We’ve all been there – staring blankly at a screen, feeling uninspired, wondering what the point is. If you’re in a creative field, or even just a job that requires you to be constantly thinking up new ideas, it’s common to feel stuck in a rut from time to time.
But how can you tell when you’re just experiencing a temporary case of the “blahs” and when you’re truly stuck in a rut? And once you know you’re in one, what can you do about it? Well, if you’re really feeling down, it might be best to look for online psychologists who can help. But for minor cases of the blues, read on for a helpful guide.
How to tell if you’re in a rut
There are a few key signs that indicate whether or not you’re just experiencing a normal case of the “blahs” or if you’re in a bona fide rut. First, ask yourself how long you’ve been feeling this way. If it’s only been a few days or weeks, chances are good that you’re just going through a phase and that your motivation will come back soon enough. However, if you’ve been feeling stuck for months (or even years) it’s time to take action.
Another key indicator is the severity of your feelings. If you’re simply feeling unmotivated or uninspired, that’s one thing. But if you’re feeling apathetic, hopeless, or even depressed about your work, then it’s time to take some steps to change things up. Finally, ask yourself how your work is suffering as a result of your lack of motivation. Are deadlines being missed? Are projects coming in half-finished? If so, then it’s definitely time for some changes.
What to do about it
If you find yourself stuck in a rut, there are fortunately some things you can do about it. One of the best things you can do is take some time for yourself – go on holiday, take up a new hobby, or just spend some time relaxing and rejuvenating.
It’s also important to take inventory of your current situation and see if there are any areas where you might be able to make some changes. For example, if you’ve been stuck in the same job for years with no opportunity for advancement, maybe it’s time to start looking for something new. Alternatively, if you’ve been putting off starting your own business or working on that book idea for years, maybe it’s finally time to take the plunge and go for it!
Whatever the case may be, making some changes in your life can help jumpstart your creativity and get you out of your rut.
Ready to put this newfound knowledge to practise?
If you find yourself feeling creatively blocked or just generally uninspired by life, don’t despair – you may be stuck in a rut. But by taking some time for yourself and making some strategic changes in your life, you can get out of it! So next time you find yourself feeling down about your work, remember this helpful guide and take action accordingly.
