Are you stuck in a rut? Does every day seem the same ole, same ole?
When we’re busy doing the same thing every day without anything new happening in our lives it can seem like life is for other people.
Other people are enjoying themselves and having adventures and here we are doing the same thing that we did last week, last month and last year.
Can you say BORING?
It doesn’t have to be that way though.
We can take steps to get out of our comfort zone and shake up our lives. Being comfortable in our rut is nice, after all no one bothers us and we’re used to doing the same things over and over again.
That’s no way to have a meaningful life, so do something new so that your brain has to think and you’re not living on automatic pilot. There’s a whole world out there for you to explore and experience.
Here are 5 Tips To Get You Out Of Your Rut
1. Create a list of what you want to do accomplish in life.
Just the act of writing down your goals and things that you want to experience in life can help shake you up and motivate you to go after them. Knowing that our time on the planet is short means that you don’t have time to waste.
Create your list of 101 Things To Do Before You Die and start making plans to cross items off. Figure out what you can accomplish this week, this month, and this year and then make it happen.
Write down things that really excite you. Use that excitement to force yourself out of your rut. Get excited about your life again.
2. Try a different food every day this week.
If it’s Monday, then it must be meatloaf night. Tuesday means that it’s chicken while Friday means that it’s fish. Are you having the same coffee and toast for breakfast every day? Stuck at your desk eating your brown bag lunch every day so that you can save money? Same ole, same ole.
Shaking things up with your food is one of the easiest things you can do to get out of your rut.
I know, we all like certain foods and dislike others, plus we’re tired when we come home from work to cook some gourmet meal. You don’t have to go crazy with this, but how about actually eating your lunch away from your desk? Can you and a few friends go down to the cafeteria and eat your lunch there? Or why not ask someone new to have lunch with you?
Get out of your routine and eat somewhere new. Why not shake things up? Who says that you have to have scrambled eggs for breakfast? We’re all adults, you can have chocolate cake for breakfast if you want. Check out a new ethnic grocery store and buy something different for dinner tonight.
Also, why not open a cookbook to a random page and try making that recipe, regardless of what it is. Most of us eat 3 meals a day. That’s 21 chances for you to shake up your life this week and eat something different. Expand your palate. You may surprise yourself by actually enjoying introducing some new foods in your life.
3. Take steps to increase your social network.
Make a point of meeting new people so that you are exposed to new ideas and have new experiences to get out of your rut. Do you hang around with the same people every day? Are they in the same social group as you? Look around at your peer group. If everyone is at the same level as you, how do you expect to grow?
Do you even have a social network? It can get pretty lonely if you don’t have any friends with which to just hang out with or vent with. Being with people who have common interests is one way to increase your social network.
Why not try to see if there is a Meetup group in your area? There is a meetup group for practically anything that you can think of. Browse the groups in your area to see what’s interesting and then go to one.
You can also just try talking to new people every day. Be friendly to those you meet during your normal day. No one wants to be around a gloomy person. Put a smile on your face and talk to stranger. You might be pleasantly surprised at who you meet while waiting in line at the grocery store or the bus stop or who you you’re standing beside while admiring a picture at your local art gallery.
Go out to new places and meet some new people. Of course this will take time, but it will happen the more you try. Be open to meeting new people.
Another great way to meet like-minded people is to join a club or take a course. You don’t have to enroll in full-time study either. Why not take a weekend workshop in something you’ve always wanted to do?
4. Change your schedule and try something different.
When we’re stuck in a rut, we’re coasting along in life. It seems like we are just on automatic pilot.
In order to shake ourselves out of the rut, try changing your routine and try something different.
How about taking a different route home from work? Can you walk part of the way home, if you normally take the bus?
Instead of getting up at your normal time, get up an hour earlier and go for an early morning walk. Change the time you go to bed – if you’re a night-owl why not try going to be earlier and getting a full night’s sleep. If you go to bed at 9:00 PM, why not try staying up and doing something different during that hour.
Do something that breaks you out of your normal schedule and routine. Wear different clothes than you normally would. Get a haircut and change your appearance while you’re at it. Take more time during the morning and really make an impression today. Notice the difference that it makes in how people see you and how you see yourself.
5. Get out and volunteer your time.
When we’re stuck in a rut there is the tendency to think that no matter what we do, it will always be the same. Instead of getting mired in the same negative thoughts about our lives, try getting out and volunteering your time with those who are less fortunate than yourself. Being around people who really appreciate you and your skills is a great way to shake up your life and not take things for granted.
There are so many worthwhile organizations that you can volunteer with. Why not check out your local soup kitchen to see if they can use your help. Just being around people who are in worse situations than yourself can result in you gaining appreciation for what you do have in life.
You can volunteer at great organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, the Salvation Army, or similar organizations. Check your local paper for volunteer opportunities.
You don’t have to join organized organizations either. Why not see if your local community center or library can use your skills? Maybe you can teach a skill to kids who can learn something from you. The idea is to get out and volunteer your time and skills. Help someone who needs it. You’ll be surprised at how much you get back from volunteering.
Are you currently in a rut? It’s safe and comfortable being there, isn’t it? But, you know that you have to take action to get out of that rut. Warning, trying the above tips may actually get you out of your rut. You’re forewarned.
What did you do to get out of your last rut? Let us know by leaving a comment. Thanks for sharing with us what worked for you.
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3. Book Review: 100 Ways To Improve Your Life
4. 10 Things You Can Do Right Now To Improve Your Life
5. Are You Being Your True Authentic Self?
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Karen,
A great post with 5 steps to get out of a rut. Simple but effective! I’ve just started with number 5 this last week; tomorrow I’m turning up to give them a lift. Hopefully everything will go okay.
Regards
Paul
Paul´s last blog ..The story so far
Hi Paul,
I think the more simple we make things, the more we will do them. At least, that’s the theory
What organization have you started volunteering with? I’m sure that they appreciate you.
Thanks,
Karen
Karen,
It’s a national organisation, however I’m working with the local office. They deal with Mental Health issues.
Regards
Paul
Paul´s last blog ..The story so far
Nice list Karen.
I have an idea to add. I think this would work for most people… I know it works wonders for me.
Enter a Competition!
Maybe its a friendly competition with your friends or something really big with hundreds or thousands of competitors. When you enter into a competition of any kind, I find switch flips in the mind.
Example – I remember a bunch of my friends all joined a gym as a group and started working out together. I couldn’t join them because I lived in a different city. But I was in a similar position in that I really wanted to lose some weight and increase my fitness. Knowing that they were all getting in shape for the summer, I had to keep pace! I joined my own gym and started working out daily. I knew that the next time I saw my friends, they would all be in better shape so I wanted to have my own results to show off too! Just knowing that I was my own self-created competition was enough to keep me going. I lost maybe 15 pounds and developed a very disciplined exercise habit that I still have to this day (that was maybe 7 years ago).
Spirit of competition can be a great way to get out of a rut!
Justin Popovic´s last blog ..Taking Risks is Essential for Success
Hi Justin,
That’s a great addition! I can be a very competitive person, sometimes. It’s a great motivator knowing that others are doing what you want to be doing. If nothing else, it gets you moving.
That’s a great example of a habit that has stuck with you years later. Good for you!
Thanks for sharing that idea. I never thought of using your competitive edge to get out of a rut, but it obviously works.
Karen
Hi Karen,
I’m currently staying abroad with my family right now, and your post is really timely for me.
I’m fortunate to have a location independent work, but I’m starting to have the same daily activities. Your post has inspired me to list down the things I want to do while I am here. The idea of doing volunteer work sounds really nice too. I’ve been looking at an organization in this city and I’m seriously considering getting in touch with them. Thanks!
Julius´s last blog ..Learning About Web Accessibility Through Everyday Tasks
Hi Julius,
I’m happy that the post resonated with you and has inspired you to appreciate the opportunity that you are living through now. A lot of people would love to be in your position. Volunteering your time in a foreign country sounds like a great way to incorporate a new culture and to meet some new local people.
Thanks for sharing,
Karen
This really strikes a chord with me because, on paper at least, my life should be very dull and rut-like. I work on an ad-hoc basis as a supply teacher but for the most part I’m at home with the children. Seeing as the eldest two are in school, there’s little we can do to change the routine in term times.
But I have to say that right now feels like the exact opposite of being in a rut and I put that down to having made the most of every opportunity. When you’re stuck in a rut, it’s very easy to make excuses to say no to certain things. I personally feel that that is the time when you really must say yes to everything.
I loved the suggestion about shaking things up with your food choices. I get very bored with food and do tend to end up eating breakfast cereal for lunch because nothing else grabs my fancy. And chocolate cake for breakfast? Yep, done that. Fabulous
Eleanor Edwards´s last blog ..What do you do when your bottle threatens to pop?
Hi Eleanor,
It sounds as if you’ve learned the secret to not falling to a rut – that is making the most of every opportunity that comes your way. When we’re in a rut, it’s easy to say no to everything if that’s our default mode. You’re right, this is when we should be saying yes to more in our live and see where that takes us.
Maybe you can ask your children and husband what they want to eat. Let them make the choices once in a while so that the decision isn’t always yours. The movie Julie & Julia (which is based on the book) was interesting because the star went through an entire cookbook and made a different recipe each day. Maybe you can try that
Thanks,
Karen
It would be a good idea to ask hubby et al and actually, when he’s cooking, we eat like royalty. He’s a much better cook than me. I think of myself as more of a pastry chef. I have a wonderful crème brulè in the oven as I type. But savoury dishes are his forte
I love the idea behind Julie and Julia. Can’t say I’m familiar with either the book or the film though. Which would you recommend? (Or is that a silly question given now much we all know you like to read
)
Eleanor Edwards´s last blog ..I hate surprises, what about you?
Hi Eleanor,
I actually haven’t read the book, but watched the movie. I thought it was great and I believe Meryl Streep was up for an Oscar for the role. It was an enjoyable movie – you should watch if if you get a chance.
Lucky you to have a hubby who cooks for you
Karen
Getting it out of your head and onto paper is a fantastic way of accomplishing your goals, I know my brain is tiny so it doesn’t take much to make it too cluttered so getting it out onto paper means I can keep mixing it up and actually taking action
TheInfoPreneur´s last blog ..Stop Looking For The Big Score
Hi James,
I agree that we can get stuck with overanalyzing things in our heads and sometimes we just have to shut up and take action. Otherwise, nothing will get done. Journaling is a great way to get what we are fixated on down on paper. There’s something about seeing it down on paper that makes things more objective. The more objective we are, the more we can make rational choices.
Thanks for dropping by,
Karen
hi karen,
how are you?
this post was really helpful and it validated a few thoughts i had on my mind such as getting out of certain routines which have become the norm and there are no longer challenges or anything to look forward to.
i am also pursuing an increase in my social network. i have read so much about the the positive impact of maintaining constructive social networks.
another thing i’ve placed high importance on is reading. It enlightens me on several issues and in the last 3 weeks I’ve been reading about politics/politicians lol!!!
take care
ayo´s last blog ..Personal Development Roadblocks
Hi Ayo,
Have you checked out the book, “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi? If not, you should check it out as it gives great tips to expanding your social and career networks.
I think we can easily fall into our comfort zone sometimes, it’s the challenge of recognizing that we are in one and then taking some action to shake up our lives. The tips are great way to do this pretty easily.
Good luck on your reading and increasing your network.
Thanks for stopping by,
Karen
These are great Karen.
It’s all about shaking things up isn’t it? Once you start focusing on something else because you’ve changed things around you can start moving out of your rut. Focus is the key.
My personal fav is #1. When I find myself, like recently, in a rut I go back and look at my goals. Then I decide on some immediate actions that will help me move toward them and instantly I get myself out of my rut.
Thanks for sharing these
Ben´s last blog ..6 outstanding ways to support someone in their dreams
Thanks, Ben. Taking action on our goals, ideally if you can do it daily, is a major way that we can get out of our rut. Even taking a small step closer will motivate us and push us along in life.
I read this last night and thought I’d come back and comment.
These are great ways to improve your life and get out of your rut. In fact, just last night I went to apply somewhere I wasn’t quite familiar with and got out of my comfort zone a bit while driving in new areas. I learned how close the place actually was and got the information I was looking for.
I also wrote a daily task list for myself that I’ve included on my Goals blog and wonder what everyone thinks about that as well.
Great ideas here and I especially like the foods thought. Gotta love food!
Eric´s last blog ..Have You Done It Yet And If So, Have You Learned?
Hey Eric,
Thanks very much for coming back and commenting. I’m happy to see that you took action and were able to get out of your comfort zone, if only for a drive. You learned a lot just from taking that small action – that’s great!
Thanks,
Karen
Hi Karen, I think these are some great suggestions. It’s amazing how easy it is to get stuck in a rut. Every morning I take a slightly different route to the station to force myself to be concious in my thought. Too often when we get in a rut we fail to notice things. Matthew
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..Wednesday Wisdom
Hi Matthew,
Yes, just by going to/from work using a different route we are activating our conscious mind and not just going through the motions on automatic pilot. I’m sure that you notice things that you wouldn’t normally by using the different routes.
Thanks,
Karen
I’ve been feeling a bit scattered lately, so I think creating a list of the things I want to accomplish is a great place to start finding clarity again.. I’m also going to start mapping my days out a little better… delegate Mon. for this, Tues. for that, etc.. Something regular that will keep me moving forward and meeting my goals. Thanks for the swift kick!