top of page
Blog: Blog2

Getting Out of A Rut

Writer's picture: Desiree AquinoDesiree Aquino

"The only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions."- Ellen Glasgow, American novelist

 

Texting with a friend a while ago, I expressed the feeling that I was just surviving the day to day, getting through one to get to the next, versus having a more dynamic existence.


This got me to thinking about how sometimes we all get stuck in a rut, even when we might not recognize it. Just getting comfortable with "the way things are" versus striving to improve can be a rut.


I wanted to briefly share an assortment of different things that have helped me get out of a rut, along with others' ideas about it. 


Most of us don't really think much about whether or not we're stuck in a rut. We're just busy living our lives, doing the things that need to get done, that we don't slow down or stop to think if we're in a rut. Ironically, that's usually the first sign we are.


When we do the same things mindlessly, without thought or intention, that can be a rut. 


But how's a rut different from a routine? In my mind, a routine is much more intentional. We do certain things at certain times to achieve outcomes we set for ourselves. In routine, there's an inherent sense of progress toward something.


When we're in a rut, though, there's no thought or growth that comes with it. We are simply performing. We are going through the motions and getting through, versus evolving. There are many things to help get you out of a rut, but first you have to recognize you're in one. 


I thought I'd share some of the things that have worked for me, along with other effective ideas, to get out of a rut.


Thoughts

I came across a self-reflection question that I think can help with getting out of a rut: "When do you feel like you're living your most authentic life?" One thought I had was that when I'm traveling to different places, I feel freer, more expansive and oftentimes braver. That gave me a hint into what brings me joy. Applying that to feeling stuck in a rut, one of the things we can do is remind ourselves of what makes us feel authentic and joyful. Finding ways to incorporate those things, even in very small doses, can help us climb out.


Getting stuck in a rut can also mean we are deflecting or not taking responsibility for what's happening. We might blame work or other outside factors for where we're at. That's natural. But to get out, we need to think about what taking responsibility for our own lives means.


What is it that we can control that we aren't taking action on? How is what we're thinking and doing contributing to staying stuck? Asking these questions can help us start to look at the things we can change to help us move forward.


Finally, banish stinkin' thinkin'. When we're in a rut, we're in a negative thought pattern. We are usually focused on negative thoughts about ourselves, others, and even the world in general. So we need to make our minds work for us instead of against. This is called reframing. By reframing a negative thought to something more positive, we start training our minds to look for the good and seek more of that out. It can help inspire us to stretch ourselves and our capabilities beyond the rut.


Actions

Try something completely different. I'm sure most of us have toyed with the idea of doing something we don't feel we have the courage to do. Well, guess what? Time to do the thing. Whether it's taking that class we've been interested in but too afraid to try, or going on a solo trip, or starting to write that book, a new activity awakens our senses and enlivens us to possibility.


Take on a (literal) challenge. The internet is full of different challenges we can try, from physical activity to reading or writing to cooking or eating better. Join one that interests you and stick to it. Learning a new skill actually rewires your brain for different ways to problem solve and identify opportunities.


Go outside. Whether or not you like spending time in nature, the mental and physical benefits of interacting with the natural world are well-proven. Even if you already enjoy the outdoors, try and spend a little more time there. Or try doing some meditation or breathing exercises while you're out. We are making both a mental and physical shift when we take in nature, which can help us leave the rut behind.


Happy de-rutting!

 

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page