Feeling Like You're Stuck In a Rut? You're Not Alone. Here's What We Can Do.
Marcus Sheridan
One of the most engaging keynote speakers on the planet—I create experiences that change how businesses sell, connect, and win | Author of Endless Customers and They Ask, You Answer | Entrepreneur | Master Storyteller
Sameness.
Wake up at the same time, in the same place, with the same schedule waiting for you.
Eat at the same time, the same meals, the same way.
Check phone at same time, going to the same sites, hearing the same negative news, seeing the same faces in your feed.
Start working at the same time, in the same room, with the same walls around you.
Attend the same ZOOM meetings, at the same time, with the same attendees.
Give the same virtual presentation, to the same faceless screen, the same way you’ve done it again and again.
Watch the same show, on the same platform, with the same temporary respite from reality.
Can you relate?
The Rut
If you know me at all, you know I’m a positive guy.
I seek it in everything I do.
But this last year has had its share of challenges for all of us, and I’m absolutely no exception to that rule.
In fact, just recently I noticed a feeling of melancholy come over me—a feeling I can’t recall having for many years.
And as I analyzed why, I realized it was the “sameness” that was eating away at me, unbeknownst to my ever-perky, non-caffeine needing self.
Yep, I’ve been in a rut you could say.
The Answer
So what’s the solution?
What’s the answer to this ground-hog’s day effect that so many of us are experiencing?
Simply put, we MUST change our routines.
We must return to becoming the experimental person we once were.
This means exposing ourselves to new things.
New people.
New books.
New recipes.
New teachers.
New forms of media.
But it doesn’t stop there.
It means being intentional about doing things differently.
Driving to work on a different route.
Poaching your eggs because, well, you’ve never done that before.
Taking a different vacation the moment you feel comfortable traveling again.
Starting your next meeting with a completely different approach, and not just simply “going through the motions” with your team.
So that’s the key my friends.
Experiment.
Change things up.
Walk a different path.
By so doing, the haze will dissipate.
The vigor will return.
And with it, the joy we all seek.
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Comments? Thoughts? Can you relate? Share your experience below.
People Operations (HR) & Performance Consultant | Founder | Human Resources| Employee Engagement | Leadership Coach | Bestselling Author | Business Coach & Mentor
3 年I feel like you crawled inside my mind and wrote this about exactly how I've been feeling the last month. We've been locked down since Dec 20th here in Wales, I miss paddlebiarding and volleyball with my team, I miss being able to go to a coffee shop to work or go somewhere different to walk the dog. ?? too much routine zaps my creativity and mood. Thanks for the tips Marcus. Poaching those eggs this morning ??
Customer Enablement Strategy| New Business Development, CRM
3 年This is perfect for the pandemic blues thanks
Agency Leadership Coaching & Mastermind for Marketing & Sales Agency Founders & Executive Teams.
4 年Love this - there are so many new things to try, learn even in lockdowns. Skillshare courses, new recipes, new exercise routines, different meditations, YouTube channels - personal favourite - The School of Life, Clubhouse rooms, books, change the layouts of the rooms in your home. As they say a change is as good as a rest :)
System Administrator at Microsoft
4 年Blessings to all
Regional Safety Manager at OECS - Workplace Safety Experts
4 年Thank you for sharing