The psychologist Adam Altergraduated from Princeton and professor of the New York University Stern School of Business, published his most recent best seller “Anatomy of a Breakthrough” (Anatomy of a Breakthrough). This latest book offers several ways to get out of the mental jam. “Falling into a routine or feeling stuck from time to time is a universal experience,” explained the American professional.
In his study, Alter explained that people tend to be self-reflective as they approach a new decade, for example at age 29 or 39, and that at such times they can feel overwhelmed when life doesn’t go as planned. Other sticking points can stem from big changes like illness, having a baby, moving, or being laid off from work.
Among the advice, which the specialist detailed to The New York Times, you can glimpse certain actions that are recommended to be carried out to get out of routine stagnation. “Individuals can apply the same principles to their own lives by identifying the things that create obstacles and add complications or stress,” Alter said.
“To start, try asking yourself: Am I repeating certain patterns that are not helpful? Are there things I do regularly that I don’t enjoy? The next step is to trim or smooth out each friction point. Let’s say you hate your commute to work, but you feel like you can’t change it,” the psychologist exemplified and explained: “What part makes it more unpleasant? What specific changes can you make to address the problem? Will listening to a good podcast or audiobook help? If you drive, can you start a group with other colleagues to take to work? Is there a way to work from home more often?”
Another point is the reformulation of negative thoughts. “I should have done more at work, even though you have achieved quite a bit. “Persistent thoughts like these can create stress and interfere with your goals,” he said. Judy Ho, clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor at the Pepperdine University and recommended: “Instead of ‘I’m going to fail at this project,’ you can think, ‘I’ll do my best, and if I’m struggling I’ll ask for help.’ Aim to evaluate your thoughts objectively: ‘I’m having this thought. What is the evidence in favor? And what is the evidence against it?’”
Another way to break the stagnation, he recommended Sarah Sarkis, clinical psychologist and executive coach in Boston. The American specialist suggested: “Imagine a future life where you are no longer stuck. How does it look? How do you feel? Then think about specific steps that would help you work toward that vision. Write those steps down, ideally by hand. This helps us engage with them.”
In a TED talk at University of California-Berkeley, Adam Cheyer, the co-creator of Siri and vice president of AI Experience at Airbnb, explained that making goals known to those close to you helps overcome blockages. “The sheer force of putting words into the world now makes you believe, makes you commit. Somehow, the universe will help you achieve this goal,” said the tech entrepreneur.
Lastly, Alter suggests that people should spend time on activities that align with their values. The psychologist assured that producing a significant event or action overcomes the blockage and expressed: “I felt like a more productive person and that gave me confidence to address other areas of my life. When we feel stuck, we need meaning more than ever.”
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