When You’re Stuck, Go Back to the Beginning

Written By Emily Abraham

The other morning, in the rush of getting my nine-year-old ready for school, she called out for help. Her zipper was stuck. She had tugged and pulled with all her strength, but no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t budge.

When I took over, it wasn’t any easier. I pulled and wiggled, but the zipper simply wouldn’t move. My daughter, exasperated, sighed dramatically: “Oh no! What are we going to do?”

And then, I did the only thing that made sense: I pulled the zipper all the way back down to the beginning. Once I did, the problem was gone. In one smooth motion, the zipper slid up to the top, and we were out the door.

The Zipper Lesson

That tiny moment held a powerful reminder.

When you’re stuck, forcing yourself forward isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the only way to move ahead is to go back—back to the beginning, back to what matters, back to the foundation you’ve built your life on.

Just like the zipper, you may be straining with all your energy in the “forward” direction, but it won’t move. You’re left frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to try next.

The solution? Reset.

Going Back to the Beginning

For us as adults, “the beginning” doesn’t mean starting over from scratch. It means pausing long enough to reevaluate:

  • Who you are (beyond job titles, roles, or expectations)

  • What matters most (your values, not just your obligations)

  • What you love (the things that spark energy and joy)

When you give yourself permission to step back, you create space for clarity. From that grounded place, forward progress often feels easier—almost effortless.

Your Turn

If you’re feeling stuck right now—in your career, in parenting, or in life—ask yourself:

✨ What would it look like to “go back to the beginning”?

It might mean revisiting your strengths, your passions, or the dreams you set aside years ago. It might mean having a different kind of conversation with yourself—or with your teen—about what really matters.

Because once you realign with who you are and what you value, the path forward begins to open. The zipper moves.

Next time you feel stuck, don’t just pull harder. Go back to the beginning. That’s where momentum is waiting for you.

Emily Abraham