Earlier this week, I talked about pretending you create everything that happens to you as an approach to break out of unproductive loops when you feel victimized by things outside your control.
In a conversation I had last night, I was reminded that there is more to it than coming up with options. You have to be willing to do something - take a different action - to change your current situation.
I often encourage (prod?) my kids to "take responsibility for your own well-being." That can be a hard thing to do, particularly if the inhibitor you're dealing with is your ego or sense of security.
When I'm dealing with my own internal struggles, I have found that creating a forcing event or external commitment works pretty well to get me through it. I am also getting better at asking people for help.
It's tougher when I'm acting as a coach to someone else - in spite of logic, common sense, etc. the ego and sense of self-preservation often make it more attractive for people to stick with the status quo.
I try to help people talk through the issues, and offer to help when they are ready to move to the next step. It doesn't always work.
What do you do in those situations? I'd love to hear about what's in your toolkit.