You wake up, get dressed, sit at your desk (whether in-home or in-office), and realize . . . you’re not excited for your workday to begin. Like, not at all. Zero motivation. Can you crawl back into bed? You have no goals for the day, the week, or for any kind of future with this job, and maybe even with this company. How did your days get so blaaah, and can you push through this rut and bring back the joy?

You may be stuck in a rut if:

1. Your employer is letting you down. You’ve exceeded all your performance goals and you’ve excelled at every step toward that bonus, salary increase, or promotion. So why is nothing happening? To find out, you may need to have an honest talk with your boss about those next steps. If you hear vague timelines, hemming and hawing, or an outright refusal to recognize your efforts, that may be the hint you need to shop your talent somewhere that will value your contributions.
2. Your work is dead-end repetitive. Your job used to be fun, interesting, and challenging. Now it’s just As the challenge wanes, so wanes your interest, so much that you may wonder whether this job is still right for you. When you’re stuck in this rut, go after the challenges you need to succeed. Ask to participate in or even lead a major project. Ask to join a committee. Ask for a professional learning plan. Let your boss know you want to do more and ask for their support.
3. Your skills are stagnating. Growing your professional skill set can help you excel in your current position and possibly get noticed for others. Many mindful managers will notice your lack of interest in learning and growing and will assume you’re not interested in your position or you’re happy camping where you are. If you’re not a happy camper, dispel this notion by seeking out the conferences, courses, workshops, and informational interviews that will expand your knowledge base.
4. Your assignments have declined. If you’re no longer management’s point person on those fun and challenging projects, what’s changed? You may be stranded on a plateau, working at a high level but no longer within reach of those high-profile projects. Remind management of your value-add. Try to come up with a project that will bring value to the organization and show off your project-management skills.
5. You truly are a happy camper. You’re happy to be stuck in a rut. It’s easy and comfortable. You’re not especially motivated to take on more responsibilities. You’re content to continue your current level of performance. If that’s you, do what keeps you happy and sane—just know that this lack of ambition won’t go unnoticed. When you stop getting the projects and the praise and you stop reaching for more, you may stick yourself in a more permanent rut than you’d intended!