Many people are in a rut and a rut is nothing but a grave – with both ends kicked out. – Vance Havner

We all have either been in a rut, are currently in a rut, or are headed for a rut.  The next few posts will discuss how to deal with these ruts, and practical steps to get us out.

This first post will list the 5 steps, and each subsequent post will examine each step.  These steps are applicable to any area of your life including:

> Fitness training
> Finances
> Relationships
> Eating & Nutrition
> Spiritual Growth

Escaping our Ruts. (Lessons from my life)

1. Never wait until you’re at your wits’ end, before a much needed change in your course of action comes – because if you do, it will come more by force (no choice but to act), and not a conscious choice.
2. Never commit to an untested ideal, commit only to paths that are likely to lead to progress and results.
3. Always be prepared to change your ways rapidly and dramatically, if required.  Adaptability is the key, rigidity is the killer.
4. Forget the past and don’t try to save a sinking ship; the faster you abandon it, the better.
5. Cultivate a sense of suspiciousness towards yourself (feelings), your mind (ideas), and your actions.  Wipe out irrational behaviors and counterproductive patterns quickly and ruthlessly – show no mercy or leniency.

Shape your circumstances, don’t let them shape you.  Shape your ideas, but don’t let them shape you.  What you think about something is not as important as reality… the sooner you face it (reality) and deal with it the better off you are.

There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to ruin.
Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

Solomon in Proverbs 14:12-13

Dave