Escaping the Rut of Smoke and Mirrors

Feeling stuck in a rut and needing to escape from it? We've all been there at some point or it has yet to happen in our lives. Is there any possible way to escape it? Someone promises us something, a commitment is made, goals that we set for ourselves seem to be realistic but just don't seem to pan out. Smoke and mirrors make us believe that something is going to be done or that it is true, when it turns out it is completely false.

Why do we get into these rut situations? It's a trending topic over social media today as people are trying to discover the ideal solution to this. And why does it seem to happen so often?

On a regular basis, I have open and casual conversations with entrepreneurs, colleagues, friends and family about how they feel when they get into that particular state of mind. This often happens especially when it comes to working and trying to keep an ideal work-life balance.

Thankfully, there is a way we can get out of it and begin to try and rise above it within the workplace culture.

What is the real problem with smoke and mirrors? We can simply boil it down to one thing: setting unrealistic standards /high expectations for ourselves and others. So how do we get out of this rut?

Through my own research and experiences, I have found a few interesting and essential steps to get rid of the smoke that’s in the way.

“The first choice we make each and every day is, ‘Will we act upon life, or will we merely be acted upon?’” - Stephen Covey

Push for Clarity.

80% of the time we see failures in unfulfilled commitments, and it can be linked to a lack of clarity. Are you expressing yourself clearly? Is it on paper (in short form)? Be very specific about your expectations.

Be Candid.

Often, we tend to beat around the bush. Or better said, we avoid confrontation. This doesn’t mean being aggressive, but rather it’s about respecting the person or people we deal with enough to tell them the truth. Honesty is linked to telling the truth based on emotions. But when you ask someone if you can be “candid,” they can perceive it as a neutral observation of truth.

“Candor isn’t cruel…any successful feedback system is built on empathy, on the idea that we are all in this together, that we understand your pain because we’ve experienced it ourselves.” - Ed Catmull, author of Creativity, Inc.

Think Big.

When something is getting done or the truth isn’t being said, then you need to be the bigger person. As mindful humans, we set the path. Even if an issue arises with a friend, business partner, loved one or colleague, it doesn’t mean you don’t have options to properly navigate through it. You can respectfully lead by asking for clarity and a strategy for action.

Dig Another Path.

Ruts are usually triggered in one's mindset. Be positive. Find another way to do what you need to do. If there is a rock in the way, don’t stop. Climb over it or try pushing it aside if possible. Don't let a stone in the middle of the road mentally fool you into believing it's a mountain. Don't lose hope in the power you have to overcome it.

Switch from a “stuck” mindset to an “I can make it happen” mindset, even if it leads you out of your usual comfort zone.

You are more than good enough. You either win or you learn from this. Putting forth an honest effort and surrounding yourself with a great support system of people and mentors will bring the best out of you, and that can really help you to defeat the obstacles in the way. And only when you put your mind in the right direction can you conquer most challenges.

Biagio Triassi Connects TOP Talent for Team Hiring Success within Canada.