“Being Stuck in a Rut”

Posted on October 03, 2022 by Carolyn AlRoy, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

HOW TO KNOW YOU ARE STUCK IN A RUT
Dr. AlRoy starts by explaining that “while being in a rut is not an official term, it is a very real dilemma that most people eventually find themselves in. Sometimes…called an early or mid life crisis, sometimes “living a small life” or “stuck in a routine.”… Dr. AlRoy highlights that usually it – occurs to us when it has been going on for a very long time – triggered by fear of failure, or fear of success – or just fear in general. Sometimes this is labeled anxiety (which is) a symptom, but anxiety is not necessarily present. ‘Some people self isolate, watch too much of Netflix, or go on Facebook to the exclusion of having a social life,’ says Dr. AlRoy. You know you are in a rut when you..
-Dream of a life that you don’t have
-Are excessively jealous of other people
-Find yourself gossiping
-Are bitter
-Are just plain bored
-Aren’t being challenged sufficiently.

“It is when your life doesn’t fit you anymore, like a piece of clothing that you outgrew.” – Carolyn AlRoy, PsyD

CERTAIN PERSONALITIES ARE NOT MORE LIKELY TO BE STUCK IN A RUT THAN OTHERS
Some personalities may seem like they are used to being in a rut and ‘okay’ with it, or perhaps their personalities are not as adventurous. Nonetheless, it is not normal in any case, and one should always take this feeling as a sign to wake up and reorganize their life.
However, easily hidden, can be the personalities that ‘may seem to be okay with being in a rut’ says Dr. AlRoy. “Very fearful and risk averse people may see doing nothing as their safest alternative..It is not. It can lead to lots of other problems, and even symptoms such as anxiety and depression.”
“People who are prone to conflict as an ongoing lifestyle may have a kind of ‘exciting’ rut where their life doesn’t move forward, but it gives them the excitement they need’ Dr. AlRoy highlights (aka they are used to the conflict, not okay). People in addiction doesn’t use [it] not to be present.
There can be -
-Alcohol addictions
-Drug addictions (including marijuana)
-Tobacco addictions
-Extreme levels of caffeine
-Food addictions
-Sex addiction
-Gaming addiction
-Gambling addiction
“Addiction is growing in the US
12 Step programs can be a great supplement to coaching.

FOMO (FEAR OF MISSING OUT) CAN CONTRIBUTE OR ELEVATE THE FEELING OF BEING IN A RUT
Dr. AlRoy highlights fear of missing out (FOMO) and “fear of success accounts for being in a rut where you don’t move forward in work or in your personal life.” Coaching can help.

Dr. AlRoy highlights a poem by Dante:
“Midway upon the journey of our life
I found myself within a forest dark,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost.”