How to Get Out of a Slump

So you’re in a slump? We’ve all been there. To be honest, it seems like I’ve been there a lot more lately. I am currently in that transition phase of life where I feel like I’m on the cusp of something great, but don’t exactly know how to crossover to the other side. While I have been pondering this for a few weeks now, I kept thinking about what is a slump and how did I get here? Then, obviously, my next question was how to get out of a slump? Let’s break it down.

What is a Slump and How Did I Get Here?

A slump is, essentially, a downturn in performance. It’s when you feel unmotivated or overwhelmed so you stop doing the things that you know you are supposed to be doing. Like writing, practicing or whatever it is that you know will take you to the next level.

Figuring out how you got into your current slump is necessary to getting out of it. For me, I am constantly overwhelmed and spread thin. I think that I can do more than the hours in the day permit. I also get really down on myself when I don’t put out the type of content I know I am capable of producing. So what is it for you? How did you get here?

How to Get Out of a Slump

I spent a little over two years running a business that made me miserable. Before that I spent countless days, months, years in relationships (romantic and friendships) that brought out the worst in me. Looking back, I can see where my missteps were, but I’ve always been one of those people that needed to learn things the hard way. I don’t think I would have listened to someone’s advice unless I was really ready to hear it. So, if you’re ready to hear it, let me share with you a few things that I learned along the way, because sharing is caring and I wish someone would have helped a girl out A LOT sooner!

Keep Perspective

Putting your life into perspective is the most important thing that you can do when in a slump. Ask yourself, what do I want my life to look like? What kind of relationships do I want? Who are the people I want in my life? What are my career goals?

Whether you’re driven by your career or your relationships, write them out and then work towards them. As cheesy as this sounds, create a vision board. On the board write down, or place pictures of, everything that you want in life. Then create a plan on how you will achieve each goal.

I wish I would have thought to do this in my early twenties, but remember that it’s never too late. I promise you, you’re not too old. This is your time.

Action Steps

Envision the big picture of your life.
Create a vision board or a plan so that you know what you’re working towards.
Write down the action steps to reach your vision board goals.
Remember that this is your time, it’s never too late.

Make Small Changes

Most people think that it’s the big changes that you make in your life that will make the difference. In reality, it’s a culmination of the small things that you do each day that add up. I highly recommend that you read Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book really puts into perspective how your daily habits are sabotaging your success. Here are a few of the small changes that I recommend, because they’ve worked for me:

Take time Every. Single. Day for yourself.
- Do you have a hobby? Work on it. Or start one. Read a book. Do an at-home facial. Take a bath. Whatever it is, take at least 20 minutes every day for yourself. Be selfish, it’s fun.
- For me, I started reading again. Now that it’s summer, I read in my hammock. This small act has done wonders for my clarity on life.
Write down everything that is going “wrong” and then prioritize them.
- I love this one because once you have everything written down, you’ll realize that some of your “problems” really aren’t problems. Or you’ll realize that some of your problems can be easily solved.
- For the problems that aren’t easily solved, seek help. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Somebody before you has had the same problem that you’re having and their answers are easily found by googling it!
Call/Text someone — Make human connections.
- Isn’t it so easy to go a week without talking to another human, especially when you work from home! I have a friend who calls me every other week just to see what’s new and I love it. Sometimes I’ll forget to reach out to others or I’ll put it off until I’m not “busy”.
- Remember that we are all busy, so you have to make the time for the things that are most important to you.
Don’t work on weekends.
- If you’re feeling like your home life is being neglected then dedicate your weekends to being home with your family or friends.
- I started taking the weekends off, or mostly off as I do enjoy writing on the weekends, and it has done wonders for my mental health. Remember, do you want to work to live or live to work?
Do work on weekends.
- Yes, I know I just said don’t work on the weekends. But if you are trying to achieve financial independence, or anything else that requires more than 40 hours a week, you are probably going to have to work on the weekends. Some weekends will have to be sacrificed but that doesn’t mean it will last forever.
- Do what you have to do when you can do it so that you can reach the goals that you have set for yourself. But remember to have fun while doing it!
Stop and smell the roses.
- You can work 12-18 hour days and still take 5 minutes to appreciate the wonder that is this world. Really stop and take a look around at the beauty surrounding you. It’s awesome.
Workout
- I know, I know. I’m not a huge workout fan either. But a 15 minute walk every day can really change your mood. Just do it. There is a reason EVERYONE suggests it.

Drastic Changes

Quit your job.
- Closing The Boot Rack storefront was probably the most nerve-wracking thing I have ever done, and I’ve been to a war zone. I felt like I was letting an entire community down, and a lot of those people let me know that they felt that way too. But at the end of the day, I did what was best for me. Letting your job make your life miserable is not worth it. It’s just not. Until you find your “dream” job, find a job that is at least less stressful and demanding.
End your soul-sucking relationship… Even if it’s with a friend or relative.
- How many times had you found “the one” before you actually found THE ONE? For me it was at least three times. And every time, I knew deep down in my soul that these were not the relationships for me. I just didn’t want to be honest with myself. Think of all of the months I could have back if I would’ve been honest with myself.
- Same goes with friendships and your relatives. Just because you didn’t choose them initially, doesn’t mean you can’t cut ties now. After all, a toxic relationship is a toxic relationship no matter what form it comes in.
Get out and travel.
- I grew up in a town of 530 in rural Nebraska. 99% of the population was white and shared the same religion. Everyday we all did the same things, there was barely any crime and everyone was pretty cordial to each other. Then I joined the Marine Corps and started traveling the world and discovered so many fascinating things. Like food, people, culture, fashion, etc. It completely opened my eyes to how big this world is. Sometimes the answer to your slump is to just get out and go experience somebody else’s world.

Don’t forget, your journey is yours alone. Do not compare yourself to someone else. Today, right now, this second is part of the journey. You are living right now– don’t waste this moment. And guess what, you are the only person that can determine if a moment is “wasted”. You get to write your own definitions in life, because this life is yours and yours alone.

I hope at least one of these tips helps you, even if it’s in a small way. What are some tips you have used to get out of your slump?