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#1

Getting out of a rut

Ever get stuck in a personal or professional rut? Seems like these days it takes sheer luck to get out of one, or avoid one altogether. If you did find yourself stuck, how'd you get unstuck?

This isn't for an article or for homework or anything...I'm genuinely wondering how people created good change for themselves. Just wonderin'...
#2

Getting out of a rut

I buy new bed sheets and throw pillows for my couch.

Makes things feel different.
"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>> “I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>> -whatever2
#3

Getting out of a rut

What Diva said, or volunteer someplace for awhile. Take a class. Do something outside of your normal routine.
#4

Getting out of a rut

You should check this out. It's a fun and clever way to cretate numerous small changes in your life and think in more creative (or outside of the box) ways.

I linked the main website, but I think you could probably get it cheaper on amazon.
The Creative Whack Pack
....but the world goes 'round
#5

Getting out of a rut

I tape "Househunters International" instead of "Househunters".
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."

"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS

#7

Getting out of a rut

What...does owning a vcr count as being in a "rut"?
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."

"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS

#8

Getting out of a rut

Depends on when you live. If you live in 1981, then you're fancy! Getting out of a rut
#10

Getting out of a rut

Lol! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. New scenery and decor change=good idea. Volunteering--I do this a bit, not enough, I think. I dunno...maybe a total reinvention is in order.
#11

Getting out of a rut

What...does owning a vcr count as being in a "rut"?

I still have a TV/VCR combo.

I do this a bit, not enough, I think. I dunno...maybe a total reinvention is in order.

Few years back I had my heart busted. Not even just busted but thoroughly abused. And I was stuck in a really black place for a long time. I decided I needed a drastic change so I cut my hair. This may not seem like a huge thing but I've had long hair all of my life. When I cut it to above my shoulders I felt like I'd shed my past and was sassier and bolder. Now, the hair cutting wasn't all of the healing process but it certainly was a start.

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

Updated On: 3/10/11 at 12:11 AM

#12

Getting out of a rut

Lexapro.
I know you. I know you. I know you.
#13

Getting out of a rut

Talk to Charlie Sheen...he is still WINNING!
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. Ralph Waldo Emerson
#14

Getting out of a rut

This may not help, but I found last fall that I was being incredibly cynical and negative (traits that I do not admire in others, or myself) so what started was a daily "Gratitude List" on facebook where I would post a status that had 3 things I was grateful for from my day. It could be anything from "A friend calling out of the blue" to "(blank) song came on my ipod during my run." It's cheesy, but it forced me to evaluate that my life is really blessed and that I have a lot to be thankful for. It really changed my outlook.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
#15

Getting out of a rut

Get involved in a local theater production of a musical comedy production like GREASE, GYPSY, MAME or the like. Plan on a 12 week commitment (or so). You will have something to focus on, have a lot of fun, get a great sense of achievement, and meet new friends. Who knows? It could even lead to romance.

P.S. If you can't sing or dance, work crew.

Updated On: 3/11/11 at 05:29 PM

#16

Getting out of a rut

Challenge yourself in some way. I have a deep fear of heights but for YEARS I pushed myself into dealing with it. Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and looking down. Walking the ramparts of Norwich Castle. Climbing to the top of Sacre Coure and making myself look at the view. Empire State Building. Etc. I still have a fear of heights but I also learned how to push past it and I learned I could deal w just about anything as a result.
It doesn't have to be a fear- learn to cook 3 really good meals. Try Mini golf, fencing, Political campaging for a cause u believe in. Kareoke.
A friend of mine makes a lot of $$ from his specific form of entertainment( NO NOT GAY PORN!!!!) and he got offered an opportunity to do a dramatic role in a significant work. He was totally terrified and yet when it came through a big success he learned that he had an entirely different facet to his abilities that he had either denied or forgotten. ( something I think he will now persue more actively)

MY next challenge is rollercoasting, I HATE rides but I figure after a few of these stomach churning spins I'll have a new definition for what feels safe!

#17

Getting out of a rut

Really enjoying these responses so far. Inspiring to hear what makes people re-create or just relax.
#18

Getting out of a rut

My therapist assigned me the tasks of movement and social interaction. So I bought an elliptical (I'm intimidated by gyms) and I signed up for a LGBT running/walking group that meets twice a week. While I'm admittedly in a couple of ruts, I also experienced multiple major traumas recently within a period of six weeks, so I figure if my therapist thinks this is good for a nervous breakdown, then it couldn't possibly hurt for a rut, either.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#19

Getting out of a rut

Sorry you are in a rut- but I like this thread! We've all been there.

Something that I do is force myself to do those things that give me pleasure in life, but that I never do b/c too busy, tired, broke, etc. I am a teacher, so my ruts include doing nothing for myself during the week and often going to bed by 9, due to my 5:30 rise time.

So, I will go out to dinner with a friend during the week, see a movie, spend time with my adorable nieces and nephews, go see a touring show that I can't afford, etc.

Breaks in the routine really help me!

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