Stuck in a Rut?
Three Ways to Get Going
Do you sometimes feel as though you’re re-living the same scene day after day? Can you relate to the main character in the movie “Groundhog Day”? You’re not alone. The daily routine can become so well worn that it becomes a rut. Here are three ways to work yourself out of a rut and onto the fast track.
Practice The Law of Substitution
The conscious mind holds only one thought at a time, positive or negative. Substitute positive for negative thought.
When you find yourself focusing on a thought that takes you away from your Intentions or goals, visualize a very large STOP sign. Next, replace the distracting, unproductive thought with what it is you want. Shift gears and begin doing what will help you to accomplish what you desire.
Example: I find myself feeling overwhelmed with the length of my TO DO list. My thoughts are all about how many things there are to do and how little time to get them done. I visualize the bright red stop sign. I begin working on accomplishing the next item on my list.
Practice The Law of Attraction
Your thoughts determine your experience. You attract into your life the people, situations and circumstances that are in harmony with your dominant thoughts.
Make it a habit each morning to focus on what you want. Do not allow yourself to focus on what you don’t want or don’t have. Positive thoughts tend to generate positive feelings and attract positive life experiences. By adopting a positive approach each day you will feel energized and will begin to notice and use the building blocks in your immediate environment that will allow you to emerge from your rut.
Example: I wake up concerned about completing a project on time. I switch my focus to the positive contribution this completed project will have for my work group. I realize that two of the important items required for success can be accomplished with input from a colleague who is scheduled to be in the office today. I make arrangements to meet with him before lunch.
Practice The Law of Control
You feel good/positive about yourself to the degree to which you are in control of your life. You feel negative about yourself to the degree to which you feel you are NOT in control of your life.
We have more control over our lives than we realize. We control our thoughts, actions, how we spend our time, our associations and goals … to name just a few.
To emerge from a rut, make a list of the things that are creating your rut. Next, identify what you can control that will break down those forces. Perhaps it’s spending less time on things that distract you from higher productivity actions. Perhaps it’s people who hold you back. Spend less time with those people and seek out those who will provide the positive support you need.
Example: I want to move to the next level in my career, but am lacking experience and knowledge. I decide to take control and determine to spend less time watching TV in the evening and devote one hour per day to reading to gain the knowledge I need. I also ask to be put on a work team that will provide some of the experience I will need.
Breaking out of a rut requires focus, determination and perseverance. By practicing these three laws you can create new, positive, productive habits that break down ruts and create new pathways.