Breaking the S💩DD Cycle

Raise your hand if you woke up this morning and felt like it was the notorious "SSDD" feeling (Same Sh*t, Different Day). 🙋🏼‍♀️

Ok, put your hand down, gf.

Understanding the SSDD Feeling:

Our minds naturally slip into familiar routines and thought patterns, even when progress is made. The replay of the SSDD feeling can be a challenging aspect of our journey towards positive change.

Acknowledging Your Progress:

First off, recognize the positive steps you've taken. Make a list of your achievements, no matter how small. DO IT. Make a list and look at it. Acknowledge your effort to make positive changes in your life and realize that, honestly, not every day is the same ole 💩. 

Exploring the Why:

During moments of the SSDD feeling, think about what might be triggering it. Is there a root cause or pattern that you can see? Are you doing bad habits like hitting snooze and eating a crap breakfast, and not working out? Is it your boss? Your spouse? Your routine? You must first figure out what’s bugging you so you can figure out the steps to change it. Once you've identified the triggers, develop strategies to get through these moments. This might involve incorporating new habits, setting realistic goals, or seeking support from friends, family, or professionals. 

Breaking the Routine:

Introduce variety into your routine to break the monotony. This could be as simple as trying a new activity, changing your environment, or exploring different approaches to your daily tasks. Shake it up! Attempting new things can be refreshing - even doing them backward can alter your perspective, like if you run the same route all the time, go the other way. Or, if you consistently eat eggs for breakfast, make them a new way or try a different dish. If you always sit there after work watching TV, pick up a book or walk. I go skiing every weekend, but I change it by taking runs with different people or hiking. 

Change Your Environment:

Look around you. Is your space inspirational or making you feel like crap? Why not rearrange your workspace or living area. Add new decorations or plants (check out my photography that comes framed!). My house is a disaster. There’s stuff everywhere, and I gave up cleaning. I’m the first to say your environment means a lot to your mindset, which is why I enjoy going to the beach. One of my goals is to create a space in my house for my computer (not my daughter’s desk) where I feel inspired and comfortable. 

Hang Out:

Call your girlfriends or take yourself out on a new hobby or activity date. Take a class or workshop on a subject you've never considered. Don’t just go out for dinner and drinks! If you’re going to watch TV, check out a documentary or a foreign film with subtitles. Do something healthy and meaningful. Join a club! I tried running a race with all these new people and loved it! I don’t think I want to run all the time with them, but I’d love to sign up for a 5k just to keep trying new things with new people doing something healthy and FUN (the running part sucks, but it’s the good kind of suck). 

Take the First Step Today:

If you're currently grappling with the SSDD feeling, take a small, positive action today. It could be reaching out to a friend, trying a new hobby, or setting a realistic weekly goal. Small steps lead to significant changes over time. Check out the list below for ideas on adding new ways of spending your time so it’s not the same old thing every day. 

Email me back if you'd like additional support or guidance. I am here to help you navigate these moments and continue your journey towards a more fulfilling life. Remember, you're not alone; each day is an opportunity for growth and positive change - give yourself some grace!

xoxo

Love you. Gotta go. Bye. ✌🏻

Tamara

Here's a list of activities to break the monotony and infuse freshness into your routine:

Learn a New Language. Join Duolingo, and let’s be friends! I practice French. It’s just a few minutes, and I feel so good learning and proud of my daily streak (unlike SSDD - I’m excited to do it daily!). 

Explore a New Cuisine. Try cooking a dish from a cuisine you've never attempted. Or order food from a local restaurant - I LOVE sushi and Indian and never get them because I forget, but now Tuesday is Try New Food Day! 

Read a Book Outside Your Usual Genre. When was the last time you read a book? I love self-help books. But to change it up, choose a book from a genre you typically don't explore. If you love side hustles and fashion, check out this one. Or, what if YOU took a stab at writing?? 

Take Up a New Hobby. Learn to draw, paint, or photography, my fav! Go to a local shop like those pottery places and make yourself or a friend a custom gift - go on your own or with a girlfriend! 

Watch a Foreign Film. Pick a movie or TV series from a different culture. Did you ever see this one? I dare you to turn off the subtitles! (refer back to #1) 

Engage in an Activity. Go for a hike somewhere new or play pickleball! Who wants to learn with me?? 

Attend Virtual Events or Webinars. Participate in online events on topics you've never considered before. I do these ALL the time. In fact, I’m watching one tonight on raising kids. (I need all the help I can get!) 

Create a Vision Board. OMG, this is my JAM!!! Follow my Pinterest page for all aspects of my life, from my business to quotes to fashion, you name it! Do you have one?? Collect images and quotes representing your goals and create your own for daily inspiration