We all go through moments in life when we aren’t quite sure what we want. It could be our career, a relationship, housing or a number of other things causing us to feel bad. What can you do to get back on track?
Read an old journal
Writing our thoughts can be good therapy, but instead of penning out what’s on your mind now, why not look at some old journals? Connect with a time you felt strong. What helped you get through rough times then? Take that advice again.
Do nothing
Sometimes it’s better to forget about your problems for a while. Dwelling on them too much makes things worse. It’s okay to have a lazy day marathoning Netflix or reading a book.
Mix it up
If you feel like you’re in a rut because you do the same thing every day, change your routine. If you go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, switch it up next week. If you take the same route to work every day, drive or walk down a different road tomorrow.
Find a mentor
You can always confide in friends or family, but they might not have been in your exact situation before. Look for someone you admire – a co-worker, supervisor or someone who works in an industry you want to pursue – and ask them how they got there.
Unplug
I often catch myself comparing my life to others’, and it’s usually based on what I see them posting on social media. Most people only share the good things. Remember, you’re not seeing their whole story, so it’s likely that they’ve had their share of struggles. If you need to, step away from social media for a few days. Temporarily deactivate your accounts.
Make a plan
What do you think you want to do? What are you good at or enjoy doing? List the pros and cons of the decision you’re thinking of making. What will be the result? And if you have a goal, what can you realistically do to get there? Even the smallest steps in the right direction can make a huge difference.
Get feedback
Ask a close friend what you’re good at, what your best qualities are and what they think is holding you back. Their positive words can give you a self-esteem boost, and their constructive criticism might be the motivation you need.
Find inspiration
There are countless people who have become successful later in life after several setbacks. Read an autobiography or watch a documentary about them. Or find a book or YouTube video on a hobby you enjoy. These could spark creativity.
Be productive
Do laundry, organize your file cabinet, go to the dentist – anything that you’ve been putting off doing. Checking off tasks can help you relieve some stress and give you room to focus on bigger things.
