Have you ever felt completely capable in most areas of your life, yet in one specific situation, you feel frozen, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward?
That’s situational impairment, and we’ve all been there.
I’ll never forget the time I had shingles—likely from stress—and unknowingly passed the virus to my baby and toddler in the form of chickenpox. As I sat on mute during a tense client call, resisting the urge to scratch my itchy skin while trying to comfort my crying children, I felt paralyzed.
I wasn’t failing. In fact, I was thriving in many ways. I had a successful career, a strong reputation, and I regularly mentored others on how to reprioritize, ask for help, and move forward. And yet, in that moment, I was completely stuck. I couldn’t take my own advice. I couldn’t see a way forward.
Why does this happen—even to high performers who know what they should do?
Our brains resist uncertainty. Even when we know something needs to change, we cling to old patterns because they feel safe. We tell ourselves stories based on past experiences, convincing ourselves that change is too risky, too complicated, or just not possible.
This is how situational impairment takes hold. It’s not about lacking knowledge or ability—it’s about a mental block that prevents us from taking action in one area, despite feeling competent in every other part of our lives.
When we feel stuck, we often buy into limiting beliefs that keep us from making a change:
🔹 “I just need to push through—this isn’t that bad.”
🔹 “If I change something, I’ll let people down.”
🔹 “I’m the only one struggling with this.”
🔹 “It’s too late.”
But here’s the truth:
✅ Your beliefs shape your actions—they can either guide you forward or keep you stuck.
✅ The worst-case scenario you imagine is often exaggerated—but it still controls your behavior.
✅ The discomfort you avoid may be exactly what you need to face in order to grow.
If you’re stuck in just one area—despite everything else going well—there is a way forward.
1️⃣ Recognize the story you’re telling yourself. What assumptions are you making about why you can’t change?
2️⃣ Challenge it. What if the opposite were true? What if change was easier than you thought?
3️⃣ Take one small step. Action disrupts fear. Even a tiny shift in behavior can break the cycle of inaction.
Growth isn’t about fixing everything—it’s about addressing the one thing that’s holding you back.
So, what’s one area in your life where you know change is needed—but haven’t been able to move forward?