Stuck in life's rut

Ever get stuck doing something and just can't move forward? Having difficulty completing that project or that course you have been doing for the longest while? You delay, you procrastinate, you vacillate until you find yourself in a crisis. That is what this article is about.

Many people have difficulty completing tasks from time to time, but some people have difficulty completing everything. They didn't complete school; they have difficulty completing assigned tasks; they are not able to keep a job and have major adjustment challenges in life. These people represent the extreme cases who often have mental-health issues such depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Other people find themselves in this rut because they get easily bored and distracted or have difficulty sustaining attention. Some people are just good starters but poor at the finish.

Jumping the hurdle

Here are some suggestions to get over the hurdle:

1. Accept your limitations. You can't be perfect at everything. Grab a sheet of paper and make a list of the things you like and don't like doing. Consider some of the suggestions below to deal with the things you don't like to do.

2. Learn to ask for help. Many tasks are left undone because some people do not like asking for help.

3. Assign tasks. Assign tasks you do not enjoy to someone who does. It is about working smarter, not harder.

4. Assemble a team. Teamwork works well if you are a visionary and creator of ideas and if you like starting projects but get bored with the maintenance issues. Some people have an eye for detail and are great at sustaining projects, so make them part of your team and get moving.

5. Examine your thinking. You may be having negative thoughts or feelings associated with the unfinished task. This could be due to experiences in your past. Struggling with that thesis? It could be that someone told you in the past that you are worthless and will never achieve anything in life. Examine those innermost thoughts. Catch them, check them and correct them.

6. Pursue your passion. Nothing drives you at a task as when it is passion. In choosing the things you do or career, develop a passion for it. Sometimes you have to fake it until you make it.

7. Scheduling helps. A weekly activity schedule will sometimes help. Break down the tasks you are struggling with into manageable bites and chip away at it a day at a time. Preparing for an examination? Break down your study activities and go for it one step at a time!

8. Use coping cards. These are cards with positive affirmations and reminders to help you get the job done. They work.

9. Seek professional help. Sometimes you may have to seek help if the problem is ongoing and you have difficulty solving it on your own.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.