If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut, you know how overwhelming and discouraging it can be. It can seem like nothing will change your situation no matter what you do. But the good news is that there are some simple strategies you can use to help get yourself back on track. Here are a few ways to get motivated when you feel stuck in a rut.
1. Make a Plan
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin when you’re in a rut. But having a plan is vital to staying motivated and getting back on track.
Start by writing down your big and small goals, then break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This first step will make the planning process less intimidating, and you’ll be able to see progress quickly, which will keep you motivated.
It’s also a good idea to set deadlines to stay on track and ensure you’re moving forward. For example, if you want to start a new business, set a goal of launching in three months. This timeline will give you enough time to research and create a marketing plan to prepare for your launch without feeling overwhelmed.
Or, if you’re looking to change careers, break down the process into steps such as researching different industries, companies, and roles and updating your resume. Before applying to new jobs, give yourself a few weeks to plan your next steps. Giving yourself too much or too little time to accomplish your goals can lead to discouragement, so finding the right balance is essential.
Keep in mind that whatever your goals are, they have to be realistic. Don’t try to do too much at once or take on a goal that’s too ambitious. Set achievable goals to meet and measure your progress as you go.
2. Take a Break From Your Routine
Taking a break from your routine is a great way to motivate yourself when you feel stuck in a rut. Doing something out of the ordinary based on your current practices – like going for a walk, treating yourself to lunch, or taking a day trip – can help give you that much-needed boost of energy and enthusiasm.
Plus, breaking away from your routine is a fun opportunity to try something new and shake things up. For example, if you usually work out in the evening, try going for a morning jog or taking a dance class. Or, if you love to cook, try out a new recipe.
Taking a break from your routine can help to clear your head and get you out of the rut you’re in because it gives you a chance to reset and refocus on your goals.
Don’t be afraid to step away from your routine – it may just be the jolt you need to motivate yourself again.
3. Surround Yourself With Positive People
Surrounding yourself with positive people is one of the best ways to get motivated when feeling stuck in a rut. Spending time with those who lift you, support you, and encourage you can make all the difference in staying focused on your goals.
Having an inspiring group of friends or family members to talk to and rely on can also help keep your spirits high, even when feeling down. So don’t underestimate the power of positive relationships – they can be a huge source of motivation and support during difficult times.
Set up a call or coffee meet-up with someone who makes you feel good and can help put things into perspective. Having a listening ear can help get your motivation back on track.
4. Reward Yourself for Progress
Rewarding yourself for progress made – no matter how small – is critical to staying on track and achieving success because it helps to keep you motivated and focused and gives you a sense of accomplishment. So don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way!
Your rewards don’t have to be expensive. For example, your reward can be as simple as taking a break to read a book or watch your favourite movie on a Friday night. Rewarding yourself with activities or treats you like can be a great way to keep yourself motivated and positive.
5. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
It’s okay to ask for help when you feel stuck in a rut. Sometimes when we’re stuck, we become so focused on finding a solution that we forget to take a step back and get an objective opinion. Having someone else (like a friend, family member, mentor, or even a professional coach) give you their perspective can help you gain clarity. It can even provide insight into better, more effective solutions.
Another benefit to seeking advice and support from trusted people around you is that they can help you stay accountable. For example, if you’ve set a goal to write your resume in two weeks, having someone check in on your progress can help you stay on track.
So don’t be afraid to seek help – it could make all the difference in getting yourself unstuck and back on track.
6. Focus on the Present Moment
When you feel stuck in a rut, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts about the past and what could have been or what went wrong. But dwelling on the past will only keep you stuck – so use your energy to focus on the present moment and what you can do right now.
Take things one step at a time and be gentle with yourself – learning to stay in the moment is a process! A few ways to do this are to practice deep breathing, focus on your senses (what can you see, hear and smell?), or write down a list of things you’re grateful for. You can also practice mindfulness, meditation, or prayer.
These simple strategies can help bring you into the present and move away from your rut.
With conscious effort, you can move past feeling stuck and find your motivation again. Just remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work on getting unstuck and regaining clarity.
It’s Time to Get Unstuck
Feeling stuck in a rut can be an overwhelming and discouraging experience. But by utilizing these simple strategies and focusing on the present moment, you can get motivated and get back on track. So don’t be afraid to take breaks, reward yourself for progress, seek advice from those who can encourage you, and surround yourself with positive people. With these tips in mind, getting motivated and achieving your goals will feel much more achievable. I’m rooting for you!
