The Plucky Jester

How I Learned to Befriend the Status Quo

If you’ve ever felt stuck, this is for you.

Here’s how I got stuck, then unstuck.

Status Quo becomes Status “No”

When I started this newsletter, I picked an email marketing manager. It wasn’t a big name—it was the underdog. I liked that. I figured, we’d both fight the good fight.

At first, things were fine. The on boarding was bumpy, but their cheerful support team smoothed things over.

Life was good.

Then, cracks started to show. Support turned into a broken record: “Sorry, we’re a small team. We’re not sure when that will be resolved.” Meanwhile, updates rolled out for features I didn’t care about.

Editing became a battle. Deleting a line was a chore. All I wanted was to write an email in peace without the editor flipping out.

Earlier this year, I switched to their free plan. It was my first step toward leaving them for good.

And yet, I’m still here.

Why?

Here’s the thing: asking “Why?” can be rhetorical or intentional.

I could ask it rhetorically. But then I’d be banging my head against the wall. The thing is, the wall never changes.

When I ask the question intentionally, I find clarity.

Takeaway: How To Get Unstuck

One tool I love for this is the Five Whys.

Here’s how it works: Start with the problem. Ask “Why?” Then, ask it four more times, digging deeper with each answer.

Here’s how I applied it:

  1. Why am I annoyed by this buggy editor? Because I know better tools exist.
  2. Why haven’t I switched? Because moving platforms is a medium-sized project I don’t have time for.
  3. Why don’t I have time? Because I’m focused on other things. For example, releasing my audiobook, growing my accountability cohort, and building my business.
  4. Why are those more important? Because they deliver bigger benefits than switching email platforms.
  5. Why do those benefits matter? Because they align with my goals and help me move forward.

So, my frustration makes sense—but staying put is a choice that serves me. Knowing that gives me peace.

If you’re feeling stuck, try asking yourself “Why?” five times. You might discover that sticking with the status quo is the best decision you can make right now.

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