What to do about a midway slump?

Probably the single most useful thing to do is just acknowledge that it happens. Even the most interesting projects or jobs have boring days.

The second year of a three-year degree programme is usually duller than the first or final year. The middle part of a physical training schedule is hard because progress can seem incremental or even plateaued compared with the quick and satisfying progress at the start or the excitement of seeing the end goal within reach.

When we are as far away from the enthusiasm of the start as from the gratification of results and achievement at the end, we’re in slump territory.

Reaffirm the Big Picture

Intellectually, we can acknowledge that we don’t achieve significant things without some pain or discomfort and the mid-way slump is a clear manifestation of that discomfort. It’s almost as if our mind is telling us to stop the discomfort and go back to what we know and feel comfortable with.

While we know that we can’t stretch ourselves without leaving our comfort zone, living at the edge of what’s comfortable is unsettling and getting through the midpoint of a project or plan means we have to stay in discomfort for longer than we might like.

When we’re in that discomfort zone and experiencing a lack of energy and enthusiasm, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with feelings of doubt and uncertainty.

We need to remain clear about our reasons for doing the thing and why the end result is important to us.

If we can re-connect with the core purpose or objective, we can reassure ourselves that the discomfort we feel in the middle is worth going through to achieve our results.

When we envisage achieving the purpose, it helps make sense of the discomfort and uncertainty that we have to navigate through. The slump is temporary and the goal is worth the temporary discomfort.

More than a Slump? The Sunk Costs Trap

Sometimes a slump might be a signal for a more fundamental re-think about the big picture.

So, really questioning why we’re doing something and whether the result is important or worthwhile can help us tell the difference between a temporary slump and something more significant.

The slump might be an indicator that the original purpose no longer holds good or that the costs of the project are not warranted by the projected outcome. It might be telling us to stop.

Individuals and groups find it difficult to stop midway. Once commitments have been made and substantial work done, there can be a bias towards pushing on to the end - even when the end is no longer important or compelling enough to warrant the continued commitment of time and resources.

This is the sunk cost fallacy and means that a lot of projects continue past the point when they are objectively worthwhile, just because of the money, time and effort already invested.

Once we become aware of our natural aversion to the loss (of the sunk costs) which would occur if we decided not to continue, we can make smarter decisions at the midway point.

So, when checking in with the big picture goal or purpose, pay attention to your thoughts about sunk costs and be aware of our tendency to stick with something that doesn’t serve us anymore because we have invested in it.

Energy in v Energy out

Having taken decisions on the bigger picture, the challenge is how to keep momentum going day to day, week to week.

Having invested so much time and other resources, our battery, mental and physical, can go very flat at times and it’s important that we look after ourselves on the way to the end point.

Having the motivation to reach an important goal helps us get through the hard parts, but if we’re burnt out when we get there, how does that serve us?

So, it’s helpful to keep tabs on our energy and enjoyment levels.

Know what drains you and what recharges you.

Pay attention to levels of tiredness, irritation and boredom and take small but immediate steps to alleviate them.

Time off, time away from the current task?

Good sleep, fresh air, exercise?

Conversations with colleagues, brainstorming, getting a different perspective?

What activities can divert your attention away from the things causing the tedium towards something that’s more engaging or energising for you?

While having a compelling purpose to hold onto is important to get through a slump, we still need to pay attention to our energy and enthusiasm levels and look after ourselves.