Here's a hard truth—during your life, you're inevitably going to fall behind. Whether it's in your work, a side project, your relationships, or even your own hyper-specific expectations. Even when you've been riding a constant wave of productivity, ticking off every item on your list, the ups and downs of life will eventually catch up with you. You'll reach a state where you're no longer proud of your effort.

And you know what? That’s perfectly normal.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that being in a rut or falling behind is actually a vital part of the productivity cycle.

☝ Key Insight: Without these slower moments, it’s impossible to see progress, reinvent yourself, or have new ideas.

This slower stage isn't a step back—it's a necessary halt. It gives you the space to recalibrate so you can eventually progress better and faster. Once you rationalize that falling behind is a natural human behavior, you can move past the frustration and start moving forward.

What to Do When You're Caught in a Rut

It’s equally important to know how to get stronger during these moments. Here is the advice I follow when I feel the weight of falling behind:

1. Give yourself a hard resting period

allow yourself the right of not being productive for a couple of days. Tell yourself you deserve to procrastinate. Pick those entertaining activities you usually avoid because you don't feel you've "earned" them—binge a show, talk to a friend for hours, or play video games for an entire morning.

This is fundamental to reset your mindset for the next step— you can't strategize on an empty tank.

2. Be brave enough to change your strategy

If what you're doing right now isn't working, it’s time for a new approach. Reorganizing your life, your tools, and your projects can be essential. Sometimes, it's just one or two minor details that matter—shifting a schedule by 30 minutes, adding a quick workout, or taking a walk after work can dramatically impact your mental health.

Try to figure out the root of the problem:

• What habits or routines are contributing to this friction?
• Is your current workflow actually adequate for the tasks at hand?
• are your habits adapted to your current schedule, or an old one?
• Are you taking care of yourself physically and mentally?

3. Curate your environment

Think of your work environment as a tool for success. If your usual spot feels heavy, abandon it. Visual and auditory stimuli allow you to think in new ways—create a new playlist, add some plants to your desk, or reorganize your planner. Create a space that you identify with calmness.

4. Externalize the frustration

There is a clear reward in pouring your heart out to someone you trust. But if you're not ready for that, try free or prompt journaling.

Allows yourself to write without a schedule, length, or specific purpose. Pressuring yourself to follow a "habit" of journaling during a rut only adds to the frustration. A journal is your safe spot. Looking back on these entries in a few months will give you clarity on how you eventually found your way out.

Most importantly, don't allow the moment to conquer you. Trust your gut and remember that these plateaus are the foundation for your next peak.