Eliminating Mind Ruts

My morning jog routine takes me by a cornfield. (Yes, I live in Iowa. Yes, there are cornfields by my house. Lots of them, in fact!)

Mind Ruts

The farmers around here “flip-flop” crops every few years. Corn for three, soybeans for one. Corn for five, soybeans for two. You get the idea.

It keeps the soil fresh and eliminates crop ruts. The soil can only grow corn for so long before it needs a change of pace, so to speak.

I think our minds are the same way. We need to have “new crops” planted in our minds to keep the soil fresh. 1 Simply put, we need to be stretched. Putting ourselves in unfamiliar places to eliminate “mind ruts.”

What does this look like?

  • Go to a networking event in your town or city, even if you’re terrified to do so.
  • Work out of a coffee shop for the day. (Without asking for permission.)
  • Take notes when reading a book. Write down every thought that comes to mind. Don’t just move onto the next page, but sit with the author and absorb what they’re saying.
  • Ship your product.
  • Intentionally put yourself in uncomfortable situations. I’ve had a few this week that readily come to mind. I’m still here, by the way.

While routine is good and keeps us from going insane, it’s also necessary to gain a higher perspective. Eliminating “mind ruts” is the best way to do that.

Over to you: What are some of the ways you eliminate mind ruts?
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Notes:

  1. I’m stretching the metaphor, but go with me on this one! ↩
Justin —  — 5 Comments
In Life, Lifestyle Design, Productivity
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BYRON
BYRON

Hey Justin, You are so right! This is a good word. Mind Ruts can rob our growth and momentum. Trying new things, or things that stretch us is scary, uncomfortable, and critically needed. I am in a season right now where if I am not feeling uncomfortable (for good reason) I know I am not pushing hard enough. Intelligent hustle keeps the mind from getting into ruts and getting rusty.

Keith
Keith

Great post! Summertime for teachers (which I am) is either a great time to be refreshed or a difficult time since school routines are no longer being followed. I have been both refreshed and dismayed at my own lack of creativity. Appreciate your vision.

Andrew Zahn
Andrew Zahn

Running is great for me too (crazy enough, I graduated High School in Newton, IA)! Some others that eliminate the mind ruts: +Turn off the TV. +Do nothing for 10 minutes (ideas will flood to you). +Go on an artist date.... with yourself. +Get dirty... get hands in soil instead of on a keyboard. Enjoyed the post -- got me thinking Justin.

Tyler H
Tyler H

I'm just going to walk toward the northeast, that's where the magic happens

Jason Vana
Jason Vana

Sometimes it's as simple as going for a walk, reading a book or trying something new at my favorite restaurant.