As we grow as professionals, we tend to discover that strategies and work habits that once served us well are no longer good enough. On some issues, like scheduling our work, we may repeatedly have “aha” moments until we find the approaches most likely to succeed.

But sometimes we fall into routines that we no longer question. We may drift into viewpoints and work styles that don’t evolve. When that happens, we bog down and feel bored, frustrated or stuck.

If your energy is low, if you aren’t feeling productive or creative, maybe it’s time to rethink how you do things. Ask questions about your long held opinions, your well worn approaches, and your favorite strategies. Examine your habits, and look for areas where it might be time to try something new.

If you want to generate new energy by exploring mid-course corrections, here are some areas for trying fresh strategies:

• Write stuff down. As time goes by, we may need to develop new systems for keeping our calendars, managing our “todo” lists, and noting conversations. As our jobs become more demanding and our lives grow more complex, our memories may not work like they used to. A good way to jumpstart productivity is to explore additional options for taking notes and creating records and reminders.
  
  
• Manage your health. Sometimes we bog down because we just don’t feel good. Perhaps we’re sleep deprived, or not getting any exercise, or our bodies ache from stress. A revitalized program of healthy living can generate new creativity in your work. If you don’t know where to turn in your career, focus some energy on your physical, emotional or spiritual health, and soon you may spot new professional opportunities.
  
  
• Say “thank you.” Neuroscientists are focusing a lot of attention on the amazing power of gratitude. Apparently when we feel grateful we can’t simultaneously feel anxious. We can reduce our stress and even promote healing by keeping “gratitude” lists where we note some of the good things in our lives. Beyond that, we change the way we relate to other people if we look for opportunities to express sincere thanks. To get out of your funk, seek opportunities to thank other people throughout your day.
  
  
• Admit you can’t do everything. The perfectionism that brought you here may no longer be working for you. If you feel you must do everything well, then sooner or later you’re bound to crash. Perhaps there are areas where the time has come to simplify, to say “no,” or to take the easy way.
  
  
• Make new friends and keep the old. Sometimes we get so busy that we don’t seem to have time to develop new friendships and we lose track of the people we like the most. Our friends can broaden our perspective, boost our confidence and support us through all sorts of challenges. Having close friends can help us relax and even promote good health. But making and keeping friends requires time and energy. If you’re feeling out of sorts, maybe it’s time to reach out to other people. Take responsibility and be methodical in the way you tend your circle of friends.
  
  
• Restate your goals. One lesson that seems to require a lot of relearning is this: if you don’t know where you’re going you probably won’t get there. It is so easy to become overwhelmed by routine demands and lose track of things we really want to accomplish. A quick way to generate some new energy is to pause and refocus on your objectives and priorities. You’ll probably feel and perform better if you take time to write out your primary goals for today, this week, and the longer term.