We all go through rough patches in our lives that hold us back from moving forward. Those rough patches can include an unwanted job change, a breakup or divorce, or a death / illness in the family. In life we are always moving away from something (fear) or moving towards something (success). Depending on what life hands us, we can get stuck on fear mode. And when we are going through a rough patch, it's sometimes difficult to snap out of it without doing some soul searching first.

The first thing you have to ask yourself is whether or not you want to move forward. Your immediate response may be "of course," but chances are that although the situation you are in is not ideal, in its own way the situation is comforting. So this is a question that you should think long and hard about.

If you are unable to answer "yes, I want to move on," then take out a piece of paper and right down all the reasons the status quo is working for you. This exercise may be difficult to do because it's uncomfortable to admit that living in a state of chaos is fulfilling, again in its own way. However, the beauty of this exercise is that no one is going to read your list but you. So be very honest with yourself since that is the only way to move past your existing situation.

When you are ready to move forward, follow these steps:

1) Take inventory of the friends you are hanging out with. Are they all having problems of their own and whenever you get together with them all the conversations revolve around negativity? If so, it's time to search for new friends. As difficult as it may be to let go of people in your life, it's a must when the said people (or person) are (is) toxic.

2) There was a band called Men at Work who sang a song called Ain't Nothing Gonna Hold Me Down. From now on, use the song title as your mantra. Write it down on a sticky note and put it next to your computer or refrigerator to remind yourself that you're moving in a positive direction regardless of what or who may come along and try to kick you off your path.

Moving forward in life has to be a conscious decision because it takes effort to lead a fulfilling life.

Elle Matthews is a freelance writer who focuses on writing articles on self-development, organic baby food, and exercising. Visit http://organicbabyfoodrecommendations.com.