10 Ways to Bust Out of a Rut (With Dr. Seuss' Wisdom)

10 Ways to Bust Out of a Rut (With Dr. Seuss' Wisdom)

I am a BIG fan of Dr. Seuss for many reasons. Theodore Seuss Geisel, 1904-1991 was a writer, author, cartoonist, illustrator who worked in corporate America, for the Army and always for himself. His ability to present life on life's terms through humor and levity and art was unparalled. His final poem written in 1990 before his death in 1991, "Oh the places you will go" is one of my favorites. It is full of hope, optimism, ideas, suggestions and actions for anyone going through change, stuck, needing motivation and encouragement.


Congratulations! Today is your day! You're off to great places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.
Here is the full poem text here! "Oh, The Places You'll Go at Burning Man," a piece from Los Angeles-based photographer Tedshots, brings the Dr. Seuss classic to life as actual Burners recite his story in full. The result, paired with awe-inspiring shots from the playa and a tear-jerking score, is enough to make even the most flagrant Burning Man cynic choke up a little. Action, movement, energy, motion all can propel us in different directions. Douglas LaBier, Ph.D, a psychologist and the Director of the Center for Progressive Development in Washington, DC talks about the 'new resilience' of our modern times and lives. He writes about reframing change, loss, fear, moving forward, "Learning to reframe the experience of loss is hard. It requires embracing the unknown, what can look like darkness and uncertainty that lies in front of you." We all get stuck, in a rut, complacent and go through cycles. It's human and natural. Kathy Seifert, Ph.D., D.A.B.P wrote an article in Psychology today about "How Midlife Chaos Creates Your Greatest Self:"
"With all this barreling down on us, the key is to look for the clues that you are being given. Deep down inside, you know what you need, you know who you are, you just have to listen carefully and follow the instructions. Think of midlife as a roller coaster ride: If unwanted or forced on to the ride, it can be extremely scary or chaotic. But if you're willing to get on, strap yourself in, and embrace the twists and turns, the adventurous feelings that result will help you create your greatest self and realize the full potential of who you can be."
Here are 10 things that have helped me and can help you bust out of a rut and get you back on a roll!
  • Start something new
  • Finish something you've started
  • Be more adventuresome
  • Do something for the first time
  • Trust your gut
  • Change your hair style, color and image
  • Change your schedule
  • Go a different route
  • Connect with one new person a week
  • Write a book
Try doing all of some or all of these 10 things for 30 days and I guarantee you will get back on track! When you hit the wall, change it up. What are some of the places you want to go? Bust out of rut image from Shutterstock
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