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We’ve all had those mornings where we just couldn’t get out of bed, or those afternoons where we hit that lazy slump hard.
Our levels of motivation are much like our levels of energy: they ebb and flow with our mood, and the highs and lows of every day.
But what about when it just seems like we’re permanently stuck in a rut?
Maybe you feel like you’ve been stuck in a lazy rut for days, or even weeks.
Maybe you’ve been stuck in what feels like an emotionless rut for several months now.
Getting stuck in a life rut like this is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s actually an ideal opportunity for self-reflection, and a reassessment of your goals.
So how do you make the most of our rut and finally find the motivation you’ve been searching for?
Follow these 8 steps to get out of your rut and change your life for the better.
8 Steps to Get Unstuck from Your Rut
1. Stop beating yourself up. Everyone gets stuck in a rut at some point; none of us have a never-ending supply of motivation and energy. Feeling low on motivation is a perfectly normal experience. Think about it. Why else would there be so many self-help books that are all about motivation and productivity? If you’re currently stuck in a motivationless rut, recognize that ruts aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, they can be an excellent opportunity to reassess what your goals are, and to give yourself a much-needed reality check. So stop holding a mirror to your flaws and shortcomings, and use your current rut as an opportunity for self-reflection.
2. Identify what obstacles are holding you back. Take some time to reflect here, and if possible, use your journal as a guide to your thoughts. What is paralyzing your progress? Are you stuck in a job you’re no longer passionate about? Are you in a relationship that is going nowhere? Do you feel left behind when you think about how successful other people are? Or do you just feel emotionally dried up? Journal as much detail as needed to really get to the crux of your rut.
3. Ask yourself: “What does my version of success look like?” Once you’ve identified what exactly is holding you back, assess what your version of success looks like. Take away others’ opinions and recommendations (no matter how well-intentioned they are), and visualize what success looks like to you alone. Does it mean being independent and self-sufficient? Does it involve a meaningful, rewarding relationship with your partner? Does it mean earning that promotion at work? There is no wrong answer here.
4. Set meaningful, attainable goals. Once you’ve outlined what your version of success looks like, list what your top 3 goals are. Identify goals that are both meaningful and purpose-driven. By doing this, you’ll be able to create a clear, feasible action plan that both drives and inspires you.
5. Put your blinders on. You know what success looks like to you, and you’ve set forth your top goals. Forget everyone else and don’t compare yourself to them; they’re merely distractions to you and your success. Comparing yourself to others is a deadly trap to fall into, and with social media there to constantly remind us of what others are doing, self-deprecating comparisons are easier than ever to make. If possible, do a social media detox. Not only will this help improve your focus and motivation, but also your relationships with others.
6. Hit “Play” on your happy playlist. Upbeat music is a powerful, motivating force, and research will attest to this. Whether it’s the soundtrack to Moana, Adele, or Fetty Wap that gets you going, turn it up and get moving!
7. Check your major influencers. Who we surround ourselves with on a daily basis greatly influences our perspective on life. What are your friends like? Do they motivate and inspire you? Or do they weigh you down with negativity and pessimism? If the latter, think long and hard about whether this is the kind of influence you want on you and your life. The saying, “You are who your friends are,” holds far more truth than you may realize.
8. Create a dream board. Take the time to positively reflect on your goals by creating a dream board. Fill your dream board with your goals, as well as pictures and quotes that inspire you. It’s easy to lose sight of the big picture, especially when we become mired in the details. Use your dream board as a means of keeping track of your goals, and remember that all great things take time.
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