stuck in a rut

If you’re someone who feels stuck in a rut, this one is for you. 

I was recently revisiting Gretchen Rubins’ book The Happiness Project. When I read, “I wasn’t depressed, and I wasn’t having a midlife crisis, but I was suffering from midlife malaise– a recurrent sense of discontent and almost a feeling of disbelief… Is this really it?” 

She went on, “… though at times I felt dissatisfied, that something was missing, I also never forgot how fortunately I was… I had everything I could possibly want– yet I was failing to appreciate it. Bogged down in petty complaints and passing crises, weary of struggling with my own nature… I wasn’t as happy as I could be, and my life wasn’t going to change unless I made it change.” 

This. This was me in 2018. I could NOT figure out what was missing from my life. 

It turns out it was me, and in time, I learned that:

~ I was not stuck; I had more control over my life than I thought. 

~ I was not appreciating what I had, instead of choosing to seek the good in my everyday life.

~ And I was not expanding that by taking a few seconds or even a minute to soak it all in– absorbing it into my core. 

So, if you are someone who feels stuck in a rut– what can you do differently? 

Start with the things listed above, but then also:

Switch things up by driving a different route to work, pick up a new activity (or rediscover an old one), and reach out to family or friends to connect with. 

You can meet new people and offer to meet someone for coffee, join a gym, or other group of like-minded people. 

You might like to start with a clean space, so declutter your home, workspace, or closet. 

Just try different things until you find the things you like to do. 

I recently signed up for Flathead Area Mountain Bike’s Women’s Clinics. My family was shocked and asked why I suddenly wanted to start mountain biking. My bike is 20 years old and I can probably count on two hands how many times I’ve mountain biked in those 20 years, but I wanted to do something different. I also thought I might like it better if I learned how to mountain bike properly. And, I’m in better shape than I have been; I now have more stamina. (I know what they mean when they say it’s time in the seat. They’re talking about building muscle, which takes time and consistency.) 

I’m loving it. It’s challenging mentally and physically. Am I still sometimes getting frustrated with what I can’t do? Sure, but I’m able to take it in stride. 

I recently also bought a 1000-piece puzzle. I seriously dislike that thing. I don’t understand it; it’s really hard; all the pieces and colors look the same. I really didn’t know what I was getting into when I bought it. And now I know- I will either not be buying another puzzle again, not buying one this hard, or at least knowing what I’m getting into if/ when I commit to one again.

If you feel stuck in a rut, decide to do something different and go after it. You will either love it or learn that you don’t, and you will no longer feel like you’re stuck in that rut. 


the cure for overwhelm

Vagueness leads to overwhelm.

And the cure for overwhelm is specificity.

What exactly is it that has you feeling overwhelmed?

Be specific.

Then check in- is it true?

(Often, that alone will be sufficient when you see it’s not true.)

Try this:
I don’t have enough time.

Take a step back & take a look at it; get specific & objective.
What does not enough time mean?
How much time do you need?
What, specifically, do you need time for?
How much time do you think that will take?
How much time do you actually have?
Are you using that time to the best of your ability?
Is there somewhere you “wring out” more time?
Can you batch things?
Is everything on your list a priority?
Is there someone you can delegate to?
How might you be able to create more time?

When you’re able to get more specific & objective,
you can more clearly see what you’re working with

And from there, you have more brain space to develop more creative solutions.

Be specific & break it down.

If you feel overwhelmed and struggle with time management, I can help; book a consultation now!

Logan Health Whitefish Employees, book an in-person coaching session here; or a remote coaching session (via phone or Zoom) here.

co-sign

Are you someone who needs others to co-sign on your ideas?

You’re afraid of being judged, criticized, or doing it “wrong.”

This might look like:

You want to write a book but struggle to start writing or sharing this dream with others.

You constantly seek validation from fellow writers & online writing communities.

You do all the research to ensure your idea is worth pursuing and that you know exactly how to do it.

You don’t trust your own creativity & you rely on external validation before taking any concrete steps toward writing. 

Perhaps you want to switch careers and pursue your desire to become a wedding planner.

You constantly seek validation from your friends & family that this is a good idea. 

You don’t attend workshops or start marketing your business until everyone else is onboard, too.

You struggle to trust your own talent & abilities without constant reassurance from others.

You spend time talking to everyone else rather than 

Believing in your ideas, 

Being proactive in your decision-making, 

Taking empowered action, 

(Even if others are skeptical), 

And developing the self-confidence 

To make decisions based on your desires and values, 

Trusting your own judgment,

Embracing your individuality, 

And creating & living a life you love. 

You don’t need others to opt in, co-sign, or agree with what you are doing. 

You only need to believe in yourself, 

Recognizing your own enoughness, 

Just as you are. 

If you’d like help to recognize your own enoughness, I can help.

Click here to take the first step & book your complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

As a reminder, for LHW employees, coaching is free! Click here to book your in-person coaching session or here for a remote coaching session.

imperfections

What are some practical ways you’ve learned to embrace your imperfections?

For me, it’s important to remember that we are all human beings simply doing our best (aka. humaning).

I work on giving as much grace to myself as I do to others.

Just like I give people the benefit of the doubt and try to understand their perspective, I do the same for myself by taking a moment to reflect on why I made certain choices or acted in a certain way.

Remember, understanding doesn’t necessarily mean agreement, but it does help with self-awareness and acceptance.

Another approach to embracing imperfections is to list the three (ONLY 3) things you don’t love most about yourself and explore how each has served you.

Once you understand their value, you can decide whether to keep those aspects or commit to making changes.

If you choose to pursue change, start by defining what you want, and recognize that it’s possible with the right thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Create a well-thought-out plan and diligently implement it, focusing on actions that move you closer to your desired transformation while avoiding those that don’t.

Be prepared to mitigate negative thoughts and feelings that may arise, and be open to feeling uncomfortable along the way.

Take the time to acknowledge your progress, celebrate your achievements, and regularly evaluate your journey.

Remember, embracing imperfections is an ongoing process, so be patient with yourself and repeat these steps as needed.

If you would like support in facing your imperfections, working with a nonjudgmental coach who can provide a safe space for you is truly valuable. At Christine Seager Coaching, I specialize in this kind of transformative work. If you’re interested in receiving support, book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation right here.

As a reminder, Logan Health Whitefish Employees can book a free in person coaching session here, or a remote coaching session here, as part of your benefits package.

lead with your heart

Embrace the power of leading with your heart!

When you trust and follow your heart’s guidance, amazing things unfold.

Here’s why leading with your heart is not just important but also a game-changer:

Authenticity: Leading with your heart allows you to be your true self.

It’s about embracing your values, passions, and desires without compromise.

By staying true to yourself, you attract genuine connections and experiences.

Clarity & Alignment: Your heart knows what truly resonates with you.

By tuning in and listening closely, you gain clarity about your path, goals, and aspirations.

This alignment brings focus, motivation, and a sense of purpose.

Empathy & Connection: Leading with your heart opens the door to understanding and empathy.

You create deeper connections and foster meaningful relationships when you approach others with compassion, kindness, and genuine care.

Intuition & Wise Decisions: Your heart holds an innate wisdom that transcends logic.

By tapping into your intuition, you make decisions that feel profoundly right.

Trusting your instincts leads to well-informed choices and personal growth.

Resilience & Fulfillment: Following your heart often means taking risks and embracing vulnerability.

It builds resilience as you navigate challenges with courage and determination.

Ultimately, living in alignment with your heart’s desires brings deep fulfillment and a sense of wholeness.

So, let’s lead with our hearts, embracing authenticity, clarity, empathy, intuition, and resilience along the way. 

Trust that when you honor the wisdom of your heart, the path ahead becomes brighter and more fulfilling.

If leading with your heart interests you, book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation here.