“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” —M. Scott Peck

Every morning, I get out of bed, put on a robe and after visiting the lua I open the front door first and then open the back door, stepping onto the lanai to hook it to the exterior house wall. Next, I fill the bird feeder with seed, go back in the house, put the water in the teakettle, flip the switch to on, walk across the room and press a key on my computer so I can check any new emails received overnight.

Water boiled, I place a tea bag in a cup, pour the hot water over it, again open the back door, arrange the pillow on my outdoor futon and sit, taking in the ferns, Ti plants, West Maui Mountains and a peek-a-boo view of the ocean.

After finishing my tea if I don’t have early morning clients, I go to the gym.

I love my morning regime. It’s become a ritual. I barely know how to start the day without it.

There’s nothing wrong with regimes or rituals. We all have them right down to whether we put our right or left foot first into our slippa, to the routes we take to and from our destinations, to the way we prepare our meals or spend our spare time. Our lives are full of them.

But it’s worth taking a look to see how much we’ve allowed them to numb us into passivity. When left unchecked, they can leave us with little spontaneity, robbing us of feeling passionate about living. If you feel like your routines have taken over your life, and you’ve fallen into a rut, once recognized you can make a conscious decision to stay either stay your course or make some changes. Should you choose the latter, the following is a list of practical tips for getting out of a rut.

1. Set Challenges Personal challenges are a powerful way of motivating yourself to do something new. If there is no target it is easy to make a half-hearted effort and give up. However, when we have something very clear to aim for, we are much more likely to make something happen.

2. Look at Addictive Habits It is easy to get into a routine where we spend several hours doing the same uninspiring activities. If you are addicted to watching TV, surfing the net or spending time doing repetitive actions, make a decision to do without them for a day or week; this will force you to do something completely different. When we become totally absorbed in one activity, it leaves little opportunity for being spontaneous.

3. Learn a new Skill Learning a new skill gives us the opportunity to find alternative venues for creativity and inspiration. Self-improvement is the best antidote to being stuck.

4. Do Something for Other People When we do something selflessly, we bring out the best in ourselves. Offering useful service to others is highly rewarding.

5. Look at things from a Different Perspective Attitude is key. If we have a tendency to be negative, we are more likely to become bored with life. Instead look for the cup half full. This can lead to a joy and wonderment that might otherwise be overlooked.

6. Become Conscious of Thoughts When we become aware of what we think and let go of internal and external unfavorable opinions and conversations, we automatically change our outlook on life.

7. Spend Time With Enthusiastic People Re-energize yourself. Take a break from people who dwell on negativity. Positive people exude positive energy that’s contagious and worth being infected by.

8. Avoid Complaining When we complain we actually give our energy and focus to the negative.

9. Have a Sense of Humor Laughing reduces stress. You can almost always find the humor in any situation. There is nothing better than learning how to laugh at yourself. “The only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions.” —Ellen Glasgow

Is it time to add some Pizzazz to your life?

Your questions and comments are always appreciated.