Sailors used to live in fear of the doldrums—when the sea turns placid and the wind disappears, and your ship is left to float and drift as your fresh water and food stores dwindle ever lower.

You'd think a terrible storm would be worse, and maybe it is (I'm no sailor, so I can't speak with authority). But at least in a storm you have no choice but to act; you respond to what's in front of you and hope you make it through, but there's not much time for reflection or despair.

I have precisely zero experience with either of those situations in a maritime setting, but a lot of experience in the proverbial sense.

And I can confirm that, at least when it comes to personal development, it's way easier to coach someone when they're miserable and at rock bottom (in the "eye of the storm," so to speak) than when they're in the doldrums.

Misery is motivating. Being down and out gives you a "what do I have to lose?" attitude. It lights a fire under your butt to make changes, take risks, and let go of crap that's been holding you back.

The doldrums are the very opposite of motivating. They're a place of complete inertia and stagnation. We may want to make change, theoretically, but realistically we feel completely uninterested in doing anything.

So, what's a person to do when they feel completely meh about everything, and can't work up the energy to give a damn about anything? I'm diving into a counterintuitive approach in this week's blog.

After you're listened, come share your own experience with the doldrums in the comments.

LET'S GET 2019 OFF TO THE RIGHT START

The new year is right around the corner. Cue wide eyes and mild panic!

…Or not. Because hey, not every year needs to be a repeat of the last! You'd be amazed by how much can shift in just a few months with a little consistency, accountability, and a willingness to make change.

So if you'd like 2019 to be vastly different than 2018 (or 2017, or 2016…), then we're happy to talk to about the prospect of 1-on-1 coaching.

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