stuck in a rutLet’s face it, being stuck in a rut is no fun. It may feel like you’re living out exactly the same day over and over again, and begin to dread getting out of bed. Breaking free of this daily grind is possible, but you need to be willing to make some changes. Someone once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result.” If you want to get out of that rut, you need a solid set of action steps two get you moving in a new direction.

 

When you’re stuck in a rut take action to make change.

1.Identify the nature of your daily grind. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do I do each day?
  • What do I feel like?
  • How to I react to challenges?
  • Who do I spend time with?
  • What do I dress like?
  • What time do I get up and go to bed?
  • What do I eat?

Map out elements of your daily life that are keeping you stuck in a rut and then begin envisioning what your daily life could look like in order to bring about change.

2.Envision your ideal self in your ideal life. 

Reflect on what exactly is your ideal version of yourself.  As yourself the following questions.

  • What things would I most like to do each day?
  • What do I want to feel?
  • How would I like to respond to challenges?
  • Who would I like to spend time with?
  • What would I most hope to convey in my style and fashion?
  • What time would I like to get up in the morning and what time would I go to bed?
  • What would I ideally eat?

When your alarm goes off in the morning, take time to visualize yourself as that ideal person. Without this practice you will continue to stumble into and through your day the same as every other day, which is why you are stuck in a rut. However, expecting something different and changing your vision and expectations will bring about change. Start being and thinking like the ideal you.

3.Shift gears. Make a major change in direction.

Look at your life and consider where you have the power to change. You have the power to change the nature and direction of relationships that are no longer serving your best interest.. If you feel stagnant in your career, you could choose to return to school and do something radically different.  Maybe you’d like to become a florist,   or study ata top swiss hotel management school if your dream has always been to work in hospitality. Consider a course of study that will take you in a complete different direction that will be fulfilling for you.

4.Break free of your comfort zone.

The comfort zone is not the place to stay if you want to break free of the rut you find yourself in. Do something each day that scares you. This will help you to get used to the feeling of being out of your comfort zone, so you become more confident stepping out of it in the future.  Challenge yourself. 

5.Set attainable goals.

Having goals can help to keep you focused; and you’ll want to make sure they are attainable. You may want to break your goals down into baby steps so they don’t feel like some giant leap. For example, if you want to start writing a book you’ve had in your head for ages, create action steps. Day 1: come up with a title. Day 2: write the plot. Day 3: figure out chapter outlines. Day 4: write a page. Keeping going until before you know it you’ve actually written an entire book.

6.Surround yourself with useful information and supportive people.

Make sure you are reading and watching sources that provide information that is useful to your process of becoming your ideal self and reaching your goals. Use your time and mindfully.  Spend time with people who will encourage you and support you as you redefine your life’s course. The more positive influence you have in your life, the better.

You might benefit from guidance along the way. Trained by Jack Canfield, I provide life and career coaching aimed at helping your find true success and fulfillment in your life. Contact me to discuss how I might be able to help you.