10 Simple Ways To Stay On Course After Changing Your Life
#1 — Resist the urge to chase the next “adrenaline buzz”
I slipped off course this week — it happens.
A few things led to this slip, but the biggest culprit was my thinking.
You gotta watch your thoughts — no matter how resilient you are, life can steer you off course within a matter of seconds, if you’re not careful.
Change brings challenges.
No one hands you your dream life on a silver platter. It just doesn’t work that way.
It can be a real struggle and you will encounter opposition along the way.
I made huge changes in my life in recent years — a career change, working through personal issues, and leaving my home country.
Change is a process. Deciding to change your life is the first step, doing it is the second and the third is what this article is about — staying on course.
If you’ve made any significant changes in your life recently, then this article is for you.
Here are ten ways to stay on course after changing your life:
1. Resist the urge to chase the next adrenaline buzz
Building the life you want takes time, it’s no longer about quick thrills that give you an adrenaline rush.
We all like the buzz of something new and exciting, but after a while, the drug wears off and we’re back to feeling ordinary again.
Resist the urge to chase the ‘high’ of a short-term thrill. Instead, strap yourself in and start paddling towards your highest aspirations.
You know what you want now — maybe you tried before and failed, but are ready to pay the price now.
So stop chasing the adrenaline buzz and put in the work to build something worthwhile — that lasts.
2. Filter out all distractions
This is crucial.
It’s time to streamline your thoughts and actions. It calls for focus.
Look for energy leaks in your life. Anything that’s draining your energy needs to be examined.
Start with your home and office. How tidy is it? Do you hoard things? When was the last time you cleared out your wardrobe, bookshelves, garden shed, kitchen cupboards, etc?
Is there a lot of clutter?
A tidy desk = a tidy mind, and it’s the same for your home.
Tidy up — it will clear your mind making it easier for you to focus.
‘Scientists have found that being in a cluttered environment may make it more difficult for us to focus.’ — Bupa, 2018
Decluttering is about creating alignment — lining things up so you can move in the direction of your dreams.
Be selective about how you spend your time. Eliminate distractions and prioritize your relationships. If you spread yourself too thin, you won’t have enough energy left to focus on your own projects.
3. Learn from others but do your own thing
Usually, change involves gaining new knowledge and skills. You need to learn from those who are doing what you want to do.
But, once you gain the basic skills and knowledge, you need to put your own stamp on it.
Stay true to yourself, for if you start to copy others, you will lose the joy of being creative.
Learn from others — then do your own thing.
4. Say your goodbyes
You may have to say some goodbyes —depending on your goals. For some, you may just be relocating, but for others, it could be a more permanent farewell, in the case of a difficult relationship or job.
But, whatever the case may be — give yourself the time to let go. There is always some degree of loss when making significant life changes.
Allow yourself the time to grieve, but get back up and stay on course.
5. Don’t look back
“Don’t look back—you’re not going that way” — Mary Engelbreit
To stay on course, you’ve got to keep looking ahead. Keep your eyes fixed on where you want to go and don’t look back. You changed your life for a reason, so let go of the past and carry on.
6. Think positive
This sounds obvious, but negative thinking can sneak up on you, and before you know it, you’re heading towards a negative downward spiral.
You need to watch out for this by being mindful of what you read, watch on TV or the internet, who you listen to, etc.
It’s also good to have a few good friends who are not afraid to tell you if you’re being negative — especially now, as most of us are in some form of self-isolation due to Covid-19.
For instance, last week I was chatting to a friend of mine on messenger and she picked up on my negative emotion.
I had casually mentioned how I was resisting unpacking my case after having moved into a new apartment.
I hadn’t processed why I was resisting it, but she was able to pick up on my negative emotion and encouraged me to unpack.
The next day I unpacked and felt great. I appreciated her help as I needed the little push.
So keep good people in your life who will help you to stay on course.
7. Stay strong
Staying strong is an attitude of mind. If you have already taken the plunge and made changes in your life, you have proven your strength, but to maintain it, you will have to develop good habits.
You could:
- Get up early
- Read something positive
- Meditate
- Write your thoughts in a journal
- Practice positive affirmations
- Count you blessings
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Drink plenty water
- Reduce caffeine
- Find support groups and friends
Staying strong is about being mindful of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being every day.
8. Trust
Trust the process and trust life. You are on a journey — it takes time to create a meaningful life, so trust that your hard work is going to pay off. Have faith and keep going.
9. Stop chasing the money and let the money chase you
Whenever I make money my goal things go wrong. I don’t know what it is, but when money is the focus, it brings such anxiety — probably because money by itself does not motivate.
But, when I focus on producing quality work and caring about what I do, the money comes as a by-product.
No matter how often we hear this, we still chase money as that’s what everyone else does.
We are bombarded with advertisements every day luring us into a luxurious lifestyle.
From designer clothes to IT gadgets, all calling for our attention — it’s easy to get sucked in.
But, if you can keep your focus on doing what you are meant to do— the financial rewards will follow in time.
10. Discipline
Staying on course requires discipline and dedication. You have to want something better. You have to want to move beyond mere survival and seek to thrive in all areas of your life — this will give you the long-term ‘high’ that comes from true success in life.
I hope these 10 steps will help you stay on course as you navigate this new season in your life.
Resist the urge to chase the next “adrenaline buzz” and find fulfillment in the moment, and before you know it, your life will begin to unfold just as you had dreamed it would.
Trust the process and enjoy the journey.
