As humans, we are constantly in motion. We strive to improve ourselves and our lives, pushing forward towards our goals. However, sometimes we reach a point where progress seems to stall out. This is known as a plateau.
Plateaus can occur in any area of life: career, fitness, relationships, or personal growth. They can be frustrating and demotivating but they don’t have to be permanent. In fact, plateaus can serve as opportunities for reflection and redirection.
In her book “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Margaret Atwood writes about the importance of recognizing and embracing plateaus:
“Perhaps I should not have been surprised that boredom – which I would have thought of as something rather trivial – should have played so large a part in my life…It was like being in a long tunnel without light at either end.”
Atwood’s words echo the feelings many people experience when faced with a plateau: frustration, boredom, and uncertainty about what comes next.
But instead of letting these negative emotions take over, it’s important to reframe how we view plateaus. Rather than seeing them as roadblocks on the path to success, we should see them as opportunities for introspection and growth.
One way to approach this is by setting new goals or adjusting existing ones. When we hit a plateau it may be because our current goal has become too easy or unrealistic given our current circumstances or abilities.
If you’re experiencing a fitness plateau for example you could consider trying new exercises that challenge your body differently than before such as crossfit classes or yoga sessions; If you’ve hit an obstacle in your career aspirations maybe it’s time you explore other paths within your field.
Alternatively one could use the opportunity presented by their stagnation period to reflect on why they might not be moving forward at their desired pace- Are there skills they need improving? Is self-doubt holding them back?
Another good way is seeking advice from mentors, friends or professionals in the field. It’s possible that they have encountered similar obstacles and may offer some insight into how to overcome them.
Another way we can use plateaus to our advantage is by taking a break altogether. Sometimes we become so fixated on achieving our goals that we forget to take care of ourselves in the process. A period of rest and self-care can help us recharge and come back more energized than before.
This doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams altogether; rather it means recognizing when you need to step back and focus on yourself for a while.
In conclusion, plateaus are frustrating but also natural parts of any journey towards self-improvement. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, try viewing them as opportunities for introspection and redirection. By setting new goals or adjusting existing ones, seeking advice from others, or taking a break altogether, you can move past your plateau with renewed motivation and energy towards your aspirations just like Atwood’s Offred did in “The Handmaid’s Tale”.