Everyone feels stuck every now and again, paralyzed by the gnawing feeling that something must change whether in one's work or work environment, or in a life situation or way of living. When people are stuck, they can remain that way for long periods of time, especially without a process for "getting unstuck." And eventually, this failure to get "unstuck" threatens not only one's personal life and career, but even the healthy functioning of the rest of one's team or organization. What are the steps to navigate out of this kind of rut and find a meaningful way forward?In Getting Unstuck, psychotherapist and Harvard Business School professor Timothy Butler shares a proven six-step model for moving from a state of impasse to action. Based on the author's popular career development program at Harvard Business School and informed by his twenty-five years of research and coaching in a variety of industries that range from start-ups to Fortune 500, Getting Unstuck unveils the same practical six-step process used successfully with thousands of executives and students. With engaging and wise counsel, Butler leads the reader through new ways of imagining the work and life structures that will ultimately be most meaningful and shows how to recognize a state of psychological impasse, shift to a deeper understanding, and create a new path that leads out of impasse and into a new future.Supported by a wide range of stories of others who have accomplished similar life transitions, this book is written for anyone is looking for practical and authoritative guidance for moving out of his or her own immediate impasse.

"Butler, a psychotherapist and director of Career Development at Harvard Business School, says it's the ruts and dead ends in life that can provide motivation for the greatest change-provided you're willing to dig deep and confront unresolved issues from the past. Though it isn't an easy process, this self-help proves uncommonly fresh and thought-provoking. Butler's approach is built around a practical six-step process that he's used with thousands of corporate executives and students, who provide anecdotes and experiences. The book is divided into three sections: in the first, readers learn how to identify a psychological impasse and open themselves to the possibilities it hides; part two focuses on unearthing passions and interests that have been forgotten or buried; and part three is about 'Moving from Impasse to Action,' achieving the ultimate goal of change through a heightened awareness of 'the energies and possibilities that are emerging, regardless of their threat to habit, comfort and stereotyped expectations.' In the end, the real challenge may be in winnowing a single path from the wealth of options Butler uncovers." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Using his work as a social scientist, psychotherapist, and career counselor, Butler (career development, Harvard Business School) outlines strategies for getting "unstuck" at work, home, with colleagues, or family. He describes the state of psychological impasse and how it is a sign for change, how to create a clear vision, and the stages of the process of moving through the crisis: arrival, emergence of unresolved issues, opening up to new information, shifting to a new understanding of the situation, recognizing personality patterns, and deciding to take action, with a lot of information on career choices. He uses exercises from classes and workshops he teaches. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

You will experience psychological impasse many times in your life. During these times, you have the sensation that youre stuck or paralyzed. Youre convinced that something must change, whether in your work or personal life. Though this feeling is normal, you need to move beyond it. Failure to get unstuck can put your career and personal lifeas well as the healthy functioning of your team or organizationat risk.In Getting Unstuck, business psychologist and researcher Timothy Butler offers strategies for moving beyond a career or personal-life impasseby recognizing the state of impasse, awakening your imagination, recognizing patterns of meaning in your life, and taking action for change. Drawing on a wealth of stories about individuals who have successfully transitioned out of impasses, Getting Unstuck provides a practical, authoritative road map for moving past your immediate impasseand defining a meaningful path forward.Dr. Timothy Butler is a Senior Fellow and the Director of Career Development Programs at Harvard Business School. He teaches career coaching and consults to organizations worldwide on career development issues.