Strategy can help you out of rut

Life is a bore and you’re in a rut. You may believe that nothing can change and that you have to accept things as they are. You are bored with the duties of your job and have no enthusiasm in your performance. Your social life is not stimulating, either. And so each day drags on because your attitude is, “I’m in a rut and there is no way out.”

• The first thing you need to do is to admit that you haven’t tried to get out of that rut. You’ve been like a car stuck in the mud and that harder you bore down, the deeper you dug the rut.

• Discard that mindset.

• Analyze the situation. If the problem is your job, write down the duties that bore you. Then write down things you would like to do and responsibilities you would like to have. Ask yourself if you are qualified to perform in that capacity. If you are, prepare an updated resume, listing your education, your skills and your experience. State your career objective.

You may be in line for anew title, a promotion or simply a revision of your present job description. Considering the amount of time you have been in that position, point out that you have not only the ability but also the desire for a change. If no change is available within your present company, look further. Get in touch with a personnel management firm or an employment office, and get their assistance in finding a job for you.

If it is your social life, do another analysis to discover the missing spark. Do you wish you had a larger group of friends? Do you need a hobby to occupy your leisure time? Do you need to devote more time to personal care putting emphasis on improved nutrition and more exercise?

Maybe you need some intellectual stimulation? Think about something that you have done that gave you a sense of fulfillment, of peace, of restfulness. Is it time to buy that boat you have always wanted? Is it time to take a course in a continuing education class, polishing a skill you long ago neglected, or studying something that has always made you curious. Decide what you would like to do to get yourself out of the doldrums.

• In your reframing, be realistic. Think back to a time when you felt energized and happy and realize that you are not the same person as you were then. You have matured, life has given you situations and circumstances that have modified your thoughts, dreams and energies. Accept that, but grab onto something out of those long-ago wishes that you can use right now. And then go for it.

• Talk to your spouse, your children and your friends. Communication is necessary to clear the air, to let everyone know that you are going to make some changes. Listen to them and take note of what they have observed and include their thoughts in your decision.

• Whatever you do, use a planned strategy. To get out of a rut, you must first change your attitude, then develop a plan.

While you don’t want to plan a broad jump forward, remember you won’t get out of a rut by running in place; you have to put one foot forward and prepare to pull. Get some assistance, and get moving.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1989