It’s Monday, January 24th— and if you’ve read a couple of my blogs, you know I write about what’s top of mind right now.
And what’s at the top of the list right now is … SNOW. The cold, white stuff. And what I am listening to now is slushy snow and cars spinning their wheels trying to navigate the drifts piled up in gutters and city alleys.
1.24.2022 8:41 AM CST
There are many strategies to tackle drifts… the “slow-and-steady”, revving the engine ever so slightly so as not to disturb the melty mess beneath … and then there is the “gun-it-what-stop-sign”, which is definitely not the safest, but there IS a time and place for all of it.
The one thing that all seasoned snow veterans know is that you don’t want to get STUCK. (I’m not kidding, I just peeked out my window and two guys were pushing a uHaul out of my alley!)
Because if you get stuck, you spin.
And if you start spinning, you’re busted.
Which leads me to this point … despite our best efforts, we ALL spin from time to time. Sometimes it’s us, sometimes it is the circumstance, sometimes it is a pandemic. (insert shoulder shrug)
And watching the spinning today across my wintery Chicago was a good reminder that even though we don’t want to get stuck, it’s really important to know how to get UNSTUCK.
Naturally this led me to google, “how to get unstuck”… and I believe it’s as good as any starting point to apply to you, your team, or your organization if you’re spinning. (Credit goes to GoAuto Canada for this trusty article!)
DIY: 10 Tips for Getting Unstuck in the Snow (life, work problem, tough situation, stagnant career, large organizational goal), by Jean-Pierre Desrochers, adapted by yours truly:
1) Avoid Spinning Your Tires
My take: Recognize that you’re in the deep and stop fighting it. Don’t make things worse by digging in or becoming too entrenched.
2) Dig Out As Much As Possible
My take: Do what you can to smooth out the path underneath you.
3) Set Your Wheels Straight
My take: Course correct. If you’re wheels are angled to a point where they will damage your tires (or into another object), you won’t be able to reach your end goal. Refocus and redirect towards the main objective.
4) Try the Rocking Method
My take: Build momentum up slowly. It’s unlikely you will hit it and get out in one go— most of us need that momentum and focused energy to help us overcome what we’re facing into. Keep moving.
5) Release Some Air from Your Tires
My take: Just like tires, you might have so much pressure built up inside that you don’t have any “give” to feel or see the best answer available to you. Releasing pressure allows more contact and potentially— more leverage to grab the road underneath you. (or direct you to the most obvious solution)
6) Check Your Tailpipe
My take: Don’t be your own worst enemy. Identify if there is something blocking the path and remove it.
7) Find Objects to Increase Traction
My take: Not every instance needs BIG solution (like a tow truck). Sometimes a micro-adjustment… a rolled up newspaper, some sand or a well-placed mat, is all you need to get on solid ground.
8) Shift Down to a Low Gear
My take: Try going slower and use power to create the aforementioned momentum.
9) Keep Your Cool
My take: It’s not fun being stuck. Panicking will not solve the issue. Work the problem at hand.
10) Call a Friend
My take: Know when to call it. It’s not defeat— it’s time to redirect your efforts. Don’t wait until panic, anxiety, and crippling stress sets in— call someone who can help.
If you’re wondering, “wow- is this REALLY what she thinks about all day?”
Yes. It really is.
Problem solving. Making adjustments. Setting the course and seeing it through.
That and the WORDLE for the day.
Be well and stay well, my friends.
Jean