How I get out of a rut
When I am stuck in a rut, it’s often not about motivation — it’s about clarity and preparation. Low performance usually comes from two things: unclear goals or missing skills. Here’s the approach I take to get unstuck and boost my focus.
First, I ask myself four key questions:
1. Do I actually know what my goals are?
2. Do I know which goal matters most?
3. Have I broken these goals into doable tasks?
4. What’s my deadline?
Here’s my step-by-step process for powering through a low-motivation day:
1. Set Up the Right Sensory Environment:
Remove distractions. I create a focused space free from the usual pings and interruptions via AppBlock to block apps and focus mode on my phone. Sometimes, I listen to bi-neural beats. And I will declutter my desk.
2. Clarify the End Goal:
Sometimes, all it takes is focusing on the big picture to find motivation again. Identifying my ultimate aim gives me the direction and purpose to keep moving. Often, a lack of direction drains motivation. I make sure not to confuse the end goal with tasks. Sometimes, checking tasks off of a to-do list gives us a faux sense of accomplishment.
3. Break Down Goals into Small Tasks:
Big goals can feel overwhelming, so I split them into small, achievable steps. This makes progress tangible and keeps me moving forward.
4. Set Clear Deadlines:
Deadlines create urgency and accountability. I start with a 20-minute timer to tackle the first task, which builds momentum and keeps me on track.
5. Identify Skills or Knowledge Gaps:
If I’m stuck because I don’t know how to do something, it’s time to fill that gap. Sometimes, low performance is just a sign that I need more knowledge.
Resilience is not a hidden shield. Resilience is figuring out what’s stopping you from performing at your best, finding the right path, and executing day after day. And when performance dips, resilience is the skill that will get you up and running again. Because performance dips are often about missing clarity. Following these steps can help you break free, stay focused, and work toward your goals effectively. But tasks are not goals. And I wrote a Substack all about it.
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