5 Tips for Getting Your Life Back On Track - After Taking
a Wrong Turn
by: Cari Vollmer
We've all experienced moments in our life when we hear ourselves
say "YES" to a job, person or situation we know deep
in our heart isn't right for us. And still we do it. As soon as
"yes" leaves our lips somewhere in us we hear a voice
that screams "NO! Don't do it!" but somehow another
part of us kicks in and our mind overrules the wisdom of our body
and we find ourselves on a path we never intended.
Sometimes these wrong turns can be detrimental to our wellbeing.
They cause stress and put us in danger of losing ourselves indefinitely.
Other times we immediately realize our "yes" has led
to an "o-oh" and we decide right then and there to go
back to the beginning and start again.
Either way, when you find yourself in a sticky situation, only
you have the power to declare you took a wrong turn and only you
can decide when it's time to get back on track. These tips may
help.
Be honest with yourself. Admit, as quickly as possible, you
made a choice that led you down the wrong path. Nothing will change
until you personally acknowledge the decision you made isn't working
for you. The sooner, the better. Be willing to take 100% responsibility
for the choices you make for your life.
Plan an exit strategy. Once you've admitted to yourself you're
on the wrong path, decide how you're going to get back on track.
In some situations it may be necessary for you to stop what you're
doing immediately. Most of the time, a fast exit may lead to even
more stress and poor decision making. Take the time you need to
get very clear on what it is you do want, and get back on track
one step at a time.
Be gentle with yourself. Beating yourself up will only damage
your self esteem. Realize everyone takes wrong turns -- even the
most successful individuals take several wrong turns before getting
it right. Remember, life is ten percent how we make it and ninety
percent how we take it.
Look for the lesson. There are no mistakes and there's always
a lesson to be learned -- and even a blessing. What did taking
a wrong turn teach you about yourself? Do you need to listen to
your gut more and others less? Do you need to finally listen to
your heart and follow its calling? Do you need to value yourself
more? Do you need to redefine what success means to you?
Do better next time. Life is full of second chances. Be willing
to take them! Let go of the past and commit to do whatever it
takes to get back on the right track. The wisdom you've gained
from taking a wrong turn will help you do better next time.
There's only one way to live life on your right track. Listen
to your heart. It holds the secret to your happiness and the key
to your success.
About The Author: Cari Vollmer is the creative founder of
LifeOnTrack.com. LifeOnTrack.com's inspirational e-zine, LivingOnTrack,
offers practical success tools, tips and strategies for getting
and keeping your life on track. Sign up at http://www.LifeOnTrack.com.
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