Ever dream of changing a life situation or a way of thinking and approaching life but can’t seem to break out of the rut you are in? Like the sun keeps rising on the same day over and over?
I have been here more times than I can count.
In the past, when I was stuck I thought the only way I could get the change I wanted was to make a drastic life change – job change, move to a new area, etc.
While these changes were extremely helpful, I have found another great way to make the forward progress I constantly crave in my life without needing to move every 6 months.
Win!
Here’s what it is:
Picture having multiple work stations which are totally unrelated to one another. When you get stuck in one area, rather than beating your head against a wall where you are, you get up and move to another area, completely different, and start working there.
So, here’s what this can look like for me:
1. When I’m writing and get stuck, I might step away from the computer and switch to painting or drawing.
2. When I feel stuck in a project, I might take a break and go for a walk.
3. When I feel stuck in my thinking, I might sign up for an art class or buy a new book.
4. When I feel uninspired or discouraged, I might rearrange or even paint a room in my house.
When I switch to something else, I can get some forward momentum and energy going again. After this little break, I can go back to what I was originally doing and things start moving over there again.
Plus, I find I often receive the greatest insights when I step away from what I am zeroed in on and let myself focus on something else for a bit.
We all want to feel like our lives are moving in the right direction, whatever that direction is. So take advantage of anything that sparks the feeling of moving and making progress.
Try it, it works!
Photo by Claudia Good
Great, creative tips Claudia! I guess I didn’t even realize I was doing this – but I do! It’s amazing to me how a solution to a different situation will pop into my head when I’m doing something entirely different.
That’s great Ann! I realized I was tempted to do this but always thought it was a negative thing till I read “Steal Like An Artist.” When he talked about how helpful it was for him (especially as a writer/artist) then I tried it and it was amazing!!! Glad you have already seen how helpful it is!! Do you use art as one of your outlets…or exercise? Just guessing 😉
Haha – I’m not particularly artistic as far as painting or drawing go – I do use exercise (very good guess) and also cooking. I find I can use that as a creative outlet – trying or creating new recipes.
Claudia,
You sound just like me! I get easily bored or more likely frustrated with things in my life so when that happens, I do well to start something new. When I’m feeling stuck at my job, if I work on my Etsy shop more, I feel refreshed. If I’ve been working on Etsy and haven’t seen the progress I want, I find a project at home I can do where I can see progress. I change up my walking for a little bit of jogging from time to time. Anything to keep my mind and body refreshed and in turn, I can think clearer and feel better overall. Great post!
Yes Donna!!! I am a project fanatic!! I LOVE projects to help get me out of a slump and to keep my busy ultra creative mind busy… otherwise I feel quickly discouraged and unstimulated. Love that you let yourself thrive in this area!!
I would add that bringing fresh insight from time spent with friends and mentors is also a great way to see new thinking in action.
It definitely is Jonathan! Thanks for the input!