I haven’t met anyone whose life has gone exactly the way they planned. Mine hasn’t, either. I’ve had to reevaluate my life and decisions on multiple occasions after it veered away from the plans I had.
So if you’re asking, “How can I get my life back on track?”- you’re not alone. Before you change anything, find out where you really are. Take the free Holistic Life Audit– rate 25 areas of your life and see where you’re thriving and where you’re stuck.
My Life Went Off Track (More Than Once)
An unplanned pregnancy at 21 completely derailed the career track I had in mind, causing me to pivot in a direction I never would have anticipated. I married shortly after, though that marriage fell apart just a few years later- and once again, I had to figure out how to get my life back on track and start over.
A few years later, I married again- for all the wrong reasons (Hello, unresolved trauma!). Within about five years, I was miserable. As I was considering divorce (for the second time), I decided I needed an unbiased, outside perspective. I started seeing a psychologist to see if I could determine whether my expectations for my marriage and relationship were unreasonable, and where I might be the source of the problems. In short, I was committed to identifying and working on my own issues- regardless of whether I stayed married or got divorced.
Before a decade had passed, I found myself going through a second separation (and then a divorce), single parenting and taking a good, long, hard look at myself, my life, where I was and where I wanted to be. I did some deep work on myself, my expectations, my relationships and what my experiences had taught me.
That was long before I discovered Splankna, and boy, do I wish I had known back then all the things I’ve learned since (don’t we all?).
Off Track or Just a Hard Season?
For me personally, I lose focus, and I’m scattered in too many directions. I also get less patient and unkind- especially with myself, which goes against my values and how I choose to live.
What does it look like for you?
Step 1: Find Out Where You Really Are
You can’t fix what you haven’t named. Start with the free audit I mentioned above. It walks you through body, mind, spirit, space and relationships, so you can see which area needs you most.
Step 2: Pick ONE Area and Start Small
Don’t try to fix everything at once. Pick the one area that’s costing you the most right now and start there. These are the same four areas I work through with clients in SPARK:
Your Health
Start with sleep and hydration. Drink more water and get at least 7.5 hours of sleep. (Nap if you must!)
Your Space
Start by decluttering at least ONE area of your home that impacts you daily.
Your Habits and Mindset
Change the words you say to yourself and the way you think and talk about yourself so they are positive and affirming.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” ~ Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
Your Goals
Set micro goals that you can build on for easy and early successes.
The Biggest Mistake: Trying Harder
When people try to get back on track, they often redouble their efforts and try harder- attempting to make up for lost time and their previous failure. Ramping up your effort may actually backfire, which leads to you getting discouraged and giving up, maybe for good. I’ve found it more helpful to set a smaller, ridiculously manageable goal- because easy and early wins are encouraging and help build momentum.
Don’t Wait for January
You don’t need a fresh start in January- you need a first step today. Don’t wait for your fresh start. Every moment is a chance to make a different, better decision.
And when you get knocked off course again (you will- I have), read Knocked Off Course? Start Here.
So what’s ONE step you could take today- not Monday, not January, TODAY?
Want someone in your corner while you do it? SPARK is six weeks of one-on-one virtual coaching across these four areas. Book your consultation.
