How I break out of a rut

Community Contribution from Mike Vardy

I’m about to state the obvious.

We’re all human.

Ergo, we make mistakes. Like creating words like “ergo.”

Beyond “The Royal We,” we’re individuals. I’m sure you didn’t create the word “ergo” but I am pretty certain you’ve made other mistakes. I know I’ve made my share. For example, starting off this article as I have. That’d be one.

Another I make is getting off track rather than Getting Things Done. Hey, it happens to the best of us, right?

A prolonged stay in the “trackless void” is what some would refer to as a rut. I’ve been there. The place is as ugly-sounding as the word itself. Sure, it’s not as bad as cesspool, but it’s close…especially if you’re stuck in one.

I manage to get out of ruts now as quickly as I’ve fallen into them, thanks in large part to the Horizons of Focus. Sure, The GTD Weekly Review is a good place to start to escape one, but I find if you look as far as you can see the rut gets smaller and smaller. Soon, it’s just a pothole, then it’s just a bump in the road. By looking down the line to what I’m ultimately going for, I can dust myself off and start heading there once more.

Another benefit is that by using the Horizons of Focus as a roadmap to get you out of any ruts that you may fall into is that you get really good at memorizing them.

Trust me on that one.

I’m about to state the obvious.

We’re all human.

Ergo, we make mistakes. Like creating words like “ergo.”

Beyond “The Royal We,” we’re individuals. I’m sure you didn’t create the word “ergo” but I am pretty certain you’ve made other mistakes. I know I’ve made my share. For example, starting off this article as I have. That’d be one.

Another I make is getting off track rather than Getting Things Done. Hey, it happens to the best of us, right?

A prolonged stay in the “trackless void” is what some would refer to as a rut. I’ve been there. The place is as ugly-sounding as the word itself. Sure, it’s not as bad as cesspool, but it’s close…especially if you’re stuck in one.

I manage to get out of ruts now as quickly as I’ve fallen into them, thanks in large part to the Horizons of Focus. Sure, The GTD Weekly Review is a good place to start to escape one, but I find if you look as far as you can see the rut gets smaller and smaller. Soon, it’s just a pothole, then it’s just a bump in the road. By looking down the line to what I’m ultimately going for, I can dust myself off and start heading there once more.

Another benefit is that by using the Horizons of Focus as a roadmap to get you out of any ruts that you may fall into is that you get really good at memorizing them.

Trust me on that one.

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2 Comments

  1. Hi Mike,

    Thanks for the thoughts on getting stuck in a rut, we have all been there. Recently, I found myself repeating a similar mistake and falling into a rut: Attempting to create my own solution to a problem, investing valuable hours, when there is an affordable, well-developed solution available.

    I have recently begun using a designer to create some really nice images/graphics/templates to be used in my documents. Unfortunately, they have not been easy to edit with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat, and I have been hesitant to purchase Adobe CS4 and other deign tools because of the cost.

    A friend recently suggested I use Infix. With this tool, I am able to edit the PDFs like a regular word document, as opposed to line by line with the built in text editor tool. It has already saved me lots of time, and I don’t have to go through the hassle of going back to my designer to finish the documents.

    Anyways, all to say that in the realm of GTD, I often forget to use my time both efficiently and effectively. I often get caught trying to save money, but realize that my time is valuable, and I need to be on the lookout for solutions that can save me time and money (such as Infix).

    Thanks for writing!
    Cory ( a GTD rookie)

  2. Hi Mike, loved this article. Ergo, I am responding to it.(Lol). Wonder if there is a connection between ergo and ego (Alas, I digress!) Some questions about ruts. What about the “velvet rut”? You know not good enough to stay, not bad enough to go??
    Seriously though..have to agree. HoF are a great way of just stepping back and realising that I am in a rut (maybe in one or two areas)…Again, really enjoyed this.!

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