Have you been underperforming as of late? Have you been having trouble pinpointing when it started or what could’ve led to it? If you answered yes, then you may be going through something known as a slump.
A slump is a period of decline or stagnation during which a person performs slowly, inefficiently, or ineffectively. It can be brought about by many different factors, but trying to pinpoint a single cause is often a waste of time because these factors may interact or have built up gradually over time. Unless knowing the exact cause helps you resolve your problems, there’s no real need to do so. Right now, all your focus should be on what you can do to right the ship and get back on your course.
So without further ado, here are some ways you can break out of your slump!
Acknowledge that you are in a slump
The first step to getting out of a slump is to accept that you are in one.
Why? Because a lot of people tend to deny it. This can make you think irrationally and make you more frustrated and defensive. Accepting that you are in a slump helps you make well-informed decisions that actually address your current predicament instead of living in your denial.
If you can’t tell that you’re in a slump, try to evaluate your work progress over the last few days or weeks. You can also try keeping a journal so you can track your mood and see if that’s where your slump is manifesting.
Surround yourself with people who can uplift you
If you really plan to change your current mindset, then surround yourself with individuals who inspire you and push you to be your best self.
Think about it—your environment influences you. If you surround yourself with negative, unmotivated people, you will absorb that negativity and it could push you deeper into your slump. So seek out groups or coaches who have the mindset you want, and try to absorb and learn from their attitude. Try to join mastermind groups in your area with other driven, ambitious entrepreneurs to reignite the fire in you!
Get moving
Being idle may keep you in this slump for a lot longer than you should be. So get moving—literally!
Regular exercise can do wonders for your mood. It helps wake you up during the day, and fall asleep earlier at night—just don’t go running too close to your bedtime. Try to sneak in a couple of quick workouts a day, or go for a walk or a light jog. If you’ve been feeling frustrated lately, you could also take it out on some weights or a punching bag!
Push yourself out of your comfort zone
Perhaps a big reason why you may be in a slump right now is that you haven’t faced a real challenge in a long, long time.
We may think that we want to avoid challenges as much as possible, but the truth is that they can be exciting. A challenge that isn’t insurmountable and that we know we can overcome with enough effort is an extremely good motivator, and those are actually the times when we make the most growth and progress. Challenges can push us to think differently and come up with new ways to solve problems.
If the tedium of your daily routine and playing it safe have you feeling bored, it’s really important to get out of your comfort zone every once in a while to stimulate your mental and emotional growth.
Help someone else
Now you may be thinking—“how can I help someone else when I can’t even help myself?”
We believe otherwise. Helping others may very well be the key to giving you the emotional boost you need to get yourself out of this rut that’s been holding you down.
Why? Because when you see how your own actions can make a difference in someone’s life, that powerful feeling that can uplift you and get you back to your usual self. Talking someone through their problems could also help you understand yours better, or give you the shift in perspective that you need.
And there you have it! Breaking out of a slump is different for everyone. Some find it easy, while others have to work on it, but it’s possible. We hope these suggestions help you do just that! Good luck!
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