Do you ever find yourself in a state of rut? Do you ever find yourself in a state of despair? Do you ever find yourself with no motivation or desire to carry-on?
Here are 10 things that will help you get out of your own way. If we can stop that big blockade, things begin to happen for us again. Even if you do only one, you’ll finally be able to get things done! It may take a while, but you're on your way.
1. Remember why you are doing it.
Knowing why you are doing something is critical to getting it done. We usually don't like doing things for no reason. Whether it’s exercising, cleaning the house, starting a business or filling out job applications, it must contribute to some larger purpose. If the effort doesn’t lend a bigger purpose, stop. With no purpose, it becomes like walking on a gerbil wheel.
2. Think about the outcome.
What are you going to get from doing this thing? When you don’t feel like doing it, focus on the outcome you’re seeking. Think about how that outcome will make your life better, no matter how big or small the improvement is. If that outcome doesn’t excite, cross it off the list. Make your life purposeful. Don't let yourself just get on auto pilot. There are 365 days a year. Live each one to the fullest.
3. Focus on the important stuff.
Nothing will drain your energy faster than working on tedious things that won’t move you toward your goal. For example, if you’re starting a business, stop moving commas and periods around in your business plan and go out and talk to some prospects. Take some action. Set some goals, move forward on them, and get feedback to improve. Focusing on what will make a difference will motivate you and skyrocket your results.
4. Listen to music.
Melodies soothe and nourish the creative spirit. It has a huge effect on how you feel. Use it as a tool to change your mood to whatever you want it to be. Create a playlist of songs that motivate and move you. Play it while you work and while you procrastinate. Notice how different tempos and rhythms affect your creativity. During procrastination, note how music moves you towards a state of creativity if the melody is right for "YOU".
5. When you get tired, move around.
Use the 20/2 rule. When you have sat for 20 minutes, move for 2 minutes. A Little blood and oxygen to the brain can improve your creative juices; plus it is good for your heart. A few yoga stretches, such as downward facing dog work well, or just walking in place. Despite common beliefs, you actually get energy from being active. Your brain gets oxygen and vital nutrients to function. Your body did not evolve to sit at a computer and work for hours at a time.
6. When you get frustrated, sit and breathe.
Some call it meditation. Simply empty your mind. You’re probably thinking too much. Calm down. Sit in a comfortable spot, relax and take some deep breaths to clear your mind for 10 minutes. If you really want to boost your productivity, take a minute to clear your mind to avoid frustration that stops you from getting things done.
7. Stop comparing yourself to other people.
Competition and comparison take the joy out of the experience. You’re working on something and you suddenly stop in despair because you realize it’s not going to be as good as that "fantasy" person. It stops you in your tracks. You say to yourself, “Why bother? It’s going to suck anyway.” First, this is probably not true. You are probably just as good or better than that person. Second, even if you can’t do it as well as that person, no problem. This is practice to make you better. Either way, there’s no reason to stop.
8. Disarm the idea of perfection.
Perfection is a theoretical concept that does not exist in reality. You are probably waiting until the conditions are just right for it to be perfect. It will never be. No human is perfect. You only have two choices: imperfect or nothing. Stop waiting to learn one more thing, get one more opinion, or make one last correction. Just dig in and do it and be OK with imperfection. If you don't get started, nothing will develop anyway.
9. It is OK to admire your accomplishments.
Your need for instant gratification is probably keeping you from getting things done. You’re jumping over to Facebook to see if anyone has commented on your status, or checking Twitter for an endorphin rush. You’ll probably get it there, but if you read this far, you want to get things done. Instead of turning to social media for instant gratification, tell yourself how awesome you are after you accomplish each little thing. Why are we always looking to others to tell us how awesome we are?
10. Help someone else.
We desire to help each other. It’s addictive for humans. When you are working on a project and just can’t seem to move forward, pick up the phone and call someone you can help. Offer some advice, feedback, help or expertise. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment. It may catapult you out of a rut and inspire your situation! You’ll feel good about yourself and happy that you’ve contributed to someone else’s life. The concept of paying it forward eventually returns back.
Above are 10 things for you to get yourself out of a rut. Some days I am preaching to the choir, but believe it or not, when I work the steps, the steps pay dividends!
There are always external things you can’t control. The pendulum swings both ways! When the tide is high ride it, when the tide is low don't let it take you under.
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