Women in business tell me they feel stuck! They feel stuck in a myriad of stuff that doesn't seem to make any difference to the company or to the bottom line, but they are asked to do it anyway. So what do women in business do to get unstuck?

First, let's define 'stuck' as the women I speak to describe it: a feeling that I have no control over anything I do from the second I get to work to the second I leave; the inclination that I am being watched and judged at work and then followed by my cell phone after work; the fear that 'this is all that there is' in life and nothing will ever change; and finally, the sensation that I can't breath and that nothing I do can set me free.

Raise your hand if one or more of these definitions describes how you feel about your job. Now, raise both hands if you are ready to give up and set yourself free. Remember, if you were able to get yourself stuck then only you can get yourself unstuck.

The most important first step is to understand that your perception of your reality is your reality. So, if you can alter your perception of your circumstance change will occur. Here's an example of what I mean. Mary has worked her way up the corporate ladder for 8 years and has finally landed in her dream job. However, now that she is there she is bored and frustrated and feels stuck in her new role which doesn't have the freedom she believed it would offer her. Surprise Mary! The grass is always greener, as some might say; when we view how others enjoy the role we covet. Mary doesn't realize that perhaps it is the person in that role rather than the job itself that she hungers for. As Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, famously wrote, what got you here won't get you there. In other words, it is not the job that you need to change it is YOU.

Of course, knowing we need to change and being able to change is two very different things. But, in my experience, working as a business and health coach, women who recognize that the change they are seeking starts by reacting with personal responsibility are the ones that succeed.

Getting started means making no more excuses for why you are stuck. You are stuck because you have made a choice to be stuck. That may sound harsh but it is true. Sometimes that choice is based on fear of the unknown. We don't choose change because the status quo may be miserable but at least it is comfortable. Yes, I said comfortable. If you are stuck and not doing anything about it but complaining than you clearly are not miserable enough to move out of your comfort zone. My guess is that you also have engaged some other unsuspecting victims to join your pity party. Why? Because misery does like company. Snap out of it now!

Start now to work toward the path of freedom with these simple steps:

1) Visualize yourself at 30,000 feet looking down on you. What do you see? If you had a magic wand and could change the person that you see, what changes would you make?

2) Take 15 minutes every day to walk, breath and meditate. Take this time to remind yourself how important you are to you and the people around you. Take this time to take back control of your life.

3) Start a journal and record your feelings about what you are doing in the following areas of your life: family, work, health/physical/exercise, relationships, education, and charity. Make this journal ONLY about you. Record your wins, your losses and your dreams.

4) Take one small step out of your comfort zone every day. Prove to yourself that you can meet your fears and survive.

5) Find opportunities to be a leader at work or in your community. 

6) Stop making excuses and take responsibility. You are human and flawed, but able to change and be the person you were meant to be.

7) Make sleep a priority. Your body must be rejuvenated every day if it is going to accomplish your goals.

8) Eat the foods that give you the strength and confidence you need to achieve.

9) Look for joy everywhere you can find it. Give yourself love for your mistakes and praise for your success.

10) Love yourself for your potential is limitless and with love you can be the person of your dreams.