10 WAYS TO GET OUT OF A MENTAL RUT

Have you ever started a day, week, month, etc. and just don’t know where to start? You’ve got a lot on your plate, more keeps getting added and yet every time you get ready to dive into the first item on your to-do list, you hit a wall. I think we’ve all been there, mental ruts are something most of us are very familiar with, but in the pursuit of productivity here are 10 ways to get your mind moving again:

1. JUST START

Something is better than nothing. Sometimes all it takes is starting the task – the first go around could be garbage but, it’s a start. It gives you jumping points and helps give you direction.

2. SEEK OUT MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION

Don’t just stare at a blank screen with a blinking cursor. Read a motivational book, research quotes that might spark inspiration, watch a video from an expert, listen to a podcast or music… use the world wide web to your advantage! There’s plenty of accessible resources and tools out there, use them.

3. USE YOUR TEAM

Ask questions, talk with co-workers and friends, get outside insight and opinions. Everyone has a different perspective and when facing a mental rut, a new way of tackling a challenge might be exactly what’s needed. Rely on those around you and be receptive to their ideas.

4. STEP AWAY FROM THE TASK AT HAND

Take a break, walk away, get a change of scenery. You won’t find a good idea just sitting and staring blankly so get yourself away from the problem and give your brain a chance to reset.

5. BOOST YOUR ENERGY

In addition, to stepping away from the task at hand make sure you boost your energy. Take a walk around your office, go outside and get some fresh air, take your lunch break (and make sure you’re eating food that will boost your energy, not drag you down), pick up some coffee. Sometimes all you need is a little pick-me-up to get going again.

6. SCHEDULE OUT YOUR TO-DO LIST

Make a list before you go to tackle anything. Figure out everything you have to do that week and prioritize and schedule your tasks. This way the high-importance items will get done first and the other items are on your schedule for later.

7. SWITCH TO ANOTHER TASK

If you’ve got a million things on your to-do list – don’t waste time working on a project that makes you feel stuck. Set the task at hand aside and get your brain going by getting other things done and then go back with a refreshed mindset.

8. TALK IT OUT WITH AN EXPERIENCED MENTOR

Touch base with a trusted mentor who has possibly been in your position before or faced a similar difficulty. They can give insight into how to tackle the problem or provide a different insight into solving your problem.

9. LOOK AT THE PAST

There’s no need to re-invent the wheel. Go back to basics. Ask yourself how was this problem solved before? There’s a chance if it’s worked before it can work again. Sometimes all it takes is looking at the past to gain insight on the present.

10. LEAVE THE PROBLEM AT WORK, GET A GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP AND START AGAIN TOMORROW

Lastly, sometimes you need to know when it’s time to throw in the towel for the day, leave your rut at work, focus on refreshing your mindset, getting a full night of sleep and try again tomorrow. There’s huge value in knowing when to just step away and get rest. After all, it’s nearly impossible to get work done when you’re exhausted.

How do you try and pull yourself out of a mental rut?

All the Best,

Jeff Beckham