Get Out of Your Rut

We've all been there - feeling stuck in your current situation, whether it be your job, a relationship, boredom with life, etc. It's never a good feeling, and it never feels like things will change. I'm here to tell you it can. Here are some tips to get your self out of the mud and make meaningful changes.

1. Figure out what sucks. Take the time to reflect on what is making you feel stuck. Do you feel stuck in your job? Ok, then what about it? Is it that you don't feel like you are contributing to anything meaningful? Are you tired of your long commute? Do you feel like you have no where to grow within your company/school/agency? Do you feel general burnout? Look into yourself and your experience to really define what it is that's making you feel this way. Once you determine that, it makes the process of getting yourself out of it easier.

2. Set some goals. I know - you're tired of hearing me talk about goals, but there's a reason! Setting yourself manageable goals is KEY to helping you progress. Once you figure out your why (see number 1), you can set goals to help make those necessary changes. Maybe you've determined that you have no growth opportunities in your current position. Make some goals around honing some new skills to help you become more marketable so you can grow within  your agency. Whatever it is, once you figure out what it is that's holding you back, you need to set some goals to break through those walls.

3. Communicate. Find trusted friends, colleagues, mentors, and family members. Communicating your frustrations with a diverse bunch may give you some insight into your situation you hadn't thought of. Each individual person you discuss this with while bring a unique perspective, provided you are diversifying your therapy sessions. Coffee with your friend? She may be the one who hypes you up and helps you realize your self-worth to make those changes. Your mentor? She may be the one who helps guide you in the goal setting process to move further up the chain of progress. Your mom? She might be the person you call on to help you just feel validated. Everyone serves a special purpose. Don't underestimate the power of communication with your circle.

4. Get creative. Call back to what you used to love doing before work, and school, and responsibilities muddied it all up. Maybe it was drawing, dance, or writing. Maybe it was playing soccer (like me!), DIYs, or reading historical fiction. Whatever it is that gives you life and helps you feel that passion again, do it. Even if you can't change your situation right now, enhancing your life overall will help alleviate the stress and frustration from your "stuck situation" and allow you to feel life's meaning more intimately. 

5. Get moving. Exercise is therapeutic. Moving your body feels good and helps to keep you healthy and focused. I've shared ways to get yourself back on the exercising train, and how to fit it in your life. If you're still struggling, check out Bidvine is a UK company and website that offers you a variety of services you are looking for.  You start out requesting a services, you are then given some bids for the job you're looking to fill, and hire whomever fits your budget and needs. A great way to use Bidvine is for support from personal training and/or nutrition services! These areas can be so stressful and overwhelming, we often neglect them in a quest to keep everything else stable. But as we know, your own health and wellness should be a priority. Bidvine is a great way to prioritize yourself without compromising your time and energy. Check out this great post from Bidvine for other ways to achieve your fitness goals, and don't forget to check out their awesome nutrition and personal training services to make your lives a little easier while you get yourself out of this rut!

ABA at Play: reinforcement procedures, generalization, maintenance, data collection, antecedent strategies, consequence strategies, prompting, visual supports, evidence-based practice

What do you do to help pull yourself out of a rut? Leave a comment below!