5 Fun & Easy Ways to Get Out of the Rut
I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel less than great. Low, grouchy, fed-up and bored are all words you could use to describe what I'm like on those days. Thing is, days like those are part of the deal with being human ? it's not an elective. There will always be off days, and that's okay.
But what happens when you get a whole string of those off-days, maybe lasting weeks, months or even years? Too many of us say that we're in some kind of rut, feel stuck, fed-up or bored and admit that we don't want things to be that way but that we don't know what to do to change things. That's the problem, when you're in a rut you don't have the energy or motivation to change things for the better, and it's tough to find the insight or resources you need to make that jump.
Here are five fun and easy ways you can use right now to climb, or better yet, leap out of the rut and start to get something better for yourself.
1. Do Something Differently
Life tends to run smoothly when we establish systems and routines for things, but the problem comes when things run too smoothly and we become blinded to any ideas, choices or that sit outside of our routine. All the stuff we do everyday becomes the norm, runs on auto-pilot and becomes our whole world.
Start with making one or two simple changes to your day - be it at breakfast time, your radio station, gym routine, route to work, lunch routine, etc. Don't worry about what the changes are or whether they're right or wrong, just make a couple of simple choices that will serve you well.
Doing something differently or changing parts of your routine instantly takes you out of the norm and allows you to shake off the things that make you feel confined. Step out of your routine and you'll be in a position where you're able to make different choices, see things differently and get a different result.
2. Use your Intuition
Your intuition is a powerful ally, and we all have it even though you might not recognise it. The dictionary says that intuition is,
1.a.The act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational processes; immediate cognition. b. Knowledge gained by the use of this faculty; a perceptive insight.
2. A sense of something not evident or deducible; an impression.
One of the best friends you'll ever have in life is your intuition, and tuning into it and learning to trust it is something that can have some truly remarkable effects. Accessing your intuition is a bit like working and developing a muscle, but unfortunately it can be harder to locate than a bicep or quadricep, which tend to stay in the same place. Here are some quick tips for accessing and trusting it ?
? Practice maintaining an open-minded, playful, experimental, non-judgmental attitude. This is the most fertile ground to tap into your intuition.
? Practice making wild guesses in your everyday life. Guess what a salesperson's name is, what a new person or place will look like or who's calling on the phone. Don't worry about getting it wrong, you're just working that muscle.
? Try a few simple observation exercises in your daily life. Whether you're in a restaurant, on a train, in a bar or out shopping, practice noticing non-verbal behavior in others. Look for shifts in posture, eye movements, vocal tone or tempo, etc. Guess how they're feeling or what they're talking about.
3. Nourishment
Imagine you're walking home from the supermarket with a couple of bags of groceries, but those bags have holes in them. You're walking along merrily leaving a trail of your things behind you, but when you get home you unpack what's left and ask, 'Didn't I have more than this?'
Nourishment is about plugging those holes in your life and making sure you have things in your life that keep you feeling nourished ? nourished in your head, nourished in your heart and nourished in your stomach. Remember that you can't give away what you don't have, and can't spend energy you've already spent.
It doesn't have to be the big things in life that nourish you and it's often the simplest little thing that strikes a chord, makes you feel like yourself again or makes you smile from ear to ear ? calling a friend, talking a walk in the park or listening to your favourite song for example. So what keeps you balanced? What relaxes you or makes you feel peaceful? What makes you feel like you again?
The fact is that you're important enough to spend time taking care of and it doesn't matter what it is, just take the time to do it. If necessary, go as far as booking time in your diary. You're the only one of you there is, so it's your responsibility to make sure you're okay.
4. Perfect Day
Here's something to play with ? your Perfect Day. This idea came to me a few years ago when a good friend suddenly asked me 'What would be your perfect day?' I'd never been asked that before and I found myself spontaneously making up a story ? telling her about my Perfect Day from the moment my eyes flickered open to the moment my head hit the pillow.
I went through each part of the day telling her what I was doing, who I was with, where we were, how it felt and what happened next. Bit by bit and without even thinking about it, I'd put together a rich, colourful, exciting and comforting day, which still holds true as my Perfect Day. The best part is that you can start introducing little bits of your Perfect Day into your real life or working to make some of it happen. For example, in part of my Perfect Day I visit a company where I'm helping the directors and employees to focus on their strengths and to create a environment where people love to work and can be their best ? and that was even before I knew that there was such a thing as coaching or that I could be a coach. My Perfect Day has now become like a good friend of mine who I can call on whenever I want to.
So what's your Perfect Day? Don't think too much about it and don't worry about it sounding silly or too grand. Just shoot from the hip and see what comes out naturally for you. Write down words, ideas, themes or a whole narrative ? even draw pictures if you want to. Have fun with it, play with it ? it's your Perfect Day.
5. Get Some Fun, Fulfilment and Freedom
The Three F's ? Fun, Fulfilment and Freedom - encompass a lot of what people are looking for in life, and also contain the solutions to having, doing and being those things. Here are some definitions,
Fun, n. - A source of enjoyment or pleasure; playful activity.
Ful-fil'ment, n. - To bring into actuality; to complete; a feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires.
Free-dom, n. - The capacity to exercise choice, free will; frankness or boldness; the absence of constraint in choice or action.
Read those again. Those things are huge, deep and broad, and are a lot simpler than we make them.
Where are you in relation to each of the Three F's? How much of each do you have right now? How much of each do you want? Whatever gap there is recognise that it can be closed, and that you can close it. What would things be like if you were to close that gap? What would happen if you climbed a point or two on the Fun scale? What if you could add a point to your level of Fulfilment or Freedom? How would that feel? Pretty good, right? So what one thing can you do right now to help you get more?
By themselves each of the Three F's is a powerful thing, and can really help to move you forwards, enjoy where you are and feel alive. But when the Three F's come together....well, just hold on to your hats and keys.
Rut? What rut?
About the Author
Steve Errey specialises in personal growth for thirtysomethings, works with people on their careers, relationships and confidence and helps them get more fun, fulfilment and freedom. For more information please contact Steve on 0845 644 3001, by email at steve@steveerrey.com or visit his website at http://www.steveerrey.com.
 Google News Updated : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:25:10 GMT Salmonella Outbreak Ends With Questions - New York Times
New York Times - By Mike Nizza The United States government’s response to the Salmonella outbreak has emerged in a series of utterly frank briefings, so it was fitting that officials wrote the last chapter with a hint of uncertainty. CDC: Salmonella outbreak appears to be over CDC: Salmonella outbreak appears to be over Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:03:08 GMT Garden Grove man dies after West Nile infection - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - By Stuart Pfeifer, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer A Garden Grove man has died from after being infected with West Nile virus, the second death in Orange County from the mosquito-transmitted disease this month, the Health Care Agency disclosed today. West Nile virus causes 2nd death in California West NIle mosquitoes found in Tinley Park Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:38:44 GMT Will Gustav prompt GOP to delay its convention? - Houston Chronicle
Houston Chronicle - By PEGGY FIKAC Copyright 2008 San Antonio Express-News AUSTIN - A Republican National Convention spokeswoman left open the possibility today that the Minnesota gathering set to nominate US Sen. John McCain could be delayed if Gustav hits the Gulf Coast ... Video: Gustav Strengthens, New Orleans Braces New Orleans asks: Will the rebuilt levees hold? Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:50:50 GMT Death toll climbs as Gustav barrels through Caribbean - AFP
AFP - KINGSTON (AFP) - Tropical Storm Gustav battered Jamaica Thursday as the death toll climbed to 51 in Haiti, two days after the storm raked across the impoverished nation at hurricane strength. Video: New Orleans Watching Gustav's Path UPDATE 3-Gustav threatens Jamaica, new storm in Atlantic Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:30:35 GMT Giambi delivers game-winner for Yanks - MLB.com
MLB.com - By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com NEW YORK -- Jason Giambi's game-winning single to center field in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted the Yankees over the Red Sox, 3-2, on Thursday salvaging the finale of the last regular-season series between the storied ... Giambi and Yanks avoid sweep by Red Sox Giambi's Heroics Lift Yankees In Finale Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:52:53 GMT A blogger takes office in Malaysia - Christian Science Monitor
Christian Science Monitor - Five years of blogging has brought Jeff Ooi a measure of notoriety. His biting posts on Malaysian politics sparked police investigations. Anwar Makes Victorious Return to Malaysian Parliament Anwar, back in Malaysia parliament, stages walkout Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:45:52 GMT Aaron Sorkin Signs Up for Facebook - Zap2it.com
Zap2it.com - Sorkin is in negotiations to write an untitled film project about the creation and expansion of the popular social networking site Facebook. Coming soon: 'Facebook: The Movie'? 'West Wing' creator may be writing movie about Facebook Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:18:21 GMT Website Traffic Promotion |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Everyone has a life purpose; a unique and special something... Read More So often we hear about "being" rather than "doing." Often... Read More The secret to getting started on something when you don't... Read More The key to achieving more than you currently are, no... Read More I hope you're having an AWESOME week!Let me first say... Read More What is the biggest mistake you have made about manifesting... Read More Taking action about our current station in life involves taking... Read More Life and evolution is the dynamics of energy in which... Read More As each day ends and another begins, the words of... Read More As we begin a new year, it's natural to reflect... Read More Engaging in genuine discipline requires that you develop the ability... Read More I have been giving some thought lately to optimism and... Read More To Feel Confident ? A C TA new, more exciting... Read More What are the reasons that YOU procrastinate?Are you a perfectionist?Do... Read More This #1 New York Times bestseller offers some useful and... Read More What am I made of? Do I have what it... Read More Can you imagine getting into your motor vehicle, reversing out... Read More Perseverance is about as important to achievement as gasoline is... Read More I had the most interesting discussion today with a friend... Read More As many of you know I have a passion for... Read More Inertia. Even the word sounds like a disease. No, it... Read More Have you achieved your dreams? Dreams are an important part... Read More We all gravitate toward what we feel most comfortable doing.... Read More The story below is a true story that happened in... Read More When I was a freshman in college, my first car... Read More
Adsense
websites
Discover Your Purpose In Life
What Being Vs Doing Really Means
Quick Tips On Getting Motivated When You Dont Feel Like It
Elements of Change
Success Secrets - Achieving Ultimate Success
The Biggest Mistake Youve Made About Manifesting
Taking Responsibility
Intelligence & Energy
Personal Motivation: Without Struggle There Is No Progress
4 Barriers to Overcome For Growth
The Time to Act
Are You an Optimist or a Pessimist?
Self Confidence: How To Build Your Confidence In Three Simple Steps
Overcoming Procrastination
Book Summary: If Life is a Game, These are the Rules
Do I have What It takes?
Dont Wait For All of Lifes Traffic Lights to Turn Green
Ending Procrastination
Breaking Even: When is Enough, Enough?
Come Alive!
Inertia? 5 Tips to Getting Yourself Moving Again!
Achieving Your Dreams
Moving Past Your Comfort Zone
A Wake Up Call
Vanity Killed My Car
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
How to Get Motivated and Have Industrial Strength Self-Motivation
It is not your fault if popular self-help courses have... Read More
Were Good at the Things We Like
Read that again. It doesn't say "We like the things... Read More
Gremlins! Time to Take Control
It is a wonder we can function at all. Each... Read More
The Secret to this Famous Singers Success
It seems the longer think we have, the longer we... Read More
How To Overcome Procrastination Quickly And Easily
Maybe it is time to discover a new way to... Read More
Miracles are Your Responsibility
Miracles are your responsibility! What does that mean? Simple...You have... Read More
Develop Guts to Achieve Glory
It is just amazing the amount of people who don't... Read More
Ahead of the Curve to be on Top
I once heard a statement that no matter how good... Read More
Bold Action: Living in the Moment
Reality show audition...I did it!What an experience, a day and... Read More
Keeping Perspective: When Bad Things Happen That Are Not Life Threatening
The very first thing to question is how important is... Read More
That One Thing That Guarantees Your Unlimited Motivation And Success
What can you do when you do not feel like... Read More
Desire + Action = Outcome ? Anxiety & Panic
This is my mathematical strategy I use to achieve everything... Read More
Motivation: No Finish LInes
There is a saying that goes something like "getting to... Read More
Read All the Books
All of the books that we will ever need to... Read More
Realistic Dreams
The wish to have or be something, especially one that... Read More
Journaling - A Tool for Healing and Growth
The word "journal" comes from the French. It dates back... Read More
Motivation: 3 Powerful Quotes from Golfer Tiger Woods
I am not a golfer, unless you count an occasional... Read More
Procrastination Emancipation
It's early January as I sit down to research and... Read More
Break Free
I received an email the other day from one of... Read More
How Are You Feeling? Its More Of A Brain Question Than You Think
How you respond to How are You reveals a great... Read More
Choosing Your Vision
There is a new television show, called Blind Justice that... Read More
Dismantle Self Imposed Limits
Round about us is an invisible box that we have... Read More
Lazy? Or Right on Schedule
Q. I've been working on a big project for a... Read More
Creativity and Innovation Management ? the Value of Challenge
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Quick Tips On Getting Motivated When You Dont Feel Like It
The secret to getting started on something when you don't... Read More
Motivation |