possible actions to move forward.
  • Subscribe at teresaerasaflood.com to receive it.
  • (21:00)

Final Thoughts

Theresa Flood’s framework empowers listeners to name the type of stuck they’re experiencing and choose the antidote—courage, endurance, or vision. Her actionable steps and relatable stories provide both clarity and motivation, making this episode a practical guide for anyone ready to move forward.