Let’s face it. We all find ourselves in a rut on occasion. Whether it’s work-related or personal, it’s nearly impossible to run at 100% every single moment. In today’s post, I’m sharing 3 techniques that have helped me get out of a rut in the past. Try them and see if they help break your next slump.
3 Ways to Get Out of a Rut
When you’ve exhausted all the possibilities, remember this: You haven’t.
Thomas Edison
The 10 Minute Trick
Try committing to just 10 minutes of whatever activity it is that you are trying to avoid. Oftentimes, starting is the most difficult part. Hopefully, once you start, some motivation will catch and you’ll be able to keep going. But, if you’re still not feeling inspired after 10 minutes, try one of the other options.
Change your Venue
If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, maybe a change of scenery is in order! If you normally work from home, try packing up your laptop and working at a coffee shop or co-lab space. Even a new location within your house or office can make a difference. Try re-locating to an empty conference room or your deck/patio if you work from home.
Is your issue workout motivation? Use the same technique. If you normally spend your time at a gym or class, try an outdoor activity instead. Or vice versa.
Friend or significant other rut? Get away from whatever you typically do. If you normally meet for coffee or lunch, try checking out a new boutique or gallery. If you always order in on Saturday nights and watch a movie, think about going out for a cocktail or seeing some live music. Just MIX IT UP.
Lean into the Rut
If the first two tricks aren’t working for you, maybe you just need to lean into your rut. And by lean in, I mean really embracing it for a period of time and not guilt-talking to yourself during your entire break. Go take a nap. Read a book. Get a mani/pedi. Take a walk. Meet up with a friend. It’s OK to (occasionally) blow off your responsibilities in the name of self-care.
Just make sure you put a time limit on it so that it doesn’t become an avoidance way of life. If you’re in a little rut, give yourself a little break. For a big rut, maybe you need to take a whole day or two for yourself to be free from any expectations.
What did I miss? How do you re-gain your motivation when you find yourself in a rut? I’d love to hear from you. And be sure to check out these additional posts pertaining to personal development.
