THE UNSTUCK PROJECT
Unstuck Stories
Real people. Real turning points. Real possibilities.
Every Story Matters
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Unstuck Project is hearing people’s stories about how they got unstuck. Some stories are heroic, others are ordinary, and many are dramatic. But every story matters. Some make me nod in recognition. Others make me smile. Still others fill me with admiration. Sometimes, telling the story brings tears, or a broad smile, to the storyteller. Each story reminds us that change is possible, sometimes in ways we never expected.
FEATURED UNSTUCK STORY
Don’s Work Revelation
The Situation
Don became a licensed real estate salesperson at age 21, back in the 1970s. He was attracted by the potential for high commissions, but there was one problem: he actually hated selling!
His broker publicly displayed everyone’s closings and commissions on poster boards. Don felt constant pressure to produce results, push clients, and close deals. The pressure made him feel sick.
How Bad Was It?
The stress was eating away at him. His broker seemed interested only in numbers: listings, closings, and commissions earned.
Don felt disconnected from the people he was supposed to serve. He complained to his friends and eventually began considering quitting the business altogether.
The Turning Point
Then Don confided in a senior salesperson in the office, an experienced veteran of the real estate business.
The older man listened carefully. Finally, he offered a simple suggestion:
“Why don’t you just look at your job as helping families buy or sell a home?”
The Revelation
That simple question completely changed Don’s understanding of his work.
Instead of focusing on selling, he began focusing on helping people.
He listened to his clients. When problems arose during transactions, he worked to solve them. He suggested practical solutions and tried to balance the interests of buyers and sellers fairly.
He discovered that he didn’t have to be a pushy salesperson. He could succeed by being helpful.
The Long-Term Impact
Don’s early challenges proved minor compared with what lay ahead: soaring interest rates in the 1980s, economic recessions, and the financial crisis of 2008–2010.
Through it all, he persevered and thrived.
Recently, Don celebrated his 50th year as a licensed real estate professional in California.
The Wisdom
Don’s advice is simple: Focus less on your own problems and more on how you can help others.
Find out what people need. Help them solve their problems.
They’ll remember you for that.
Sometimes the situation doesn’t need to change. Our understanding of the situation does.
Your Story Can Help Others
What story of transformation is waiting inside you?
Your experience could inspire someone who feels stuck today, just as you once did.
- Have you freed yourself from a difficult situation?
- Have you finally stopped procrastinating and taken action toward an important goal?
- Do you have a favorite story about getting unstuck that you share with friends or family?
I’m collecting real-life stories to help others recognize that they, too, can make meaningful changes in their lives.
Although I began collecting stories here in California’s Central Valley, I welcome contributions from everywhere.
The short questionnaire will guide you through the important parts of your experience: your situation, what changed, what you did, and what you learned.
You may use your first name and last initial or remain anonymous. Please also include your general location.
