Sometimes the path we're on has worn a groove so deeply ingrained in our brains that we don't even realize it has turned into a rut. Here's an article with some red flags that should warn you that it might be time for a change.
In a nutshell, you might be in a rut if...
1. ...you can't remember the last time you tried something for the first time.
2. ...you compare yourself to others more than to your former self.
3. ...you've become comfortable living a life filled with goals mostly unrealized.
4. ...you find yourself playing the victim.
5. ...you haven't made a big mistake lately.
More details in the article. Check it out.
Brought to you by Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst TM
To paraphrase the old saying, the difference between a groove and a rut is the depth.
There is utility in routine. It provides a certain level of predictability - it's a fine thing when you're executing your current game plan.
The essence of what makes a rut is the ability or the willingness to look outside the well-worn path. If the habit is so ingrained, or the culture so rigid that change is undesired or impossible, well, then...you just might be in a rut (apologies to Jeff Foxworthy).
Posted by: Eric Sohn | December 17, 2005 at 06:08 PM
Excellent point, Eric.
Posted by: Curt Rosengren | December 17, 2005 at 06:13 PM
These are all attitude related causes but it is not correct to assume always that the person has the wrong attitude. You are also in a rut if you are an extreme job misfit and while reading spiritual and management books and attending motivation seminars may work for sometime, they are certainly no substitues for the real solution but since the real solution is not really available in this moment of space and time, we have to make do with attitude pepups.
Posted by: Hiren Shah | December 26, 2005 at 05:58 PM