Maybe it's the heat - or just the mid-year blues. But I've heard lots of you grumbling about feeling like you're stuck in a rut lately.
Are you indeed in a rut? These tips will help you find your groove:
1) When's the last time you did anything new?
If you can't remember, your creative impulses are getting stale.
Find your groove:
Do something that's not part of your usual routine. Call a friend and make a date to do something you keeping saying "We ought to try..." about. Or pick a random event out of tomorrow's newspaper. The point is to DO something. Anything.
2) When's the last time you actively set a goal?
If you can't remember, you've fallen into the "same old, same old" trap.
Find your groove:
Get a change of scenery - not your house, not your workplace - and jot down 5 - 10 personal or work objectives you need or want to declare victory on.
If an obvious priority emerges, go after it. If not, flip a coin. Either way, choose one clear objective, create a quick plan, and start implementing. The key is to take action towards your objective.
3) When's the last time you did something that was uncomfortably challenging?
If you can't remember, you're dodging tough - and important - learning opportunities.
Find your groove:
If you love everything you do, you're dodging the stuff you don't like. And you're not acquiring new skills and capabilities. So if you avoid looking at the monthly financials, stiffen your backbone and do it.
4) When's the last time you really screwed something up?
If you can't remember, you're playing it too safe.
Find your groove:
Are you delaying important decisions because you're not 100% sure they'll turn out well...even though you've analyzed, discussed and researched out the wazoo? Pick one - most potential or least risk, your call - and roll the dice.
5) When's the last time you blamed someone else?
If you're continually blaming other people, you've lost your perspective.
Find your groove:
Harsh but true: the only common denominator in your disappointments is...you. Work on the actions and behaviors YOU control instead of blaming others for your lack of accountability.
6) When's the last time you had a memorable weekend or vacation?
If you can't remember, your routine has taken over your life.
Find your groove:
Recharge your batteries with a planned break from "real life." Lots of possibilities, including a quick weekend drive to somewhere completely different, or a "staycation" full of local attractions, activities and restaurants you normally pass by.
Either way, recharge with a change of actual or mental scenery.
7) When's the last time you finished the "must do's" on your to-do list?
If you can't remember, you're in the just-trying-to-get-to-the-end-of-the-day trap.
Find your groove:
A huge to-do list often overshadows the most important items. At the end of each day, jot the top five "must do" items on an index card. Start with those priorities the next morning. Before you say "But I have TWENTY must-do's", just remember - you weren't really doing all twenty anyway, were you?