Blame It On The Groundhog

If I haven't mentioned it before, my all-time favorite movie is Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray. I've watched it so many times, I can tell you what each character is going to say, before they actually say it. Laugh if you will, but there are some powerful truths in this classic comedy, about a very frustrated weatherman, seemingly cursed to live out the same day (Groundhog Day) every day. That is, until he figures out that getting out of this rut is entirely up to him.

All of us experience periods of lower performance. Call it a personal recession. If it continues for an extended period, we may see it as a personal "depression."

Only after Bill Murray's character in the movie recognized his need to make changes in his life, and actually made those changes, did he finally make it to the third of February (the day after Groundhog Day).

I have on many occasions done something that I would recommend to you, especially when you find yourself in a rut. Here it is:

• Grab a legal pad and a pencil (there may be erasing involved)
  
• Get away from your normal domain. If you do this during work hours, find a nearby library, coffee shop, or inspirational view.
  
• Ask yourself a few questions--what am I supposed to be doing? what is not working? what is working? what things can I try to make things better? am I taking advantage of all the help available to me?
  
• Focus your mind. Turn off the Blackberry and/or cell phone. If at the coffee shop, order the whipped cream AND the cherry. This is not the time to hold back on stimulating your mind--I have never experienced success here while munching on a granola bar.
  
• Write down everything that comes to mind. Here is where your personal creativity really kicks in.
  
• When you think you are done, analyze all of the data. What does it tell you? Maybe things aren't as bad as you thought! Maybe you've experienced some really great breakthrough ideas that will not only get you out of that rut, but make you the next office hero!

Bill Murray's character in the movie spent untold days blaming his problem on other things--the clock radio, the local radio DJ's, his boss, his co-workers, and yes, even the groundhog. Your own situation may be very easily resolved by a few simple steps on your part. And by all means, write down the specific actions you identify in your personal creativity session. It can make all the difference in carrying out your plan.