We all have experienced the feeling of being stuck in a rut, circled around the same pattern and not knowing how to get out of it to move forward.
It’s what Enstein described as insanity ‘doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’.
More of the same thing isn’t going to give you the breakthrough. At the same time, the whole idea of coming up with any solutions just seems so impossible.
What are some things that you can do to get yourself out of feeling stuck?
For me, the most important thing is to keep moving and step out to do something!
These are the three things that I default to whenever I need a source of inspiration.
Running or Swimming
There is something very therapeutic and calming about running or swimming. The repetitive movement and breathing pattern is a kind of meditation. It has always helped me to feel instantly better and at the end of the exercise, I have a clearer mind which helps me to think of what I can do to help myself move a step forward even if I don’t find the solution immediately.
Visiting a Book Shop
This has always worked for me when I am stuck at work. It could be feeling stuck and not knowing how to solve a problem or just feeling low on energy. I always have a favorite bookshop in every city that I live in that I visit whenever I need some inspiration. I will spend a couple of hours in there browsing, reading and usually leaving with a new book and definitely feeling energized!
Writing It Down
Find a spot outdoors in the park or in your favorite cafe to write down what you’re experiencing. I find writing down what I’m feeling a great way of identifying the excuses that are stopping me from getting unstuck. It helps me get in touch with my feelings and it’s almost like I’m detaching myself from the barriers. Make a list of what you really want, not what you should do. List down the things that are stopping you from moving forward. You will find that by writing them down, it helps you become connected with what you truly want and with that clarity, the solutions and next steps will naturally come to you. The list of things that are stopping you become obvious excuses that you’re hiding behind and stopping you from moving forward.
It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can start by taking small steps to feel motivated again.