In a Rut?

I have noticed that sometimes when I stick around the house too much, I begin to fall into a rut. I find my writing going stale, and I see myself slipping further and further behind on the things I want to or have to do. I feel the problem is needing to get out, every once in a while, and be re-generated by surroundings that are different.

I find it useful to get out whether it is a walk around the block or a day trip to someplace new. Going to new places gives me new ideas and visions that help me to find progress with the things I’m trying to do. Old haunts, not recently visited, rekindle ideas and goals that I have had in the past, and may have slipped from my somewhat porous brain.

I’m not sure if you have had experiences like this were not. It is terrific seeing old acquaintances and friends and being able to say hi and spend a minute or two talking with them. Certain smells, perfumes, and odors help remind us of the good and bad of older times. And, the change in routine or learning of new pathways helps to inspire us.

The idea of just being somewhere else, just for a day, helps us to drink in a new experience and enjoy the change. I am not saying drop everything and fly to Rio. What I am saying is do something different. If you drive every day maybe take the bus. If that is not practical, take a walk at lunch or try a new restaurant. If you have the time go to a park that’s different than the one you usually go to. Maybe check out a new library or take the night and treat yourself to a show.

We have a tendency to get trapped in our ruts. And the only way to get out is to start to move in a different direction. I am not sure if the movement gets us out of the rut or gets everyone else in there with you. I do know that without action, we stay where we are. Time to start moving again.

Thank you for being with me today, I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof