Getting out of a rut

If you can’t recall the last moment you experimented with new things either at work or at home, or maybe if the daily rigmarole that is your life has you yearning for more, then it is likely that you are in a rut. So now that you have made this realisation what else could you do to make a change? Luckily there are many places to start out and I’ll discuss several here.

First of all you really need to understand that you can’t depend on anyone else to get you out of a rut, it really is completely up to you. With this type of situation the hardest part is taking that initial step - particularly if you don’t know where to begin. So what exactly is the initial step?

Set realistic and possible objectives. Don’t undertake one particular large job such as ‘changing my career’ since that will be too hard to control. Break it up in to smaller more manageable steps. Should you want to change professions maybe you should try to learn a new skill, or begin by simply cleaning up your resume. These are just some examples of smaller controllable tasks to assist you to accomplish your overall objective.

I’ve already mentioned career, but what are a few other things you can alter to assist yourself out of a rut? If you don’t feel like you possess any energy why don’t you get out there and exercise? Or in case you are already a gym enthusiast why don’t you mix up your routine, attempt some different weights, or do a little more cardio. Just as essential is your nutrition, get away from those comfort foods which contain too many carbs or sugars and start maintaining a healthy diet. Changing your eating habits may result in a positive change in your energy levels and as an added bonus; you may also drop some excess kilos. Making small adjustments to your diet and exercise over time could eventually lead to a full physique overhaul.

Possibly work or well-being isn’t your problem. Maybe you have just been so pre-occupied that you haven’t left enough time for yourself. If you find you are becoming withdrawn then you need to socialise. Make a date with friends in order to remind yourself that you are not alone. Although make sure you surround yourself with positive people that will inspire you because during this period in your rut you need to stay away from bad energy from others.

Ultimately, simply make an effort to change your everyday routine; even the smallest change can make a difference. For instance, do you watch TV every night? If so, exchange it for a n interesting book. Do you consistently eat chicken on Sunday evenings? Swap it for the beef. Do you and your buddies step out for coffee every week? Go for a long stroll together as an alternative? The choices are unlimited. Simply consider as many different things as you can.

Pulitzer Prize-winning American Author Ellen Glasgow once asserted “the only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions”. What I believe she means here is that the longer you remain in a rut the harder it is going to be to dig yourself out. So the earlier you make a modification to a healthier more rewarding way of living the better. Don’t forget to monitor how well you're progressing; it’s not hard to fall back in to a rut if you steer away from your objectives. Above all ensure that once you reach a milestone that you celebrate your success, take the day off or go see a film.

So where to from here? If you feel like you are in a rut check out www.notinarut.com for helpful information that may help you dig your way out.