Overcoming a Slump

It happens to everyone. Everything is going well and then all of a sudden you’re in a slump and it seems nothing is working for you anymore. The danger is when you start to question your progress to date in the middle of a slump. It’s a slippery slope that can result in a lack of motivation, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. Don’t let it get to that point. Instead, take control and work your way out of it.

First realize that slumps are normal. Look no further than your favorite sports team. Not one has ever won a championship without having had periods of drought. What do sports teams do when they’re in a slump? They try to identify the cause of the slump. Do they need to change their pitching line up? Bench a player that’s playing hurt or underperforming?

What is the cause of your slump? Are you bored? Have you been pursuing a promotion and not achieved it? Once you’ve identified the cause of your dissatisfaction, take an objective look to make sure you’re not being unrealistic in your expectations. If you’re after a promotion, have you had any performance hiccups that would raise potential red flags? Are you missing a skill? If so, work on those skills. Is the company in a good position or is it under fire in the marketplace? You might need to exercise patience or even decide that it’s not right for you to wait it out.

If you’re bored, take on a new project, find a mentor, or use your “extra” brainpower to build your network. It’s never a bad idea to meet new people, learn what’s happening in your industry, and reconnect with your colleagues. Shift your focus from your concerns to others and you’ll gain energy and momentum helping you limit the length of your slump.