“The only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions.”
~ Ellen Glasgow
Of all the frustrations my potential coaching clients share, one of the most common can be summed up in two words:
I’m stuck.
Stuck in a rut, stuck at an income level, stuck in a job they dislike, stuck in the day-to-day routine with little to show for it.“Stuck” is not a fun place to be.
A huge mistake we often make when stuck in a rut, however, is waiting for things to change. In most cases, waiting – like digging down from the inside of a hole – only sends you deeper into your rut.
If you feel stuck, test out some of these ideas:
1. Do something out of the ordinary. Like that old definition of insanity reminds us, we can’t do the same thing over and over and expect different results. Invite someone you admire but have never met out for coffee, click “Add To Cart” on that professional development program you’ve been pondering, rearrange your workspace.
2. Do something physical. If you spend a lot of time “in your own head,” move your body instead. Go for a walk or turn on some tunes and dance around your office for a few minutes.
3. Do something in a group. Sign up for an event or class and let the energy, inspiration, and ideas from those around you lift you up.
4. Do something visual. With much of our work, we don’t actually see the results of our efforts – they occur more behind-the-scenes. A project where you get to see the results – like a craft, vision board, even (finally) framing those degrees – can provide a motivational boost.
5. Do something clarifying. Create a mind map, brainstorm ideas for a project, declutter your desk, or visualize your big dreams and bold goals coming to fruition. 6. Do something to completion. Whether you’re mentoring someone or doing laundry, often no clear end-point exists. (I love Carrie Fisher’s quote: “There is no point at which you can say, ‘Well, I’m successful now – I might as well take a nap!’”) Select a project that you can start and finish in a fairly short time.
7. Do something. See the pattern here? Don’t just sit and let your mind spin in circles. Take an action, no matter how small, that will interrupt the spinning and allow you to catch your breath and move forward.
What’s the opposite of “stuck”? Freedom. Liberation. Clarity. Growth. Implement even one of these seven tips and you’ll be on your way from “stuck in a rut” to “flourishing”!
Want to truly get unstuck, rejuvenate your career, and set yourself up for flourishing success? Join us for Spark! We’re nearly 3/4 filled and the Earlybird Rate ends this month – click here for details.
Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.