I’m sure almost all of us have felt like we’re in a rut at one point or another. If you haven’t, you’ve at least seen it in family members, coworkers, or friends. Perhaps you’re doing your routine, everything you used to like or were content with, but now it all bores you and makes you feel like your life is stagnant. Even worse, perhaps you were in a spot where you were happy and a major life event changed everything to the point where you can’t stand it anymore.
I understand how it feels, and I know it’s horrible. However, there are a lot of options at your disposal to help you figure out what caused your rut, if it’s not obvious, and even more options to help you get out of it.
Recognize And Acknowledge The Signs
I know it’s easier said than done, but once you notice you’re in or approaching a rut it’s important to admit all the issues you’re facing.
Is every single day the same to you? Just the same chores, errands, and work? Speaking from experience, a common cause of that is burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. If you have a job and fill the rest of the time up with constant work, you’ll undoubtedly start feeling like life is moving while you’re just running in place over and over again.
Do you feel like you’re lacking inspiration? If you’re the type of person who likes to start a bunch of new projects but has trouble finishing them, it can be a double-edged sword when you feel like you’re not accomplishing anything. If that sounds like you, forget inspiration and force yourself to start completing the personal projects you take on.
It’s also possible you’re in an even worse type of rut. If you feel like you’re going through the motions and don’t feel some sort meaning to your life, that can rapidly lead to serious issues like depression. In that case, therapy is an option, as is looking to your community for help. There are many different organizations (religious or otherwise) that can help you. Seek guidance, or get involved with the community in positive ways. Volunteering has brought meaning to many lives, and even if you’re not in a rut I always recommend it if you have the time.
Make Sure You Understand Why You’re In A Rut
Everything I’ve mentioned so far are different examples of what may be causing or signaling that you’re in a rut and a few alternatives you have. Whatever the case may be for you, try to do your best to understand what exactly is causing your unhappiness. It may require some serious introspection, but if you don’t know and understand it then you won’t be able to find the right solution. Again, if this is getting to be a serious issue, there is no shame in seeking guidance from someone like a therapist or counselor to help you sort it all out.
Ways To Get Out Of A Rut
Now that you’ve established why you’re in a rut, here are a few additional ideas to help you get out of it.
Take Care Of Your Mind And Body
Your mental and physical health can be exceptionally fragile at times. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating enough (healthy) food, exercising, and doing things you enjoy in your free time. I’d also add one more thing, if you have people in your life that are a negative influence and are constantly tearing you down, it is probably in your best interest to put some distance between yourself and them.
Reestablish Your Goals
Whatever you want to do or get out of life, get back on track to do it. Focusing on your primary goals can help you find your footing again and help give you the drive you need to push through the rut. For example, if you really want to get a promotion at work, focus on honing your skills more. You could get some sort of advanced credential (like a degree or certification) or be a “go-getter” and take on more work to set yourself apart from others.
As another example, if your family is very important to you, you could find ways to spend more time with them. Delegate some tasks, take a day or two off work, forgo something like TV for a bit, whatever you need to do to spend some quality time with them.
If You Can, Find Ways To Motivate Yourself. When You Can’t Do That, Force Yourself To Build New Habits
If thinking about or working on something specific gets your heart racing and mind working, do it! Everyone has things they really enjoy or drive them to be better, and you should definitely make them a part of your life and schedule. If you don’t have something like that, you can still find other great ways to push yourself out of this rut.
Based on your long-term goals, starting building specific, actionable short-term goals that you can achieve currently or in the near future. Next, start building habits that will help you achieve those short-term goals, and then use those habits to help you achieve a million more short-term goals on your way to the long-term one. Each time you complete one of your goals, it’ll help you get more excited and eager to continue working on and improving the current situation that has caused your rut.
For example, you may have a long-term goal of getting a certain physique. For short-term goals you may decide you want to do some exercise routine until your start seeing results in the direction of your main goal. On top of that, you could also set a goal of only eating out once every two weeks to help get in better shape.
Those two short-term goals are pretty easy to achieve, they build new habits which will help you reach your long-term goal, and they’ll give you a sense of accomplishment. Of course, that sense of accomplishment will be well deserved. It’s okay to reward yourself when you accomplish something, and it’s even better to find a way to enjoy the process or journey to reach those accomplishments.
Conclusion
I get how horrible finding yourself in a rut can be. Fortunately, there is always a way to help you get out of the rut and back on track to be where you want to be. When in doubt, know that you’re not alone. Finding yourself a community of people that you can rely on is priceless. If have any other tips or ideas, comment below!
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