Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

Are you stuck in the suck?

Work sucks

From time to time we’re all faced with something that completely drains us of any motivation. This can be anything from a pending project, meeting with a boss, deflating commentary or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. The list could go on forever, but you know what I am getting at.

I like to refer to these kinds of detractors as the Suck (unoriginal I know), because they leave you in a rut that can kill productivity and destroy ambition. It is not a great situation to be in – and we’ve all been there.

Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about the Suck a lot. On one hand I have seen far too many friends throw away opportunities over the past few months because something put them in a bad place or they perceived a situation to be a dead-end, where in-fact it was not. From a selfish perspective, I have also been reflecting on myself a bit over the past month plus and have realized that I have fallen into a similar and scary place.

For me, getting beat up for a few years and falling in-line with group think had me in a rut. This had me almost miss a great opportunity that was staring me in the face; mostly because I let the negative vibes set in and suck all the optimism out of me.

During the reflection I thought of three things that I could proactively do that could help me avoid falling into the Suck:

  1. Take deep breaths and disconnect – When you don’t take time to separate yourself from a situation, you tend to dwell on it. When it comes to bad vibes, lingering on them will only make the situation worse.  Taking time to clear your head can help look at a situation objectively.
  2. Ask for help – I am awful at asking for help. Maybe because I am too proud to admit that I need it, but this is something that I am working on. You can’t always rely on yourself for the best advice when you get sucked into a down time. So floating ideas off friends or family can help put things back into perspective.
  3. Address the situation – This is risky but always an option. A lot gets lost in communication so asking for clarifications when you get into the Suck can really help you out. If you feel someone has it out for you ask some questions to get to the root of the issue as you might have missed something (this happens a lot).

Have you found yourself stuck in the Suck? If so how did you get out of it?

Image: michelhrv

12 Responses to Are you stuck in the suck?
  1. Erin F.
    December 10, 2012 | 11:09 am

    Hello, fellow tribe member! I’m trying to visit all the new people.
    I’m well acquainted with the “suck.” For me, I focus on what I can do, and I try to remember the original vision. I also don’t make decisions when I’m in that place. I like to make decisions when my head is clear, not when I’m an emotional wreck.

  2. John_Trader1
    December 11, 2012 | 8:30 am

    Solid post Jeff. I’ve been feeling a bit of the suck lately too. When I am in the suck, I find myself remembering a victory and the steps I took to get there as a way of reminding myself of the ingredients for success. Either that, or I go and run 10 miles. That usually helps too.

  3. Erin F.
    December 11, 2012 | 9:05 am

    John_Trader1 Ten miles? So much for being running partners. I’m only up to almost eight.

  4. momwhoruns
    December 11, 2012 | 4:25 pm

    @elissapr just sent you an email.

  5. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    Erin F. Thanks for dropping by E 🙂 I came to this post mostly because I realized that a bad attitude was really hindering my ability to get out of the trees. Remembering vision is a great idea too.

  6. jeffespo
    December 11, 2012 | 6:40 pm

    John_Trader1 10 miles? Shit buddy I can’t do that.

  7. MiniTerp
    December 12, 2012 | 1:40 pm

    An environment of negativity can also get you stuck in the suck. If you’re fortunate enough to get out, or separate yourself from it, it does wonders on what you thought was a lack of motivation, but really was just other people’s suck rubbing off on you.

  8. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 3:40 pm

    MiniTerp Are you saying you work with crappy people or did?

  9. jeffespo
    December 12, 2012 | 8:20 pm

    @jeanniecw Thanks!

  10. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto TY sir… I try Presto, I try… what you doing Saturday after Christmas?

  11. TheOnlyPresto
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    I’ll be in town that weekend, @jeffespo, but I’m going to a concert that Saturday night. What we got going down?

  12. jeffespo
    December 13, 2012 | 4:05 pm

    @TheOnlyPresto a possible schindig at casa la Espo

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