We've all been there: feeling stuck in a rut and not knowing how to get out.
You're feeling stressed out and like you can't get out of your own way. Your mind is foggy and it's hard to focus on anything. You don't have the energy to do anything and you just feel icky all over. Maybe you know what got you into this state, but getting yourself out seems impossible.
Here are some simple tips on getting through a rut, getting motivated, and coming out on top on the other side!
Identify The Rut
The first step is to identify that you are in a rut. The key here is feeling ?stuck? it is something you may not notice at first. You might follow what you think of as the same mundane routine without feeling like you are working towards anything in particular.
Identifying a rut can be difficult because it is often hard to see when you are in one. A rut is like a groove in a record that keeps playing the same song over and over. It can be comfortable and familiar, but it can also be boring and frustrating.
If you feel like you're stuck in a rut, ask yourself some questions.
What are you doing that is comfortable and familiar?
What are you avoiding?
What are you afraid of?
Once you have identified the source of your rut, you can begin to take steps to break out of it.
Remember, a rut is not permanent. It's just a phase that you can move on from. So don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. You may be surprised at what you're capable of.
Find The Source Of The Rut
After Identifying that you are, in fact, in a rut, there are different types of ruts out there.
Just as each person is unique, so too are the ruts we find ourselves in. No two ruts are exactly alike, and neither are the solutions for getting out of them. By identifying the type of rut, you are in, you can better mold your resolutions and make thoughtful decisions on how you plan to go about them.
The first step is to find the source of the rut.
Is it something that's happening at work?
In your personal life?
Is it your relationship?
Once you identify the source, it'll be easier to start making a plan to get out of the rut.
If work is the source of your rut, maybe it's time to start looking for a new job.
If your personal life is the source, maybe it's time to reach out to friends and family for support or find a hobby that brings you joy.
If your relationship is the source, maybe it's time to have a heart-to-heart talk with your partner or see a therapist together.
There are many different types of ruts out there but by finding the source of yours, you can start making a plan to get out of it. Identifying the issue is half the battle so take some time to really reflect on what's causing this feeling of being stuck. Once you know what it is, you can begin taking steps to change it.
Whatever the source of your rut may be, remember that you have the power to change it.
Identify Your Comfort Zone
Another critical component to getting out of a rut, maybe not precisely the reason you are in a rut, is your comfort zone.
Where are you naturally comfortable?
What feels easy?
It's easy to fall into a routine and stick to what's comfortable and familiar. By identifying where your comfort zone is, you can slowly make an effort to expand outside of your comfort zone in search of new results.
Trying new things can be scary, but it's also an essential part of growth. Taking small steps outside of your comfort zone can lead to big changes and new possibilities. So don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and into something new. Who knows, you may even surprise yourself with what you're capable of.
4 Simple Ways To Get Out Of A Rut
1. Acceptance
Acceptance is the first step to finding a solution. Whether you're in the midst of a problem or facing an issue, acknowledgment is key.
It can be difficult to face the fact that something isn't working, but until you do, you won't be able to find a way to fix it. Acceptance doesn't mean that you're happy about the situation, or that you're resigned to it. It simply means that you acknowledge that there is a problem and that you're ready to work towards finding a solution.
Once you've accepted what's happening, you can begin to think towards a solution and work towards fixing it. Acceptance allows you to be open to possibilities and venture into uncharted territory. It allows you to be brave and face your fears. Acceptance gives you the strength to move forward even when you feel like giving up.
So if you're struggling, remember that the first step is always acceptance. From there, solutions will begin to present themselves. Trust that you will find a way through whatever situation you're facing.
2. Find Your Purpose
We all have our down days, or even down weeks, months, or years. It can feel like you are stuck in a rut with no way out. Everything you try doesn?t seem to work and you feel hopeless. Before you give up, it may help to consider that the reason you are in a rut is due to a lack of direction.
It?s not uncommon to go through life without really taking the time to think about what we want. We get swept up in the day-to-day and wait for things to happen to us instead of taking control and making things happen. If you find yourself in a rut, it may be time to take a step back, assess your life, and find your purpose.
What makes you happy?
What makes you frustrated?
What can you or do you want to provide to other people?
With that knowledge, you can grow towards cultivating your purpose.
Find time for yourself and think about things you like doing and see if there?s a way to turn it into a career or something that benefits others as well. Also, look back on your life and see if some specific moments or accomplishments make you feel good about yourself?those could be clues as to what your purpose might be.
Once you have clarity on what you want and why you want it, it becomes much easier to take actionable steps toward achieving it. Additionally, pursuing your purpose can provide a sense of fulfillment that gets you through the tough times ? even if your journey isn?t always easy.
If you?re feeling lost, don?t give up hope. Find your purpose and use it as a guidepost to help you create the life you want to live.
3. Take A Day Off
Maybe not in the same idea that people think when they hear ?day off.? This doesn't mean taking a day off from work, but rather taking a day off from your normal routine. Dedicate some time to doing something that you enjoy, without any pressure or obligations.
The goal here is to deviate from the norms in an activity that you find relaxing. If there is a normal process or routine you do in your day-to-day life, every now and then, plan for some time for reflection, inspiration, or the general doing something that you really enjoy that you find trouble finding time for.
This acts as a reset button and allows you to reflect on what is going on in your life and gives you a low-pressure space and opportunity to identify problem areas and work towards a solution.
It can be anything from taking yourself on a date, exploring nature, decluttering your home, attending an art museum, or writing down your goals for the future - get creative! And allow this day to fill you up so you can go back into the world with a new perspective.
And if taking an entire day for yourself isn?t possible or realistic, start with an hour, or even 20 minutes. But give yourself permission to do something completely different than what you would normally do and to fully relax into it without any guilt.
Allow this day to fill you up so you can go back into the world with a new perspective. Take some time for yourself- your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
4. Self-Care
Self-care is one of the best ways to get out of a rut. Whether it's sleeping in, going for a walk in nature, or treating yourself to something special, taking the time to care for yourself can help you refocus and feel rejuvenated.
When we make time for ourselves, we are able to approach tasks with more energy and enthusiasm. However, it's important not to overdo it. Life is all about balance, and too much of anything is never a good thing. So find a way to incorporate some self-care into your life today and see how much better you feel tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Once you identify what is going on in your life, you can figure out if there is a solution that you can try to lead you to more satisfaction. Taking notes if you need to and by being aware of what your patterns look like it will allow you to identify a rut before it comes on and thus better aid you in knowing what to do for yourself when it does.
There are many ways that you can get out of a rut, but these 4 tips are a great starting point. If you find yourself stuck, remember to take some time for yourself, do something different, and pursue your purpose. With a little effort, you'll be back on track in no time.