Without any fresh challenges, remaining in the same job for a long time can leave you feeling demotivated and unable to muster the same level of energy and drive that you had on your first day at work. It can be easy to get ‘stuck in a rut’ when you are in a role which sits well within your comfort zone, pays well and provides a good group of colleagues to work with. Tell-tale signs that you may be suffering from this could include a lack of interest and energy, feeling stressed, fatigue, low mood or a sense that you are unfulfilled.
If you become aware of any of these symptoms and are ready to make a change, here are some steps which can help you ‘get out of the rut’.
How to Get Out of the Rut
At first this might seem a daunting task, but it is good to remember that taking small steps can bring a massive change leading you to live the life as you deserve.
Identifying and recognising the reasons why you got into the rut and/or what keeps you there is important in order to find practical ways forward. For example, if you are paralysed by fear of failure, you could make a list of your past successes and consider these in your current context.
Accept your present position, try to be mindful so that you can be more focused on your present stress. If you will accept and engage with this situation, rather than avoiding it, you will be better able to work towards a solution.
Set realistic goals which are aligned with your talents and move forward.
Accept the challenge and break out of your comfort zone which will give you courage to do new things in life.
An exercise programme including short walks, breathing exercises and a change in routine will also help to reduce your feelings of boredom.
You can feel proud and appreciate yourself if you can see how much experience you have working in your field; that will boost your self-confidence.
If you can’t change your work, try to do the same work in different way or look on your project from a different angle. You could pretend that you are looking from the point of view of a creative director, designer, sports person or anyone you like; this will add a different perspective and reduce your boredom.
