Everyone Gets Into One, But…How Do You Get Out?
Well I hope I have your attention with the title of this posting. During the course of the year everyone feels a little blasé, maybe a little down, maybe a little bored and maybe–just maybe–you are in a rut. Yes it happens to everyone. The question is, what do you do about it to get yourself out of that place that most people don’t enjoy?
Here are a few things that I do:
- Change it up a little bit. As much as I love routines maybe it’s time to drive a different way to work. Go to the gym at a different time, choose a different vacation spot or perhaps go to the newest restaurant in your town.
- Ask for help? What, are you kidding me? I don’t want to tell anyone I am in a rut! Wrong! It is time to rely on your friends and loved ones. I have found them to be a great resource and can give you a different perspective quickly since they tend to know you so well.
- Read a book. Get out of the house, get in the car and drive to Barnes & Noble or Borders and purchase a book. READ IT! Set a goal of when you would like to finish it by. It isn’t hard to read a 200 page book in 10 days if you read 20 pages a day. It is difficult if you leave it until the last night and try and read 200 pages in a few hours. Besides, you probably won’t enjoy the book as much and understand the message if you cram like we all did while we were in college.
- Relax - go get a massage. It gives me a chance to relax, forget about life and just sleep and dream for an hour. For me this really works.
- Go to a movie…by yourself. Pick a movie you will enjoy, no need to compromise with your spouse or friends on what movie you want to see. Go to the concession counter and buy the large popcorn and soda and sit back and enjoy the movie by yourself!
No need to panic or get very emotional when you get in a rut. It does happen to everyone.
The real question is how long does it last?
I believe that is totally in your control.
- How do you get out of a rut?
- Do any of my ideas work for you?
I look forward to your comments.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 am
Great topic Merrill. I wish I could say I don’t understand. I remember when I was golfing 3-4 times a week (many years ago when I had more time on my hands) and I started developing some swing problems. Everyone called it a slump. I received advice like play through it or go back to the basics. What I discovered after trying to fix my problem is that I was getting burned out on playing. The entire game became unenjoyable to me. It went from being fun to mundane. I think that being in a rut is kind of the same thing. If life, your job, or other elements become less than exciting or fun, maybe its time for a change. With golf, I simply stopped playing. I quit for a couple of weeks and that turned into a few years. When I did take the game back up, it was exciting and more fun that ever. I’m not saying you can do that with your job (stop working and then take it up again), but maybe you can step back and figure out a new way to approach things. Having a routine can be very powerful and often helps keep you on track. The downside is there will always be a point where it becomes ‘the same old same old” process every day. I think a lot of the ideas you presented here are great. The risk is trying reinvent everything (I have tried this and it can be very de-motivating). Make a conscious effort to focus on finding ways to do the tasks you need to, while focusing on making them fun. Also, writing really helps me get energized and focused. If I can get the creative juices flowing, I often get a jump start and a new positive outlook, which for me is the key. Also, as hokey as this sounds, I have a little smiley face sticker on my monitor that reminds me to smile when I’m on the phone. When I smile, I feel happier and it keeps me in the right mindset to get back on track.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:02 am
I do get in a rut - sooooo all I do is get a grandson fix. He is 17 years old and the apple of my eye. I call him to come over and watch a movie which we never get to see because he has so much to tell me and just seeing everything thru his eyes is such a pleasure. He has an answer for everything and he has such intelligents - which for a 17 year old today is questionable. When he tells a story you’re there with him. By the time he leaves I’m back to my old self. Every one needs to try this it works.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
When I get in a rut, I find several things to be helpful.
1. Exercise - I usually walk or run 6 days a week every AM. If I am in a funk at the beginning of my workout, by the time I have completed my routine I am usually in a more positive frame of mind (sunrises are especially helpful).
2. Comedy - Watching a Marx Brothers film, the Best of Johnny Carson, episodes of “Fawlty Towers” or “The Simpsons” or reading something by Joe Queenan or David Sedaris, 99% of time will get me thinking (and laughing) in a different direction.
3. Friends - I have a handful of friends who are always upbeat and a joy to chat with. A 10 to 15 minute “touching base” call with one of them is always a great tonic for me.
4. Faith - I am not going to go into details, but it works for me.
and when in doubt, there is always the original “Axis of Evil”:
Sex, Drugs and Rock’n'Roll.
As with #4, I am not going to to go into details about the first two items (they are rather self-explanatory and you have to use your best judgement). However, when I crank up a CD of Howlin’ Wolf, the Stranglers, Dave Edmunds, Dr. Feelgood or Eno my mind is always lifted and set in a different gear. Music is a cure for all ills.
It is probably a good idea to stick with Rock’n Roll and the first four I mentioned. If you over indulge in those it is a safe bet you will not wind up in prison or rehab.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:01 am
As everyone has said…change things up a bit as even small things can make a difference…
-If you rush in each day and open up your email, try spending the first 15 minutes planning your day or reading in search of new ideas…then open up the email.
-If you grab that cup of coffee as soon as you get in…try a cup of tea instead.
-If you always feel compelled travel to your office, try a day working out of your house.
-Success gets me out of a rut…identify one thing you have been putting off and that can be accomplished in a few hours or less. Do it and you’ll feel immediately better.
And I definitely agree about that Rock’n Roll! Turn the volume UP!
February 26th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
“When I find myself in trouble,
Mother Mary Comes to me
Singing Red Sox 4 and Yankees 3…
And if you feel downhearted, then just do this thing
It works for me
Sing out Red Sox 4 and Yankees 3
Red Sox 4 Yankees 3
Red Sox 4 Yankees 3
Sing out Red Sox 4 and Yankees 3.”