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Getting Out of a Rut

You’re in a groove. You’re on track. You’re inspired. You’re movin’. You’re beaming with delight. You’re filled with confidence. And then you’re not.

It’s over – at least for now.

You’re in a rut. You’re off track. You’re discouraged. Your energy is low. Your commitment wavers. You’re not happy with yourself. What do you do?

It’s going to happen sometimes. It’s the norm, not the exception, to lapse into a rut. These times may come as part of a general slump in your life. Or, as a response to a specific, challenging situation that’s getting you down.

Whatever the cause, the solution is to view any setback as a temporary one. Nix the guilt. Guilt undermines your ability to bounce back. Nix the shame. Shame undercuts your worth as a human being.

Encourage yourself with gentle words to get back to where you were. Harsh words are not necessary. You do not need to punish yourself; you need to care for yourself. Question everything if you must; but don’t question your ability to get out of the rut.

If you doubt whether you can get out of your rut by yourself, you may want to seek professional help. But try these ideas first:

Picture a hero of yours - male or female, alive or dead, real or mythical. Imagine your hero cheering you on. What does he say to you? How does she motivate you? What would your hero do in your situation? Drink up his words. Let in her caring. Feel your hero by your side as you go about your day.
Recall how you were when you were in your groove – What good ideas did you have then? What was important to you then? How did you feel about yourself then? Now picture building a bridge from now to then. Visit yourself when you were in your groove. See yourself beaming with delight. See yourself feeling inspired. Stay as long as you like in ‘groove-land’. Soon you will be taking up residence there once again.
Life is a long-distance marathon, not a sprint. - You’re in it for the long haul. So, don’t let the first hint of frustration sap your energy, sabotage your goals. Even when your confidence is waning, hang in there. Give yourself down time. Stop before you drop. Take time to rest, eat, pray, heal, love. Then when you’re ready, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on track.
Monitor your momentum - The crucial factor is not how quickly you get back in your groove but in what direction you’re moving. Quantum leaps are not required. Baby steps are okay. Just as long as you’re moving forward. If, however, you find yourself staying in place or falling behind, take an action. Change your scenery. Get up and go. Seek out a friendly face. Throw out stuff. Do something. Anything that gets your energy going.
Do - even when you don’t feel like doing. You already know that ‘working out’ – even when you don’t feel like it – is the tried and true road to a buff body. That applies to your mind as well. ‘Working out’ your gray matter – even when you don’t feel like it – is the tried and true road to an inspired mind.

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