The #1 Question To Get Unstuck: What Do I Need?
- Tosca DiMatteo
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 17
We all experience moments when we feel stuck, emotionally, professionally, or just in the day-to-day routine. In Episode 60 of The Unlock Lab podcast, I explored one of the most transformative yet overlooked questions for getting unstuck: “What do I need?”
This simple question can be the key to breaking free from cycles of overwhelm, frustration, or dissatisfaction. It’s about recognizing your own worthiness and giving yourself permission to have your needs met.
Why Asking “What Do I Need?” Is So Powerful
Many people are conditioned to put others’ needs first or to ignore our own, whether by family, society, or workplace culture. This habit can leave us feeling depleted and disconnected from ourselves. When you pause to ask, “What do I need?” you begin to reclaim your personal power and create space for real change.
It’s not always easy to identify what you need, especially in challenging or emotional moments. If you’re unsure, start by allowing yourself to feel whatever emotion comes up for you. Emotions are meant to move through us, so that they can transform, not be bottled up to cause more heartache and pain. By acknowledging your feelings, you create the clarity needed to understand what’s truly beneath the surface, which enables you to ask yourself the question about what you need - or what you needed - in that situation.
Listen to Your Body
When brain can't help you answer the question about what you need, then pay attention to what your body is telling you about it! Our bodies have a way of communicating our unmet needs, sometimes subtly, sometimes loudly. When we ignore what we truly need, our bodies often send signals that become impossible to overlook. Learning to tune in and respond to these signals is an incredible superpower to use on your journey of personal growth and professional breakthroughs.
Being Vulnerable Helps Yourself and Others
Meeting your needs isn’t always a solo act - we can't always be the one to give ourselves what we need - even though it's a great place to start. Sometimes we have to reach out and asking for support, which requires vulnerability. Honoring your needs and reaching out is not selfish—it’s a courageous act of self-respect. In fact, it also gives someone else the opportunity to feel good about being able to support you.
Create a Daily Practice
The real magic happens when you make the question "What do I need?" a habit, not just a tool for tough times. Try starting your day by asking yourself what you need, and check in whenever you feel triggered or uncertain. Over time, you’ll build greater self-awareness and resilience, and you’ll find it easier to respond to life’s challenges with compassion for yourself.
Getting unstuck starts with honoring your own needs. Whether it’s rest, movement, connection, or support, asking “What do I need?” is the first step toward meaningful change. Practice this question daily, give yourself permission to meet your needs, because it's your birthright to have your needs met.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into personal growth and start meeting your needs consistently, I’d love to support you. Join my email community for exclusive insights, practical tips, and early access to new episodes and resources designed to help you get unstuck and thrive.
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Want to hear more? Tune in to Episode 60 of the podcast, The #1 One Question To Get Unstuck, for the deeper dive on this topic.
