So, here we are...
It's early February and for most of us the weather just plains stinks! In Kentucky we have had very little snow and very little sunshine. We have lived through too many days of 40-42 degree temperatures with rain, rain and more rain. I know, I know, many of my friends in areas North of here are experiencing snow and the mess that it is your winter there. Regardless, I think it is safe to say that we are all ready for spring.
Over the course of the past few weeks, both here in Kentucky and in my travels through Illinois, Missouri and South Carolina, I have found myself in conversations with people who just seemed beaten down. They had very little energy and even less desire. A few even said, "I just feel like I am in a rut." We all get there. We all find ourselves at times in a place we do not want to stay. But many times the hard part is finding a way to push through. So, it has led me to spend some thoughtful time thinking about how we get ourselves out of a rut. If you are ready to rediscover a healthier place in your life, please keep reading.
It begins by seeking positive energy EVERY single day. We all must recognize that there is just too much negative in this ole' world. We are surrounded by it. It is everywhere we go and we see it in everything we do. We must commit to feeding ourselves with positive energy each and everyday, and more importantly, each and every morning. So, to get out of your rut you must immediately begin starting your day with something positive. I have a suggestion that will help if you are up to the challenge.
In my opinion, the first step to getting out of the rut you are currently experiencing is ceasing to begin your day on social media. When you begin your day scrolling through Facebook, or Book Face, as a buddy of mine likes to call it, you are forfeiting your agenda to everyone else. You are giving in to a meaningless waste of time looking at the best everyone else wants you to see. Stop it, and stop it now. Instead, listen to motivational audio (just You Tube motivation), read an encouraging book, meditate, pray or simply go for a walk. Feed your mind with positive thoughts and positive energy and go be lively!
Next, rid your life of energy vampires. You know the ones I am referring to. Everyone has those people who just suck the life out of them. Do not let them steal your joy simply because they are in a rut, or just determined to be miserable. Even if you cannot avoid them altogether, you must find a way to distance yourself from them. It is sad to say, but everyone is not motivated for your success and happiness. Recognize it and adjust!
Make a real commitment to you! Most people never make a commitment to take care of themselves. We keep telling ourselves we are too busy. Busy doing what? No one is going to take care of you if you are not focused on taking care of yourself. To get out of the rut, we must begin to expand the expectation of ourselves. We must begin to achieve mastery of our own mind. Did you know that our own thoughts are the biggest enemy of our success at times. Master your mind and prepare yourself for the grind of taking control of your life. Expect things to get better and believe that they will.
Next, experience has shown that the best way to feel better about ourselves is to focus on making others feel better about themselves. To get out of your rut help someone else get out of theirs. Take someone to lunch. Buy someone a cup of coffee. Pay for a veteran's meal. Smile, and then smile again. Focus on making others smile. When we focus on adding value to others we often forget about our own struggles.
Finally, live life with energy! Find your passion! Discover your Swagger! Help others discover theirs. I heard someone say recently, "I ain't what I'm gonna be, I ain't what I wanna be, but thank God I ain't what I was!
Go conquer your rut and start having the courage to live the life you deserve! I'm rooting for you! Oh, and spring will be here soon!
Swagger On friends!
Written by Derron Steenbergen, President of the Swagger Institute.
The Swagger Institute is a business consulting company specializing in sales and leadership training, motivational speaking, customer service training and organizational development.