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

 

 

Living Full Out

Radio Show Guest Appearance

I had a great time appearing with Nancy Solari on her nationally syndicated radio show, Living Full Out!tom-martin-coaching-living-full-out-radio

 

My Living Full Out episode, When You Believe You Can Overcome Limitations as You Live Full Out, originally aired on February 10th. Nancy and I discussed overcoming adversity and finding hope in the most challenging of circumstances. Plus we talked about the life lessons I’ve learned from battling merkel cell cancer three times and how this was a catalyst for me to leave the automotive industry and become a certified executive coach.

You can listen to the Living Full Out show using the Spreaker Audio player below. And you will find my two segments with Nancy starting at the 15-minute mark of the show. 

            

I share my story to share the life lessons I’ve learned along the way and even offer hope. You are not alone, and feel free to reach out with questions. You can learn more about my cancer journey on my blog and also in the Huffington Post feature, Voices of Strength – Stories of Survival  

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Thanksgiving Prayer

O God, when I have food…help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work…help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home…help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain…help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering;
…help me to destroy my complacency;
…bestir my compassion,
…and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving

from Tom Martin Coaching!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is circled on most everyone’s calendar as a time for travel, a time for rest, and even a time to celebrate the begin of the Summer. Memorial Day weekend itineraries typically include family time, baseball games, tennis matches, picnics, barbecues, and maybe even a little time on the lake.

flags-headstones-cemetery

©iStockphoto/Rick Hyman

While there is no way to adequately say thank you to the families who have lost so much, there is something we all can do…

We can pray this Memorial Day.

  • We can pray a prayer of thanksgiving this Memorial Day for the men and women who lost their lives while to protect our country and our freedom.
  • We can pray a prayer of gratitude this Memorial Day for the families who sacrificed so much while they were away only to learn they were not coming home.
  • We can pray also say a prayer for protection this Memorial Day for all those who currently serve so they may stay out of harm’s way.

Psalm 23

 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

May God’s comfort and love be abundantly felt by all the families who have lost a loved one while serving in the Armed Forces this Memorial Day! 

You Have Power Over Cancer

You Really Do

It’s “stage-four cancer“, were the words my oncologist shared with me on February 16, 2011. 

Learning you have cancer is a life-altering experience. Hearing your cancer has returned is unimaginably disheartening. But when you find out your cancer has returned for a third time with a stage-four diagnosis, it is devastating….especially if you’re going to propose the next week.

Power Over Cancer

Ironically cancer brought us together in the first place. Shari and I knew each other casually, but when my Merkel cell cancer returned for a second time she was one of the first people to reach out to me.

Christmas Reflections

christmas-reflections

This is the time of year where our thoughts tend drift and we think of times gone by. For some Christmas reflections stir up the best of memories and for others those Christmas reflections conjure up pain and sorrow. It is especially important this time of year to be aware of those around us who may be burdened while most of us embrace a season of Christmas joy and cheer.

Who in your life do you know who is enduring a “first” Christmas experience this year?

  • Someone who lost a loved during the year.
  • Someone who is no longer married.
  • Someone who is experiencing a role-reversal and now is caring for a parent.
  • Someone who is looking for a job and is worried how they can navigate Christmas this year.
  • Someone whose child can not be home with them this year.

Giving to People Who Give

BigDawsTv-Giving-To-People-Who-Give-Leveraging-Life

 What would you do if the person you were trying to help chose not to accept your gift and instead gave something back to you?

BigDawsTV is a major player in the social media arena, and his videos have garnered millions of views thanks to his creative thinking and sense of humor filming pranks and parody’s. Rather than trying to paraphrase the motivation for the filming of this video I thought I would share YouTube description which accompanies the video and then let you watch the video to see what happens when the camera rolls.

Why Me cancer, Why Me?

why-me-cancer-leveraging-life

Photo Credit: donnareidland.com/

Recently a friend of mine shared with me an article written by former White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow, prior to his untimely death from cancer. In his article Tony shared his thoughts concerning his diagnosis with a potential fatal disease and the obvious question…why me cancer, why me?

Sadly our “why me” questions most likely will not not be answered to our satisfaction until we find ourselves in Heaven. Theses unanswered questions usually lead us to a fork in the road where we either blame God or learn to trust God in the midst of our why me” circumstances.

I know in my three bouts with cancer I initially wallowed in the “why me” for quite some time, but eventually I was able to look past the diagnosis and place everything in God’s hands learning to trust God period in all things…even cancer.

Your journey, my journey may be unique, yet we share one thing in common…how do we answer the question:

What do you do when this is nothing you can do?

Well there is one thing we can do…we can journey together in community, supporting, caring, and praying for each other.

Leave a comment with your contact information at the bottom of the post to join the Leveraging Life community so we can journey together. This will offer all of us the opportunity to support one another and encourage each other to trust God period when we find ourselves in situations where questions are unanswered and anxiety is high.

unexpected-packages-leveraging-life

Cancer’s Unexpected Blessings

By: Tony Snow (1955 – 2008)

Blessings arrive in unexpected packages, in my case – cancer.”

Those of us with potentially fatal diseases – and there are millions in America today – find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God’s will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence ‘What It All Means,’ scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.

The first is that we shouldn’t spend too much time trying to answer the ‘why’ questions: Why me?

God Uses USC Walk-On to Reach Teammates

god-uses-usc-walk-on-leveraging-life

The story begins with Ben seeing an announcement about walk-on tryouts for the football team taking place later in the week. Ben Malcolmson, a reporter for the school newspaper who covered the team and he thought there might be a story he could share with the readers if he tried-out for the team. In his wildest dreams, Ben never thought he might make the team having not played football since the 5th grade, much less one of the top ranked Division 1A teams in the nation, the USC Trojans.

“You can catch the ball, you fast, you on the team. Almost immediately after making the team I realized God had His hand on this and He had something great planned.”

Yet despite his hopes and all Ben’s plans to leverage his faith with his teammates, nothing he tried to seemed to working in his eyes.

Did Ben feel frustrated? Of course he did!

Was Ben dejected? Absolutely!

Yet God was at work.!

God had a plan in play with Ben’s teammates.

And little would Ben know how big a role he would play in God’s plan!

Please take a few minutes to watch this video so you can hear the rest of the story.

Here we find lessons all of us can leverage as we navigate life in the midst of the frustration which occurs when our plans don’t fall in alignment with God’s plan for our role where He placed us.

Cincinnati Bengals Show Class

cincinnati-bengals-show-class-devon-leah-leveraging-life

Most NFL prospects who are cut prior to making the 53 man roster consider this point in their life to be the lowest point in their athletic career. Yet Cincinnati Bengal Devon Still, is unlike any NFL prospect, as he was cut but now can focus his attention on his daughter, Leah, who has been battling Stage 4 pediatric cancer since June.

I completely understand where the Bengals were coming from when they cut me because I could not give football 100 percent right now, Still, 25, told ABC News.