Hutson & Houck
We all know how it is. The slump, writer’s block, getting stuck in a rut. It happens to the best and the worst of us. After a while, it’s hard to know the best way to bring about the changes that can make life exciting, interesting, and enjoyable again. Ruts tend to be self-perpetuating and they require effort and energy to get out of.
- Acknowledge your discomfort. In general, people tend to feel uncomfortable when we experience change in our lives. Accept the fact you might have some challenging feelings as you put in the work to get out of your rut and get your life back on track.
- Find a Passion. Now’s the perfect time to take up a new hobby. Have you been planning to try rock climbing or yoga? Have you been playing with the idea of writing a book, or trying stand up comedy? There’s no better time than now! Make a list of things you’ve been meaning to try; narrow it down to one or two things that interest you the most and give them a shot. Don’t stop there. Make your new hobby a priority. Schedule it into your life, and give it the high-priority status it deserves.
- Consider changing jobs. We spend the majority of our days at work. It takes up a lot of our waking hours; take the time to explore working in a field that you enjoy. If you feel like you’re in a rut, maybe a career change is in order. There are better ways to spend your days than in a career that doesn’t interest and excite you.
- Get physical. Technology is a blessing and a curse isn’t it?! We spend so much of the day sitting and staring at a computer screen, and often we forget about our bodies. A body can’t stay healthy if it doesn’t get the chance to stretch, move around, and exert itself a bit each day. Consider adding exercise into your day. Get up every 45 minutes to an hour to stretch out your hips and shoulders. Take a walk to the bathroom every couple of hours. Try not to let your body be in one position for too long.
- Start Small. Avoid trying to change too much too quickly, it can be overwhelming. Make a list of everything you would like to change about your life. Consider starting with the easiest or most meaningful change. Make a plan, and recognize that you can always add in additional changes over time.
- Make some goals. Sometimes setting goals is the best tool to get us refocused. Having a clear goal can help you stay on track. Itl provides a clear, measurable, and time-based objective. The key is to pick something that will enhance your life.
- Checkout someplace new. You don’t have to jump on a plane to try somewhere new. Test out a new restaurant or coffee shop in town. Order something new off the menu at your favorite eatery. Take a different route home from work. Life seems a little different when we make even the smallest of changes. Don’t wait! Ruts only get deeper. Jumpstart your days and get out of that rut! Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes. You can start small, but start today.