by Dr. Christine Li
Have you ever had days where nothing seems to move forward… no matter how much you want it to?
Your to-do list stays the same.
Your energy feels stuck.
And the more you wait, the more overwhelmed you feel.
If that sounds familiar, this is exactly what we explore in Make Time for Success Podcast Episode 280.
In this episode, I share a simple but powerful method for how to get out of a rut—especially when you’re dealing with overwhelm, procrastination, clutter, and low energy.
And the best part? It doesn’t require a complete life overhaul.
Why We Get Stuck in the First Place
Let’s start here.
Getting stuck isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you.
It’s often a sign that:
- You’ve been using a lot of energy
- Your brain is trying to protect you
- You’ve hit a moment that requires a reset
In the episode, I share a personal experience of feeling stagnant for several days—watching the same tasks sit untouched.
And that frustration? It’s something so many midlife women quietly carry.
But instead of pushing harder, the key is to shift direction.
What It Really Means to Learn How to Get Out of a Rut
When you’re stuck, the instinct is often:
- Do more
- Push harder
- Fix everything at once
But that usually leads to more overwhelm.
Instead, learning how to get out of a rut is about:
- Rebuilding momentum gently
- Reconnecting with your energy
- Taking small, intentional actions
It’s less about force—and more about flow.
The Two-List Method That Changes Everything
The core strategy from the episode is simple:
👉 Choose one of two lists.
👉 Complete just a few items.
👉 Restore momentum.
Let’s break it down.
Option 1: The “Open Loops” List
This is the simplest starting point.
Write down 5 unfinished tasks that are quietly draining your energy.
These are things like:
- A form you haven’t submitted
- An email you haven’t replied to
- A task you’ve been avoiding
They may seem small—but they create mental clutter.
Completing even one or two of these can instantly help you get out of a rut.
Option 2: The “Reset Your Energy” List
This list is more holistic—and incredibly powerful.
Choose 5 actions from these categories:
1. Declutter Something Small
- One drawer
- A surface
- A bag
Even a tiny reset shifts your energy immediately.
2. Upgrade or Fix Something
Ask yourself:
- What have I been meaning to improve?
This could be:
- Your workspace
- Your routine
- Your self-care habits
3. Do One Thing You’ve Been Resisting
This is the big one.
Resistance often shows you exactly where you’re stuck.
Instead of avoiding it, gently face it.
4. Replenish What You’re Missing
Where are you running low?
- Supplies
- Energy
- Support
Sometimes, getting unstuck is as simple as refilling what’s depleted.
5. Refresh Your Environment or Routine
This could be:
- New pillows
- A reorganized space
- A fresh start in one area
Small refreshes create big emotional shifts.
7 Takeaways for How to Get Out of a Rut
If you want to keep this simple, remember:
- You don’t need to fix everything at once
- Small actions create real momentum
- Decluttering even one item shifts your energy
- Resistance is a clue—not a problem
- Replenishing matters just as much as doing
- Refreshing your space can refresh your mindset
- Progress builds confidence quickly
Practicing these consistently helps you learn how to get out of a rut in a sustainable way.
Why This Method Works So Well
There’s a reason this approach feels easier.
It works because it:
- Reduces overwhelm
- Limits decisions
- Builds quick wins
- Restores control
And most importantly:
👉 It gets you back into action.
As shared in the episode, action creates feelings like relief, pride, and momentum—and those feelings fuel more action.
A Gentle Reminder: You Don’t Need to Do All Five
This is important.
If you’re low on energy:
- Do one item
- Or two
That’s enough.
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is movement.
A Short Reflective Exercise
Let’s pause for a moment.
Grab a notebook or your phone and answer:
1. What are 3–5 “open loops” in my life right now?
List them honestly.
2. What is one thing I’ve been resisting?
Notice it without judgment.
3. What area of my life feels depleted?
Energy? Space? Supplies?
4. What is one small action I can take today?
Keep it simple and doable.
5. How do I want to feel after I take that step?
Relieved? Calm? Proud?
This is how you begin practicing how to get out of a rut—one small step at a time.
When You Start Moving, Everything Shifts
Once you take action, even a small one, you’ll notice:
- Your mood lifts
- Your mind clears
- Your energy returns
- Your confidence grows
You go from:
“I’m stuck.”
To:
“I’m moving again.”
And that shift is powerful.
You Are Not Stuck—You’re Resetting
It’s easy to label yourself as:
- Lazy
- Unmotivated
- Behind
But that’s not the truth.
You’re:
- Pausing
- Recovering
- Recalibrating
And learning how to get out of a rut is part of that process.
Ready to Build Consistent Momentum?
If you’re ready to go beyond quick fixes and create lasting change in your productivity, energy, and clarity, I invite you to explore the Simply Productive program.
Inside, we focus on:
- Reducing overwhelm and procrastination
- Creating systems that actually work
- Building sustainable habits
- Helping you feel in control of your time again
Join the waitlist here:
👉 https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP
You don’t need to stay stuck.
You don’t need to do everything at once.
You just need one small step forward.
And from there… everything begins to move again.
