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Actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is preparing for the release of his upcoming film I Want to Talk, recently spoke about his motivation to break free from personal and professional “rut.” Reflecting on his journey with director Shoojit Sircar, he spoke about the broader idea of stepping back to assess one’s path in life and the importance of taking on new challenges at this point in his career.
At a music launch event for the film, when was asked what the biggest takeaway from his experience with Sircar was, he joked, “Don’t ever put on weight for a film again. Trust me, at my age, it gets very difficult to lose it after a while.” On a serious note, Bachchan continued, “It reassures you that there’s a little space for everybody out there. And I hope you all can find some sort of parallel in your own life. We’re all stuck in the rut of life, we’re doing what we’re doing. Some of us have got corporate jobs, some of us are artists, and life dictates to you what you should be doing and how you should be doing it.”
Bachchan’s insights offer a powerful reminder of the importance of periodically re-evaluating one’s goals to rediscover purpose and enthusiasm in both personal and professional spheres.
Anuckriti Garg, a mental health counsellor, says, “Feeling stuck in a rut can be frustrating and leave one feeling anxious and demotivated. You may have a strong desire to move forward in your personal or professional life but might experience an equally strong compulsion to stay where you are.”
Signs of being in a rut include running on autopilot — doing things without meaning or purpose — frequently feeling unaccomplished at the end of the day, lacking a sense of direction, questioning everything while struggling to step out of your comfort zone, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, and constantly feeling tired, Garg adds.
If prolonged, she says that being in a rut can lead to “dissatisfaction”, a sense of stagnation, or even burnout, particularly when combined with chronic stress and exhaustion.
Garg states, “The first step is to accept the situation and acknowledge that we are stuck. During this time, it’s important to be kind to ourselves and practice self-care to rejuvenate both body and mind.”
Evaluate whether your goals are realistic and align them with what you can achieve. “Clearly defining your goals is crucial, and using the SMART framework — specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound — can enhance goal-setting.” Let go of perfectionism; fear of failure and an excessive focus on avoiding mistakes often lead to self-sabotage.
This approach applies to making changes as well, highlights Garg. “While trying to transform aspects of your life, mistakes are inevitable, but it’s essential to persevere and start again. Focus on making small, consistent changes. Additionally, try altering your routine slightly and incorporating new experiences into your day.”