Do you ever struggle to start an unfamiliar task or uncomfortable challenge. I know I certainly do. Staring at a computer screen unable to move forward or distracting yourself with food, social media or anything other than what you want to accomplish. We all face those moments of paralysis.

In those moments it can be so easy to berate ourselves for not moving forward. But that only exacerbates the stuckness. This "freeze mode" is a natural response to perceived threats, deeply rooted in our survival instincts. There is nothing wrong with you.

When faced with a daunting task or an unfamiliar situation, our brain may perceive it as a threat, triggering the amygdala to send out distress signals. This can lead to a surge of adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body for danger. However, when the perceived threat is a challenging project at work, a public speaking engagement, or a difficult conversation, this response can be counterproductive, leading to inaction and avoidance.

A variety of energy states can contribute to the freeze response, including:

Low physical energy: Fatigue, exhaustion, or general lethargy can make it difficult to muster the motivation needed to tackle challenging tasks.
Anxiety or fear: High levels of nervous energy focused on potential negative outcomes can paralyze decision-making and action.
Overwhelm: A sense of being mentally or emotionally overloaded can lead to a shutdown response.
Negative self-talk: An internal dialogue filled with doubt and self-criticism can deplete mental energy and courage.
Perfectionism: The energy of striving for flawlessness can paradoxically lead to inaction due to fear of failure.
Indecision: Being caught in a loop of weighing options without reaching a conclusion can drain mental energy and stall progress.
Learned helplessness: A state of perceived powerlessness based on past experiences can lead to a lack of initiative.
Procrastination mindset: The habit of delaying action can become a self-reinforcing energy state that's hard to break.
Analysis paralysis: Over-thinking and excessive planning can consume mental energy without leading to action.
Stress overload: Chronic stress can deplete both physical and mental reserves, making new challenges seem insurmountable.

When this response hinders our growth and progress, it becomes essential to find ways to transform our energy to engage successfully. By intentionally altering our energy state, we can move from a place of fear and hesitation to one of curiosity, enthusiasm, and readiness for action. Let’s explore how we get there.

First as we alluded to above, recognize you are having a freeze response and be compassionate with yourself. Acknowledge that your response is normal. And decide to lovingly change your energy.

Once you’ve done that, the next steps are in no particular order. What you use may vary from day to day depending on what caused the freeze response so explore and see what works for you.

Reframe the Situation: Often, the freeze response is triggered by a perception of the situation as threatening. Reframing the challenge as an opportunity for growth or learning can lessen its perceived danger.
Focus on What You Can Control: Fear of the unknown is a major freeze factor. Break down the task into smaller, manageable steps. This allows you to focus on what you can control in the present moment, fostering a sense of agency.
Utilize EFT Tapping: By tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on the fear or anxiety you're experiencing, EFT tapping can help to disrupt negative emotional patterns, rewire your nervous system and promote feelings of calm and empowerment.
Shift Your Body Language: Our bodies and minds are interconnected. Slumped posture and shallow breathing reinforce a feeling of powerlessness. Stand tall, take some deep breaths, and engage in a light physical activity – all of which send signals to your brain that you're ready to take action. I’ll share an exercise below to support this idea.
Finding Your Power Pose: Research shows that adopting confident physical postures can actually influence your internal state. Strike a powerful pose, like standing with your hands on your hips or arms raised in victory, and hold it for a few minutes. This can trigger the release of hormones like testosterone, which increase feelings of confidence and motivation.
Physical Activity: Movement can be a powerful tool in changing our energy. Exercise, even in short bursts, can release endorphins and reduce stress hormones, fostering a more positive and energized state. A brisk walk, a few stretches, dancing in front of the mirror or a quick workout can invigorate the body and mind, preparing us to engage with the task.
The Power of Positivity: Our thoughts and beliefs significantly impact our energy levels. Challenge negative self-talk by reminding yourself of your past successes and visualize yourself accomplishing the task at hand.
Start Small, Celebrate Wins: Don't overwhelm yourself trying to conquer everything at once. Begin with a small, achievable step, and celebrate your progress along the way. This builds momentum and reinforces your sense of competence, helping you approach bigger challenges with a more positive energy.
Nature Immersion: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress hormones and promote feelings of calm and well-being. Take a walk in the park, sit by a stream, or simply gaze at the trees, a flower or ants on the sidewalk. Reconnecting with the natural world can help shift your energy from freeze to flow.

What additional resources do you have available to you? I recommend keeping a list.

I had to use many of these resources myself recently. When returning from my time away began with a visit to the ER due to pain from a kidney stone that took a few weeks to exit my body. It was a process to return to motivation. So I made good use of my resources to return my energy to a resourced state.

When we successfully change our state of energy we see and feel things differently. So for example rather than simply asking different questions or taking different actions, it is asking those questions or taking those actions from a different energy. The energy you have from a more resourced and empowered state.

It’s the difference of saying “What am I missing here?” from a place of resignation, upset and anger with the thought of nothing ever goes right for me to saying those same words from a place of excitement for what you will discover. Of knowing you are in a good place because not knowing is a place of power that allows for awareness and exploration, growth and play.

EXPERIMENT: I invite you to try an experiment right now to feel the difference. It may be helpful to do this in front of a mirror. You can do this out loud or in your head. First ask the question, “What am I missing here?” with your shoulders hunched and a scowl on your face, brow furrowed and a monotone voice. How do you feel in your body? How energized do you feel?

Now ask that same question, “What am I missing here?” with your shoulders back, head held high, brows uplifted, a smile on your face and some excitement in your voice. What do you notice?

Likely you felt an energetic difference. I know I do. Sometimes you might not and that’s ok. Use a number of the tools discussed above. The energetic shifts you make will have a big difference on your forward movement. It could make the difference between staying in a pattern of freeze and defeat that spirals you lower or creating an empowering experience that builds your energy up and leaves you empowered and maybe even excited for the next challenge.

By adopting practices that promote positive energy, we can train our minds and bodies to respond differently to challenges. Over time, this can build resilience and confidence, enabling us to face future tasks with greater ease and success. The journey from freeze mode to successful engagement is not always easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it is entirely achievable.

If I can support you, I’m here for you. Reach out, let’s have a conversation.

Remember, progress rarely happens in a giant leap. By taking small, consistent steps and consciously cultivating a more empowered energy, you can break free from feeling stuck and unlock your full potential.

“Energy is the currency of the universe.Be selective in your focus because your attention feeds the energy of it and keeps it alive" - Emily Maroutian

“There’s a direct correlation between positive energy and positive results.” - Joe Rogan