- Happiness, Mindfulness

Is Your Life on Autopilot? Here’s How to Break the Cycle

Life can be all-consuming.

The little details of our days define our schedules, while our brains run on autopilot. Sometimes, the need for change is right in front of us, practically screaming for attention, yet we keep missing the signs life throws our way.

Let’s look at five signs you might be missing or misreading that indicate it’s time for a change.

  1. You Think About It

    Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk, scrolling through social media, and you catch yourself daydreaming about a different job, a new home, or maybe even starting your own business. If these dreams keep popping up, it’s a sign that your heart is nudging you toward making them a reality. Don’t ignore it! Start planning those steps, no matter how small, to turn your dreams into your new reality.

  2. You’re Bored or Overwhelmed
    Ever find yourself staring at your work, feeling utterly bored, or drowning in tasks that never seem to end? Neither extreme is good for your well-being. I once had a friend, Michelle, who felt completely stuck in her monotonous job. She started a small side project—just a hobby at first—and it gradually transformed her life. She eventually turned it into a full-time gig! If your day-to-day is tedious or overwhelming, think about what changes could make your life more exciting or more manageable.
  3. You Need to Strengthen Your Weak Points

    Imagine you’re great at most things in your job, but there are a few areas where you always struggle. It’s like racking up gold stars in the things you’re good at while your weak points drag you down. One of my former coworkers faced this at work; he was fantastic at customer relations but terrible at organization. He took on a project that forced him to develop better organizational skills, and it made a world of difference. Consider what changes you can make that will help you overcome your weaknesses, even if it means taking on new challenges or switching jobs.

  4. You Feel Undervalued

    There’s nothing worse than working hard all day and feeling like no one notices. It’s a total buzz-kill, right? Once, I was in this exact situation. After years of feeling unappreciated, I started looking for other opportunities where my efforts would be valued. I found a new job where my contributions were recognized and celebrated, and it completely changed my outlook on life, at that time. Don’t let others dictate your self-worth. Make changes to either show others why they should appreciate you, or find new places and people who will.

  5. No Joy

    Everyone needs joy in their life. If there’s absolutely nothing in your day that sparks joy—be it at home or at work—it’s time to find it. Have you ever felt yourself in a joyless rut? I’ve been there, too.  It was only after I started a gratitude journal did I feel productive and elated to try new things. Every day, I wrote down three things I was grateful for, and it helped me see the good in my life. Putting your thoughts down on paper can be so liberating. Often, when I’ve written down something that’s bothering or worrying me, I find that it no longer percolates in my mind. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. If that doesn’t help, maybe it’s time to seek out new work or passion projects that bring joy back into your life.

Change isn’t always easy to recognize and when we do, we resist it because we’re “comfortable” with where we are, despite that little voice that keeps saying “…you need a change, it’ll be all good!” So, we often overlook the obvious signs that scream, “It’s time to shake things up!” Take a breath and listen closely to those hints that nudge you toward a better path.

Imagine you’re at a crossroads, unsure which way to go. That’s how my friend Jess felt when she realized she no longer felt inspired by her job. She started exploring new hobbies in her spare time, like painting and volunteering. These activities reignited her passion and opened doors she never imagined. Sometimes, the smallest changes lead to the most significant transformations.

So, if you catch yourself daydreaming about a different path, feeling overwhelmed by your current situation, or sensing a need to challenge yourself in new ways, don’t ignore these signals. They’re guiding you toward growth and fulfillment.

Embrace these signs as opportunities for positive change. Whether it’s a career pivot, a new personal project, or simply adjusting your mindset, trust that these whispers of change are leading you toward a brighter future.

So, stay mindful, stay curious, and keep embracing those moments of clarity.

Let me know at Donna@DonnaPresents dot com in the comments below if you’ve tried any of the strategies mentioned and how they worked for you.

“It is only when the mind is open and receptive that learning
and seeing and change can occur.
— Jon Kabat-Zinn

Meditation is a habit that may come easily to some. I have been meditating for over five years, but there were many days I found myself slipping. But, these days, not so much, not since I completed the no-cost Action Habits Challenge by Connie Ragen Green, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, independent publisher, and serial entrepreneur. You can check it out here.

If you’re interested in revitalizing your life through meditation and would like to learn a virtually risk-free, and cost-effective practice, that people of all ages can do with a little patience and guidance and that will serve you for the rest of your life, I would love to connect with you. You can connect with me here: Donna@DonnaPresents.com

Note: Occasionally, I curate affiliate links from a bunch of fantastic entrepreneurs, and of course, some goodies from Amazon, too.

Have you checked out my “Link Tree” at https://linktr.ee/donnaslam? Create your own at no cost and share yourself with the world!

I’m Donna SLam, who loves to blog about how meditation brings self-compassion, peace of mind, and clarity to my life and others by sharing tips and strategies on how to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. I enjoy championing others to lead a healthy and happy life through meditation, walking, self-development, and spending time with loved ones.

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