Practical Ways to Break the Cycle of Waking up to the Same Sh*t
Sick of waking up to the same sh*t? Do something about it.
Too often do I hear and see people talking and writing about how they are sick of their current situation.
These people will complain in cycles; either verbally or through their Instagram stories- “another day of the same old thing, I am over it”.
95% of people will complain about their current situation, but <5% will do something about it.
I was inspired to write this article based on what I have seen on my own Instagram feed from friends. I am fed up with seeing people who have the choice to change remain stagnant.
There is so much unused and wasted potential.
How to Break the Cycle
#1 Identify the areas in your life that are making you unhappy
Write a list or create a new note on your phone. Write down the areas of your life that bring you fulfilment on one side. On the other side, write down aspects that make you feel negative.
Similar to a pros and cons list.
In this exercise, it is essential to differentiate the tasks that may momentarily make you feel unhappy, but are short term non-negotiables to reach your goal. See my article below on Self-Care Traps for more on this topic.
#2 If you don’t have goals, create some
Create some SMART goals.
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time.
Specific: Who is involved, what do I want to accomplish, where does this take place, why?
Measurable: What metrics are you going to use to determine if you have met the goal?
Achievable: Do you have the tools and resources to attain your goals?
Relevant: Does the goal serve a relevant purpose?
Time: State when you want to complete your goal and be very specific.
For example- I want to read one book per week to learn more about entrepreneurship and personal finance so that I can understand how to run my start-up company. I have a membership at the local library to borrow books from the list of books to read that I have created. I will achieve this by reading at least one chapter per day. By December 25th 2022, I will have read 52 books.
By having goals, you can have something to work toward. By having something to work toward, you can make the relevant changes in your life to overcome your current circumstance.
#3 Realise that only you have the power to change
You hold the power to change your situation, not anyone else.
Despite the common reason, you are not stuck. Everything is a choice.
“We are our choices.”― Jean-Paul Sartre
Put very simply, we are our choices. If you are unhappy because you feel stuck in your 9–5 job, put in the foundations now to successfully move on later.
As a current employee as a registered nurse, I understand how scary it can be to leave a very good and very stable income. However, I have been feeling unhappy and I recognised this a while ago.
Instead of complaining and inaction, I began laying the foundations to shift out of that job and create my own empire.
You don’t have to leave your job; however, if it is a source of unhappiness that doesn’t align with your future goals, then do something about it. You hold the power.
#4 Remember, complaining will not get you further
You are not achieving anything but draining your own energy by complaining.
It is fine to vent and express your feeling to family and friends. In fact, this is healthy. However, once you convey your emotions, create an immediate action plan.
The outcome will often be stronger as the emotion and intent behind it is greater.
- If you feel tired and lethargic, seek advice. Start to eat better and move more.
- If you feel trapped, travel the world. Travel experience elicits invaluable insight.
- If you are fed up with the same routine, change it up by doing something new. Instead of going for your daily walk, go on a hike and explore.
- If you have always wanted to start your own business but feel scared, lay the foundations, network and do it.