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 4^th 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. 

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.