If you feel like life has become predictable, unfulfilling, and boring, maybe it’s time for a fresh start. Deciding to make a change doesn’t mean you have to turn your life upside down, but it is an opportunity to stand back and revise your current way of life.
This is no truer than coming out of the ‘rut’ that 2020 and Covid has brought. When this will be over – and it will – is anyone’s guess but we are on the up-swing, which means it’s time to start new. The new year always brings hope for new so this is the perfect time to move in that direction.
Whether it’s a lifestyle, location, or career change, there are some simple things you can do right now to get out of that rut and get some positive energy back into your life.
- Work out What Makes You Happy
Have you ever sat down and ruminated about what makes you happy? What lifts your spirits and puts a spring in your step? What makes your heart sing and your energy levels skyrocket? I often wonder if people truly know what happiness is to them as they be chasing something elusive or already have what they desire but not recognize this.
Some people feel happiest out in nature, while others prefer sports or reading. Maybe you love the arts or helping people. Make a list of what makes you happy and take action so you can focus on bringing more joy into your life.
- Practice Saying Yes
Most people are so busy with the everyday life that they don’t make time to get out of their comfort zone and do something different. When was the last time you tried something new or challenging? Be open to new experiences, start saying yes to yourself, and choose to do things that feel good.
Take small steps towards your desires and goals to get you into the habit mode; one exercise is to use the 5-Second Rule, by Mel Robbins. Essentially, once you have your goal or action step, you count backwards from 5 (4-3-2-1) and take action. This averts ‘the pause’ that may hold you back. I find it very effective.
- Make a Stop Doing List
Once you start saying yes to the things that feel good, you need to practice saying no. You need a stop doing list! You’re probably well aware of the bad habits you’ve fallen into and the things you do that don’t bring you joy.
While there are some things you have no control over, see what energy-draining tasks you can eliminate from your life. Write a list to remind yourself of the things you can choose not to do, and free up time for the things that make your heart soar.
- Declutter
Most people have way too much stuff in their lives. Look around you right now and see what’s holding you back. Clutter includes spending hours scrolling through social media, limiting beliefs, and bad lifestyle habits as well as all that junk in the kitchen drawer.
It’s not as difficult as you may think once you get started. Have a box to keep, discard, and donate and use them. Set a timer for 15 minutes and work until the time is up – this primers your brain to focus and do the work needed.
- Say No to Fear
Perhaps the single most empowering thing you can do to get out of a rut is to walk away from fear. Fear will stop you from taking risks, big or small. It makes you too afraid to try anything new and holds you back from reaching your potential.
Identify any fear you have (i.e. fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of success, etc.) so you know what you’re dealing with. Challenge your thoughts and beliefs to see if they are absolutely true (you can’ say yes); having solutions gets you into action mode, which actually is the best way to conquer fear.
If you want to make a fresh start, make a commitment to yourself to take back control of your life so you can move away from any rut you feel you’re in and move to what you truly do want.
If you’re struggling with any of these, reach out to get support so 2021 starts off with a bang. Isn’t it time your desires come true?
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