Life can be complicated. Just a few months ago, you were on top of the world. Your productivity levels were off the charts, and you were crushing it at the gym, eating healthy, excelling at work, and getting quality sleep. You felt unstoppable, ready to conquer any challenge that came your way.
But suddenly, everything feels dull and bleak. Maybe you got burnt out from your hectic schedule, or perhaps a setback, like a relationship ending or an illness, threw you off track. Now, negative thoughts consume your mind, and you feel like all the progress you made is ruined.
When things don’t work out, it’s easy to feel lost and demotivated. But there is a way to get your life back on track. Many religions and traditions teach that happiness will eventually come, and if it hasn’t, then it’s not the end.
So, how do you find the motivation to start fresh when things seem to have fallen apart? The answer is simple: go back to the basics.
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What Is Control?
When faced with failure, the first step is often figuring out how to start from scratch. But before you do that, it’s important to understand what control means.
Control can be subjective. It might mean having a good work-life balance for one person, while for another, it could refer to being a quick decision-maker.
Taking control of your life means being self-aware and confident enough to embark on new journeys. It’s about feeling motivated and believing that your hard work will yield great results. While you can’t control every external factor, you can control how you feel about them. Taking control starts with your thoughts and emotions, which later translate into controlling your surroundings.
12 Ways of Gaining Control When Things Don’t Work Out
So, what do you do when you feel like you’ve lost control? You regain it. Here are 12 simple ways to get your life back on track:
1. Reflect Upon Yourself
Conduct a thorough life audit to gain clarity on where you stand. Reflect on various aspects of your life, including your career, relationships, family, health, fitness, and motivation. Tools like the Wheel of Life or lists of thought-provoking questions can assist you in this process.
2. Identify the Cause of Failure
Understand what led to your downfall in the first place to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Reflect on the triggers that caused your negative spiral, and strive to avoid them in the future.
3. Be Confident
Confidence is key to regaining control. Showing up daily is important, but showing up with the intention to achieve is even more crucial. Identify what boosts your confidence and engage in habits that nurture it, such as exercising regularly.
4. De-Clutter
Clear your mind by creating a clear plan. Write down important thoughts, ideas, and tasks that occupy your mind. This “brain dumping” technique allows you to focus on each item individually, freeing up mental space.
5. Condition Your Mind
Use your existing habits to restart healthy behaviors. If changing into workout clothes after work boosts your motivation, make it a routine. By leveraging your current habits, you can condition your mind for positive change.
6. Start From Little Things
Remember that small actions accumulate into significant progress. Take control of the tiny aspects of your life, like organizing your space or cleaning your surroundings. These small victories will help you regain control and build momentum.
7. Be Patient
Avoid rushing to get back on track. Be patient with yourself and take small steps. If your diet went off course, start by tracking calories before diving into strict meal plans. Gradual progress is sustainable and more effective.
8. Remember Your Purpose
Reflect on why you desired control in the first place. Reconnect with your purpose and let it guide your actions. Even in challenging times, remember that everything is possible, and your purpose will help you regain control.
9. Time Management
Master the skill of time management to reduce overwhelm and regain control. Keep track of your commitments and allocate time accordingly. Remember to prioritize self-care and allocate time for yourself.
10. Create Healthy Boundaries
Set boundaries to focus on what truly matters to you. Prioritize activities and relationships that bring you joy and let go of those that cause stress and drain your energy.
11. Breathe
When overwhelmed, take a moment to reconnect with yourself. Go for a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and let go of the stress. Focus on the present moment and give yourself a mental break.
12. Give Yourself Time
Avoid self-blame and the pressure to bounce back immediately. Building healthy routines takes time and consistency. Be kind to yourself throughout the process, and remember that every step forward is progress.
Final Thoughts
Getting your life back on track won’t happen overnight, but by following these 12 ways to regain control, you’ll experience a positive shift. Remember, having control over your life is the key to contentment.
For more information on personal growth and self-improvement, visit 5 WS – your trusted source for knowledge.
Featured photo credit: Jamie Street via unsplash.com
