Image: Shutterstock / ginger_polina_bublik
A few years ago, I found myself in a situation that left me feeling lost and defeated. Despite my accomplishments and newlywed bliss, I was unemployed for six months after relocating far away from home. Every rejection letter I received and every passing day brought me deeper into a pit of self-doubt and anxiety. I sought solace in mindless internet surfing and tried to numb my shame with incessant worrying and tears.
At that moment, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was all life had in store for me. It was clear that the way I perceived my situation was hindering any potential progress. I realized that if I wanted to change my life, I would have to change my mindset. This simple shift became a crucial step forward in my journey of transformation.
Table of Contents
Shift your Perspective
It is vital to alter your perspective on your current circumstances. There is a saying that what you focus on grows, and it applies to both positive and negative aspects of our lives. By dwelling on what we lack, we only increase the feeling of emptiness within us. To break free from this cycle, focus on the things that are going well. Start by asking yourself, “What IS working for me and my life right now?” This shift in mindset will provide a fresh, positive outlook on your life without complacency.
Focus on the progress you’ve made.
In order to overcome the feeling of stagnation, acknowledge the progress you have made along your journey. Reflect on what you have learned and how you have grown since the previous year. Take some time to journal and list all the things that you know now that you didn’t know a year ago. This exercise will help you appreciate the accomplishments, big or small, that you’ve achieved. Remember, it is crucial to recognize how far you’ve come rather than solely focusing on how far you have left to go.
Find gratitude for the little things.
Gratitude serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety and depression. By cultivating a practice of gratitude, we bring our attention to the present moment, where true inner peace resides. Start by journaling five things you are grateful for each morning and night. This simple act will shift your mindset from scarcity to sufficiency. Believe that what you have and where you are right now is enough to propel you towards your desired destination.
Stop trying so hard to figure it out.
Often, we have a tendency to overthink and try too hard to find the perfect solution. In doing so, we inadvertently block ourselves from seeing the bigger picture of our lives. Let go of the notion that there is a “perfect” job or path you should be on right now. Release the expectations you have placed upon yourself and embrace the uncertainty. Allow yourself to be open to the process of your own life.
Trust the process of your life.
Trust that where you are at this very moment is exactly where you need to be. This trust may require time and patience to develop, but once you let go of the struggle in your mind, the process becomes smoother. Have faith in yourself and believe that you are on a divinely guided path in life.
Ultimately, the key to being okay with not being where you want to be is to change your mindset. When we change ourselves, everything else falls into place. Remember, you have the power to transform your life by shifting your perspective, recognizing your progress, practicing gratitude, letting go of the need for certainty, and trusting the process. Embrace the journey and discover the incredible potential that lies within you.
For more insights on personal growth and self-discovery, check out 5 WS.
