At times, I’ve been in a rut. Where I’ve just wanted to crawl back into bed. I didn’t want to face the day.
Why?
At times for me, it was “gap insanity,” which lead to my rut.
Have you been in “gap insanity?”
“Gap Insanity” is when you are currently are at point A in your life and you want to get to point B. Between A and B is “the gap.”
“Gap Insanity” can be many forms in which, you might feel pain in your life – financially, emotionally, relationship-wise, etc.
How to rid yourself of “gap insanity” and the rut that comes along with it?
Accept what is, and then take the necessary actions to get to point B. The key is to be conscious of each action in the present moment. Your presence, and progress will get life flowing in your favor.
Deal with facts, not the meaning we give behind the facts. This will immediately empower you, and bring focus on what you need to do, versus focus on the stories in our mind behind the facts.
After dealing with facts, do what need to be done to make necessary changes.
But you may be asking, “How do I get done what needs to be done and get better results, when I’m stuck in a rut?”
Fair question. Easier said, than done.
Well let’s use the analogy of sport to shed light on the dark question.
A few months back, I was watching Monday Night Football game. My favorite team was playing, the New York Giants. At this point in the season, the Giants’ record was 0-6. That’s right 0 wins, and six losses. Not a very good year so far.
In the professional sports world, this is the equivalent of being in a rut. Performance by the New York Giants was at an all-time low, and results were poor. It was their worst start in over 30 years!
Watching the pre-game show, the commentators discussed the Giants struggles and proverbial “rut” they were in. Then, they started discussing what can be done about this “rut.”
One commentator, Ray Lewis, who just retired, and was one of the best players ever, discussed his advice, through his experience. During his first couple of years in the league, he was on unsuccessful teams.
What his advice was to the Giants was profound. (I paraphrase):
“Forget about the past, nothing you can do about it. Don’t think or worry about getting into the playoffs.” (Playoffs are a future date of games you have to qualify for).
He continued, “Focus 100% of your attention and work on the little things. Focus on today. Today, meaning the little things you do each day. The little things at practice, the little things during your work outs, and even the littlest of things such as keeping your locker room clean.”
What Ray Lewis discussed hit home. Firstly, he was telling the New York Giants, to become present. To let go of their rocky and turbulent 0-6 start, not to bring that baggage of bad thoughts to their present game. Secondly, he stated don’t think about making the playoffs, or what the end result of your season will be. He’s basically telling the Giants not to think about the future.
Thinking about the future based on their current results could lead to “gap insanity.” “Gap Insanity” is the misbelief of being somewhere or having something in the future, in which you physically cannot have in the present moment.
The Giants want to make the playoffs–that is the vision–but at that point in the year, the approach needs to be one present game at a time. Focus on today, and do a good job today, and the rest will take care of itself.
Such a great lesson in life, personally or professionally. Are you in a sales rut? Is there a lack of performance with your work? Having a tough time at school, whether you are a student or teacher? What can you do about it?
Simplify.
Focus on the little things. Do the little things really good, with full attention to the present moment. Let go of the past follies, or unwanted results. Let go of the “0-6 record” in your own personal football season. Let it pass you by. Get present.
Simplify.
Focus on the little things. Are you not where you want to be within your current job? Are you not making the current income you wish to obtain? Are you not where you want to be physically or health related? Are you not spending the time you wish to spend with your family and friends? Don’t let “gap insanity” get you.
Simplify.
Accept what is, and then focus your attention on the little things. Build one brick at a time. Make one phone call at a time. Make one lesson plan at a time. Do one task at a time. Do it with full attention and do it well.
These small wins lead to bigger wins. And you are on your way out of the rut and performance and results will increase.
You just might look up one day, and you’re “0-6 rut,” has transformed into a Super Bowl victory in your life!!!
Joseph Metcalfe
Well put Joe! exactly what I needed to read