When you have a slip or you’re in the funk.

We all get there at times, we slip on our routine and habits, or we get ourselves caught in a funk for one reason or another.

The reasons for getting in this place are infinite, and really it doesn’t matter the reason, it is the realisation that you are there which is important. The reason I say that the reason is irrelevant, is simply that if we focus on the reason we begin to sound like an ‘old country song’, and we never move on from the issue that derailed us in the first place.

As you know I recent flew to the States to deliver a talk, I was only there 3 nights and on my return, while I did not feel jet lagged, the wind in my sails of enthusiasm and routine had been firmly knocked out of me.

So, this week I want to share with you my honest ‘slip’ and let you know what you can do to get out that inevitable rut, when you do fall in.

1.      Recognise it.
Simple advice here, but so often we do not see our slip until we are a long way down. The easiest way to register this is to first build a life of routine. Non negotiables and habits I have spoken about before, these are what make your routine. With this you will realise the slip early, and as soon as your routine begins to change, that’s when you’re heading towards the rut.

2.      Do not dwell on it.
Here is the sticking point, when we realise, we often ruminate, and our woes become the core of our narrative. A shore fast way to piss off your loved ones and loose friends. So when you recognise it, do not give it the oxygen in needs, move straight to point 3.

3.      Move.
Get off your ass and move, a walk, a run, the gym. Whatever you want but as the body moves, the brain grooves. This changes your state and prepares you to get out the funk. With this movement, leave your phone and computers at the door. Straight after you have moved, go to point 4.

4.      Serve.
Find one quick way to serve someone, to be of use, to help. This could be to call a patient, to take care of house chores, to buy a stranger coffee. Do something immediately to help others.

As Ghandi said; ‘to find true happiness, one must lose themselves in the service of others.’

There you have it, simple steps, but like me you will get in a funk, don’t let it stop you.

With love,
Tom