Everyone occasionally gets into
a rut – a series of daily routines that leave us feeling like we’re
operating on autopilot. While routines provide comfort, they can also be a
sign of insecurity or laziness. Because ruts can keep us from experiencing
life fully, we need to find strategies for breaking them.
Here’s a checklist to see if
you’re just coasting and what to do about it if you are:
If you eat the same meal at the
same restaurant more than twice a week, you’re in a rut. If you’ve been
running the same route for your workout for more than a couple of weeks,
you’re definitely in a rut. Disrupting these patterns can help you feel
more present in your life. Make yourself a special breakfast; get a
different haircut; don’t let any aspect of your routine feel like it’s
carved in stone.
If you
experience déjà vu when talking to friends or colleagues, you probably
need to meet new people. Making new friends is the easiest way to energize
your life. Try joining an adult sports team – many require little
experience. Take a cooking class or join a book club.
If your weekends are all
blurring together in your memory, you are not taking advantage of your
free time. Plan your weekend activities ahead of time and stick to your
plans. Take small trips or go on a retreat. Don’t do the same thing two
weekends in a row.
