Does Everyday Feel Like Groundhog Day?

Contributed by Jay Schroyer

Anyone who has ever seen Bill Murray’s classic Groundhog Day knows what it’s like to be in a rut. The movie chronicles the adventures of a reporter sent to cover Groundhog Day in the small town of Punxsutawney, PA. For some reason, every morning that the character arises, it’s the same day, over and over, complete with the same good and bad events occurring. To relive the same bad day over and over again is more of a reality for some than others know. But what if just like Bill Murray’s character we could step outside ourselves and see that yes, today is going to be just like yesterday, but I’m going to have the foresight and initiative to turn the routine in my favor. What if you could turn your rut into a groove?

Diagnosis
In general, most people who aren’t feeling so good about their current station in life defensively refer to their rut as a routine. They arise at the same hour every morning, have the same breakfast, rotate through the same five shirts or suits for the week, drive the identical route to work, same lunch, same breaks, nothing but the same. Whether it’s habitual or unoriginal, most feel that if their routine works, why change it. What these people might not realize is that they are so deeply in a rut, that they can’t recognize it. Consequently, these are the same people that can’t figure out why they feel badly. The first step with any sickness is diagnosis. Ask yourself these questions:

• Why do I feel a sense of dread or exasperation about going back to the routine of work after each weekend?
• Why do I sigh when I think about preparing for work?
• Why don’t I look forward to my lunch breaks?
• Why is my commute so painful and unbearable?
• Why does work always seem like the same assignment that I just completed?

The answer to these questions may lie in the fact that your routine has led you right into a rut, a rut of boring routine. And with nothing exciting to look forward to, all of these daily tasks become more drudgery than anything else. You become an automaton, saying the same things over and over, always reverting back to the ways you’ve always done things, in a safe and protected routine were you never think outside of the box for fear of disrupting the order of the universe. You assume that because the assignment looks exactly like the one you just finished, that you can apply the same thoughts, feeling, emotions, and angle to completing it.

Treatment
Luckily, treatment for ruts is very easy and simple. No high-priced drugs, no therapy sessions, and no need to change your diet. Here are some ideas to help you spice up your normal routine and to help you pull yourself up out of your rut and into a groove.

• Variety: Why do you think buffets are so popular? People love choice and especially when they feel they have a say or control in that choice. Add variety to every part of your day whether it be your outfit (within limits, of course), your lunch, even the route you take to work. If you drive, try the bus or train. If it’s not too far and the weather cooperates, walk. Rearrange your desk, try different lighting, get a new coffee mug, buy a new plant, hang some pictures. Variety is the spice of life.

• Vision: The way you look at things can alter not only your attitude, but your coworkers as well. Don’t look at assignments as more of the same. Reinvent the wheel with exciting, out-of-the-box thinking and approach each task as if it’s the first time you’ve done it. Look at situations optimistically: yes, I’m stuck in traffic, but now I can listen to that new album I bought yesterday. Wake up knowing in your mind that today is going to be very similar to yesterday, but by the time it ends, you’re going to have made it a completely original and productive one.

• Vindication: Reflect on what you achieved for the day or even the week and pull out the evidence you need to justify your claim that you are indeed turning your rut into a groove. Take a look around you at your coworkers, your boss, your family and friends, and you will see that by pulling yourself out of your rut, you’ve influenced other people to step-up and get into their grooves. What have you done differently that changed your perspective? Getting into your groove may require continuous vindication in that your new groove may eventually become another rut from which you will have to work yourself free.

In the end, Bill Murray’s character learns that by having the opportunity to go back and change the mistakes that he made, he’s able to change his outlook on life and finally do the things that he’s always wanted to do. Although our days may seem like they’re repeating, they are not, and we don’t get to relive past events. But by realizing that we are stuck in a routine, we can make the necessary changes to get the most out of life.

About the Author:
Jay Schroyer has worked in the client and customer service end of business for over five years in retail, advertising, and printing. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English writing and communication.

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