Don’t Waste Another Day – Discover How to Get Out of a Rut Once and for All

silhouette of man lost in thought, stuck and in a rut, looking out over downtown Atlanta skyline at night, tom martin life coach and business coaching Roswell Georgia

I’ll admit it… I was in a rut.

I had just returned from a great two-week vacation in Hilton Head Island where we were able to spend time with both sides of our families.

But when I returned, it was as if I left my mojo at the beach.  

Everything seemed to be a struggle…

  • Two new coaching clients that I was excited to start working with put things on hold until 4th quarter.
  • An exciting opportunity for a non-profit I’m a board member of fell through in the final stages of the due diligence period.
  • I was behind my timeline for having materials ready for the launch of my Leveraging Life Now mastermind group.

I could go on, but you get the picture, everything was a chore, and little was working as I had envisioned.

  • Have you ever been there?
  • Have you ever felt that way?  

The one thing I knew was that something had to change… me and my mindset!  

Fortunately, this wasn’t the first time, and I had a bit of experience on how to break free of a rut. Here is my strategy, what I call the A,B,C’s + a “D” on how to get out of a rut! 

Acknowledge your feelings…

The first step to getting out of a rut is to acknowledge that you’re in one. This can be difficult, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling.

Be curious about yourself and what’s missing…

Once you’ve acknowledged that you’re in a rut, start to ask yourself some questions about why you’re there. What are the factors that are contributing to your situation? What are you afraid of? What are you holding yourself back from?

Create a plan…

Once you have a better understanding of the reasons for your rut, you can start to create a plan for getting out of it. Start with small, take baby steps at first that provide traction and create momentum. And make sure your plan features specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive steps.

Don’t go it alone…

Getting out of a rut isn’t always easy. The human brain gets stuck in its ways. It can be difficult to hold ourselves accountable. Friends and family are often supportive, but they don’t always provide the push we need when we’re stuck in a rut. 

Interested in Drilling Down a Bit Deeper?

Here are some specific actions you can take to get unstuck and break free of a rut:

  • Set small, achievable goals. When you’re feeling stuck, it can be helpful to start with small, achievable goals. This will help you build momentum and make it less daunting to start making changes.
  • Break down big goals into smaller steps. If you have a big goal that you want to achieve, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it seem less overwhelming and more achievable.
  • Reward yourself for your accomplishments. When you reach a goal, no matter how small, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
  • Find a support system. Having a support system of friends, family, or colleagues can be helpful when you’re trying to get out of a rut. They can offer encouragement and support when you need it.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to get out of a rut on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a therapist, life coach, or other professional.

Getting out of a rut takes time and effort, but it is definitely possible. By following these tips, you can start to break the cycle of stagnation and create a life that you love.

Here are some final thoughts to help you avoid any future ruts: 

  • Take care of your physical health. When you’re feeling healthy and well-rested, you’re better able to cope with stress and make positive changes in your life.
  • Spend time with loved ones. Social connection is important for our mental and emotional well-being. Make time for the people who matter most to you.
  • Do things that you enjoy. Make time for activities that make you happy and fulfilled. This could be anything from spending time in nature to reading a good book.
  • Challenge yourself. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can help you grow and learn. Try something new, even if it scares you a little bit.
  • Be patient with yourself. Change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep moving forward and you will eventually reach your goals.

And don’t forget to Count Your Blessings!

Reflecting on the good things in your life, big or small each day is a powerful activity which helps us avoid ruts. And when you do this daily (I prefer in the morning before getting up) it will shift your perspective and you’ll feel more grateful and positive throughout the day. 

I hope these suggestions and practical tips help you get out of any rut you might be experiencing and put you on the path of creating a life where you both prosper and thrive!

Tom

Looking for additional resources…

Check out the Secrets to a New Life where Ed Mylett talks about how burnout, fatigued, and feeling overwhelmed are all symptoms of a much bigger problem that needs to be addressed. 

Secrets to a New Life Podcast on How to Get Out of a Rut from the Ed Mylett Show

Click the Image to Listen

Spend 20 minutes with Peak Performance Expert Ed Mylett and listen as he reveals the “disease” that is causing these symptoms and shares practical steps on how to get back on track! 


Or perhaps you are moving out of your rut but unsure what to do next… here are 3 Things To Do When You’re Unsure What To Do Next

Picture of a person unsure what to do with two arrows pointing the opposite directions

 

 

One Word 365 for 2023

One Word 365 for 2023 image with picture of book cover to One Word That Will Change Your Life - Tom Martin Coaching

Twelve years ago, I read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life, and to say that the book lived up to its title would be an understatement.

I think is it was the title that captured my curiosity. But it was the promise within the introduction that compelled me to purchase the book:

If we could give you one thing that would improve your life in incredible ways, would you receive it?

If this one thing was so intuitive and easy to use that you would be crazy not to try it, would you give it a shot?

It was December 2010 and I found myself in a bit of a funk. The year had been filled with challenges, both personal and professional.

The dealership was having a great year, but battling a rare form of cancer that had metastasized, three surgeries, and over sixty radiation treatments had certainly taken its tool.

My nature was to power through obstacles and challenges when they appeared in my life or arose in my career. So, when cancer was introduced into my world, I took the same approach. But in doing so, I was exhausted.

So, after reading One Word, and considering my current state of exhaustion, the one word theme I chose for the upcoming year was “Pause”.  But little did I know, some 45 days later I would find out my cancer had returned for a third time, with a stage 4 diagnosis.

The word “Pause” for me, that year, under those circumstances, was transformation!

Since then, I’ve shared One Word with family, friends, and in my coaching practice. And most would say that by adopting a One Word 365 mindset, they found clarity, purpose, power, and passion. All of which were driving forces that kept the vision alive for the next 365 days. 

How does something that sounds so simple, work so effectively?

Words are powerful!

When words are used thoughtfully and intentionally, they have the power. They can inspire, motivate, and energize. Words can heal, encourage, and make what seems impossible… possible.

The simple power of the One Word 365 mindset impacts the key components in your life. Something I refer to as the Six F’s: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun! 

There is a word out there for you!

If you’re ready to get started with One Word 365 for 2023… watch out this video!

You see, when a compelling vision is combined with a single word that describes a desired outcome with laser-like focus… transformation occurs!

Here is a link to order your copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life! 

A list of the words Tom Martin has selected over the years to kick off the New Year as part of One Word 365.

As you can see from the image above, I’m still working through the One Word process of deciding what my One Word 365 for 2023 will be. But check back next week, and I will post my word here along with the reasons why “this word” is important to me for 2023. 

Click to get a free copy of One Word Action Plan

And remember, if you need some assistance getting started with One Word 365 for 2023let’s chat!

Wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2023! 

What To Do When You Do Not Know What To Do

Three Practical Things You Can Do Today

what-to-do-when-you-do-not-know-what-to-do-tom-martin-coaching

Out of the blue, I received a call from someone in the financial services industry that I had that referred clients over the years. Her business expertise was in an area beyond the scope of work I did with my clients. And while we had collaborated on clients, we had never talked about her business beyond the services she provided to business owners.

The voicemail indicated she wanted to run something by me. But when we spoke, I quickly realized she was at the crossroads with a business decision and she didn’t know what to do.

Many times the coaching conversations I have with business owners concern decisions they had made at a point in their life when they didn’t know what to do.

Seeking advice or counsel is the wise thing to do

But either by design or default or because of ego or pride, entrepreneurs and business owners tend to go it alone. Sometimes the results are good and often not as good as they had sought objective feedback or utilized someone as a sounding board.

And while I won’t go into the details of the call, here is a decision-making model I used to help her get a better idea of what to do when she truly didn’t know what to do.

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. – Charles Swindoll

 

Be Inquisitiveresearch potential solutions

tom-martin-coaching-be-inquisitive

• Search the internet – articles, books, blogs, podcasts, videos

• Ask friends, family, neighbors, or business associates if they know someone you should talk to who is familiar with the decision you are contemplating

 

 

Be Openseek counsel

tom-martin-coaching-be-open-to-counsel• Being inquisitive is getting ideas about potential solutions.

• Getting counsel is tapping into the wisdom of someone who has perspective about the decision you have to make.

• And if you can’t find someone with first-hand knowledge of the situation, review your notes from all the conversations you had with people you trust (mentors, advisors, friends, spouse) to see where there is a consensus. And when there is, move on to the next step. Just make sure the people you’re talking to will not only tell you what they think but also what you need to hear.

 

Be Stillponder, meditate, or pray

tom-martin-coaching-be-still• Evaluate everything you learned from being inquisitive and review the advice shared by counsel.

• Compare the advice shared by counsel.

• Stay still until you know what to do. Remember, no one knows for you…only you know for you!

 

A few final thoughts about moving forward after you make a decision about what to do:

KNOW THIS

Waiting to make a perfect decision means you’ll never make any decision! – Tom Martin

DO THIS

Forget about the ultimate outcome. Just focus on taking one step in the direction of the thing you decided to do.  – Tom Martin

REMEMBER THIS

Clarity comes when you move toward your destination and correct along the way.  – Michael Hyatt

Happy New Year

Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet!

tom-martin-business-coaching-best-year-yet

9 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Begin the New Year

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself before starting the New Year is to set aside some for reflection. Reflecting on where you’ve been and where you are going can help you set the stage for your best year ever. 

Take 20-30 minutes to reflect on these 8 questions:

1.  What are my top three memories of 2017?

2.  What are three memories I want to create in 2018?

3.  What area in my life worked best in 2017?

How To Avoid The January Funk

How are you doing? Is the January Funk messing with your mind and playing with your attitude? Well the good news is you survived Blue Monday, the unofficial “gloomiest day” of the year.

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The first Blue Monday was declared on January 24 in 2005 as part of a press release from a travel company. The date was a result of research used to discern travel trends and holiday bookings. And while science has debunked the gloomiest day of the year theory, there is no denying seasonal factors like post-holiday depression, increase debt, and inclement weather can be a catalyst for the January Funk.

But the good news is there are three things you can start doing today to beat the January Funk.