Stuck in a Rut: You Can('t) Get Out of Your Rut
Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman
Deep Dive
What are some physical and emotional signs of being in a rut, as described by Lauren?
Lauren describes feeling numb, continuously holding her breath, lonely, and off. Her brain felt full, and she was consistently tired due to overworking. She also mentions not feeling at peace or joyful, which are key indicators of being in a rut.
Why is it important to acknowledge your feelings rather than suppress them when you're in a rut?
Acknowledging feelings helps you understand what you're experiencing and where those feelings stem from. Lauren emphasizes that ignoring or suppressing feelings only prolongs the rut. By sitting with and examining these emotions, you can identify their root causes and take actionable steps to address them.
What is the purpose of building a toolkit of go-to activities for when you're in a rut?
A toolkit of activities helps you quickly access things that bring peace and joy, even when you're not feeling your best. Lauren suggests having these activities established beforehand so you don't have to think about what to do when you're in a rut. Examples include listening to music, sitting by water, or going grocery shopping.
What are the six categories Lauren uses in her life gauging exercise to evaluate her current state?
The six categories are connection, peace, impact, joy, wellness, and other. These categories help assess different aspects of life, such as relationships, mental health, career fulfillment, hobbies, physical health, and personal priorities like finances or family.
What are the four steps Lauren recommends for goal setting to get out of a rut?
The four steps are: 1) Look at the situation objectively by gathering facts, 2) Reflect on the emotions tied to those facts, 3) Interpret what the data and emotions mean, and 4) Make a decision by choosing two or three actionable steps to move forward.
What specific activities does Lauren include in her personal toolkit for peace and joy?
Lauren's toolkit includes sitting by water (like a pond, river, or ocean), listening to music (such as Fleetwood Mac or Willow Smith), and going grocery shopping. These activities help her reset and feel more at peace when she's in a rut.
- Physical manifestations of feeling stuck include numbness, breathlessness, loneliness, and fatigue.
- The importance of acknowledging feelings instead of suppressing them is highlighted.
- Ignoring feelings can lead to a snowball effect of negative emotions.
Shownotes Transcript