Change is never easy, especially when it requires us to dramatically alter how we’ve become accustomed to living our lives. Leaving our comfort zone, no matter how much we dislike it, requires a combination of bravery and determination, as well as education in that area.

Many times we’re so desperate to better ourselves, we hastily make ineffective and sometimes expensive decisions that we feel will quickly produce the results we are looking for. Purchasing a costly gym membership and vowing to attend seven days a week while surviving on lettuce, may seem like a great idea for a few weeks (if you’re very determined) but how long can you live like that?

If you’re serious about making a long-term change in your life, take these steps to ensure your success:

1. Educate Yourself

Education is a crucial component of achieving success in any field or endeavor. It is an ongoing process that involves gaining knowledge, acquiring new skills, and developing a deeper understanding of a subject or concept. In addition to having determination and a strong work ethic, educating oneself is key to achieving one's goals.

One of the most effective ways to educate oneself is to seek guidance from professionals or experts in the field. These individuals have years of experience and can provide valuable insights and advice to help you navigate your way to success. You can seek guidance through personal consultations, workshops, or seminars.

Another excellent way to educate oneself is to read books written by credible authorities on the subject. Books offer an in-depth understanding of a topic and can provide a roadmap to success. You can find a wide range of books on any topic in libraries, bookstores, or online retailers. Reading reviews and recommendations can help you select the best books for your needs.

The internet is also a vast resource for education. With a simple click, you can access an abundance of information, resources, and instructional materials that can help you learn and grow. You can find online courses, webinars, tutorials, and videos that offer in-depth training and practical skills development.

Friends and acquaintances can also provide valuable insight and education. You can learn from their experiences, successes, and challenges. By observing how others handle certain situations or manage their time, you can gain new perspectives and ideas to help you achieve your goals.

2. Set Reasonable Goals

Setting reasonable goals is an essential step in achieving success in any area of your life. It is important to set goals that are achievable and realistic so that you do not become discouraged and give up too soon. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration, disappointment, and a lack of motivation.

When setting goals, it is crucial to be honest with yourself about your capabilities and the time and effort required to achieve them. You should take the time to research and educate yourself about the task at hand and establish a realistic timeline for achieving your goals.

For example, if your goal is to lose weight, you should not set an unrealistic target of losing 30 pounds in two weeks. Instead, a more realistic goal might be to aim for a pound or two per week, depending on your body type, metabolism, and other factors. By setting a more achievable goal, you will be more likely to stick to your weight loss plan, and you will be more likely to see positive results.

Similarly, if your goal is to improve your financial situation, it is essential to set realistic targets. If you have been struggling with financial irresponsibility for years, it is unlikely that you will be able to undo all of your financial mistakes in six months. Instead, you should set realistic goals such as paying off one credit card or saving a small amount of money each month.

By setting realistic goals, you can avoid becoming discouraged and giving up too soon. When you achieve your goals, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and be motivated to continue working towards your long-term goals.

3. Plan and Track

Planning and tracking are essential elements in achieving long-term success. Whether you are working towards a personal or professional goal, having a clear plan and tracking your progress is crucial for staying on track and achieving your desired outcome.

The first step in planning is to identify your short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals are those that you can achieve in the near future, while long-term goals require more time and effort to accomplish. It is essential to set realistic goals that are achievable within a specific time frame.

Once you have identified your goals, it is time to create a plan of action. Break down each goal into smaller, more manageable tasks that you can work on daily or weekly. Write down the steps you need to take, including deadlines and milestones, to achieve your goals.

A journal or notebook is an excellent tool for tracking your progress. Write down your goals and the steps you have taken to achieve them. Check off each item as you complete it. This helps you stay motivated by giving you a sense of accomplishment and momentum.

Tracking your progress also allows you to identify areas where you need to improve or adjust your plan. For example, if you are not making progress toward your goals, you may need to adjust your plan or reassess your priorities. Tracking your progress can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments to achieve your desired outcome.

4. Just Say No

Saying no can be one of the most difficult things to do, especially when we are trying to please others or fit in with a particular group. However, learning to say no is an important part of achieving success in any area of our lives. Saying no can help us avoid distractions, focus on our goals, and stay on track towards achieving them.

When we are trying to make a significant change in our lives, it is essential to avoid situations that may prevent us from achieving our goals. This could mean saying no to social events that may distract us from our goals, declining invitations that may lead to unhealthy habits, or avoiding situations that may trigger negative behaviors or thoughts.

For example, if you are trying to lose weight, it may be necessary to avoid social events that revolve around food or alcohol. It may also be necessary to avoid certain restaurants or food choices that are not conducive to your weight loss goals. Similarly, if you are trying to quit smoking, it may be necessary to avoid situations or people that may trigger your cravings.

It is important to remember that saying no is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and commitment to our goals. When we learn to say no, we are taking control of our lives and making choices that are in our best interests.

Remember 

By following these steps and remaining committed to your goals, you can create positive changes in your life and achieve the success and happiness you desire. Remember to stay focused, be patient, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Have you been having trouble achieving a specific goal? Are you allowing other less important things to get in the way of accomplishing what you really want? Then, it’s time to do a VISION check. Just as it is important to get our eyes checked regularly to assure that we will be able to see clearly, it is equally as important to do a VISION check to be certain that our goals are on track. It can also help you determine if your goals are still relevant and meaningful to you, or if it's time to re-evaluate and adjust them to better align with your current circumstances or priorities.

Vivid Picture

When it comes to achieving our goals, having a clear and vivid picture of what the completed goal will look, feel, and sound like is crucial. Without this mental image, it can be easy to get distracted by day-to-day events and lose sight of our end goal.

Creating a vivid mental picture of what we want to achieve involves adding plenty of sensory details and paying attention to the emotions we will experience when we have achieved our goal. This step requires time and thought, and many people tend to skip it or make a half-hearted attempt at it. However, it's essential to invest the effort and take the time to develop a clear, vivid picture in our minds if we want to achieve our goals successfully.

Having a clear picture of what we want to achieve helps us stay motivated and focused on the end goal. It enables us to imagine the sense of accomplishment we will feel when we have achieved our objective, which in turn helps us overcome any obstacles that come our way.

For example, if someone wants to start their own business, they need to visualize what their business will look like once it's up and running. They can imagine the look and feel of their workspace, the sounds of people interacting, and the sense of pride they will feel once their business is successful. This vivid picture in their mind helps them stay motivated and focused on their goal, even when faced with setbacks or challenges.

Inspired

When it comes to setting goals, it's essential to make sure that we are genuinely inspired by them. If we're not excited or motivated by our goal, it can be challenging to find the energy and persistence required to achieve it.

To ensure that we're genuinely inspired by our goal, we need to ask ourselves some important questions. Does thinking about our goal make us smile? Does it bring us joy and a sense of fulfillment? If the answer is no, it's time to go back to our vivid picture and make some changes until we're excited about it.

Goals require effort and often require us to step out of our comfort zones and do things that may be challenging for us. If the goal isn't something we genuinely want in the first place, then it's unlikely that we'll be able to summon the energy and motivation required to achieve it. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that our goals align with our values, passions, and desires.

When setting goals, we shouldn't limit ourselves by what we think we can accomplish. Instead, we should decide what we genuinely want and aspire towards that. Many people have achieved enormous success in their lives because they had big goals and were inspired enough by their dreams to find a way to make them a reality.

Sustained Belief

Belief is a powerful tool that can significantly impact our ability to achieve our goals. If we don't believe we can accomplish something, it's unlikely that we will. On the other hand, sustained belief in our abilities can help us persevere through challenges and setbacks.

Sometimes, believing in our ability to achieve a goal requires extraordinary courage, especially when we face obstacles or encounter problems along the way. It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go as planned, and we may be tempted to give up. However, this is precisely when we need to have sustained belief the most. We need to remind ourselves why we set this goal in the first place, what inspired us, and how much we want it.

Sustained belief means maintaining a positive attitude and a clear vision of our goal, even in the face of adversity. It's about trusting our abilities, and knowing that we have what it takes to overcome challenges and achieve success. When we have sustained belief, we can weather the storms that come our way and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.

Believing in ourselves and our abilities can be challenging, particularly if we've experienced failures or setbacks in the past. However, it's essential to remember that failure is not final, and setbacks are not indicative of our abilities. We can learn from our mistakes and use them as stepping stones toward success.

Identify

Do you identify with your goal now even though you have not yet achieved it? We must begin to identify with the person we want to become. Once or twice each day, play the picture of your completed goal in your mind. 

Live your goal in your imagination and experience all of the wonderful emotions that go with it. As you continue to do this, you will find that your thoughts and behaviors become more aligned with the person you will be when you achieve your goal.

Observant

Observation is a critical component of achieving our goals. When we set out to achieve a goal, we often create an action plan to guide us toward success. However, not all actions in our plan will work, and it's essential to observe and evaluate our progress continually.

One way to be observant is to take note of which actions are taking us closer to our goal and which are moving us further away. After taking a specific action, we need to observe the results. If we achieve the desired outcome, we should continue with the action. However, if we don't get the results we expected, we should modify our approach and try again.

Being observant means paying attention to the details and nuances of our progress. It means being aware of the things that work well for us and the things that don't. This can help us fine-tune our action plan, making it more effective in achieving our goals.

Never Give Up Attitude

Have you adopted a never give up attitude? Have you made a decision that you will not quit no matter how long it takes to achieve your goal? If you don’t have this attitude you might find that obstacles overwhelm you. They might be too difficult to overcome and there is a strong likelihood that you will quit before achieving what you want. However, when you adopt a never give up attitude, there is a power and conviction within you that will carry you through until you reach success.

Remember 

When you first set your goal, it's natural to have a vague or fuzzy vision of what you want to achieve. But as you continue to work on your goal, you will gain more clarity and understanding of what you truly want.

If you find that your vision is still unclear or fuzzy, don't worry. It's not uncommon to need to make adjustments along the way. Perhaps you need to tweak your action plan or reassess your priorities. By being open and flexible to change, you can continue to refine your vision until it becomes crystal clear.

As human beings, we are capable of extraordinary feats. We can dream up incredible scenarios and visualize ourselves achieving impossible goals. However, all too often, we let our own self-limiting thoughts hold us back from achieving these goals. We tell ourselves that we're not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough to accomplish what we truly desire. But the truth is, we are the ones putting limits on ourselves.

It's time to break free from these self-imposed limitations and start living the life we truly want. The first step is to acknowledge that we are in control of our own thoughts and emotions. We have the power to shift our mindset from a restrictive one to a manifesting one. Manifesting means bringing about change through the direction of our consciousness. It involves accepting our imagination as a catalyst for truly realizing our dreams.

Manifesting Our Dreams

To manifest our dreams, we need to start with a clear and positive mindset. We must see ourselves achieving our goals with clarity and conviction. We need to visualize our success and believe in ourselves. The power of positive thinking cannot be overstated. It's been shown time and time again that our thoughts and emotions have a direct impact on our actions and the outcomes we achieve. When we think positively, we attract positive energy and opportunities into our lives.

Next, we need to take action toward our goals. Manifesting is not just about thinking positively and waiting for things to happen. It's about taking an active role in creating the life we want. We need to set clear goals, make a plan, and take consistent action toward achieving them. This requires discipline, commitment, and perseverance. But the rewards of manifesting our dreams are immeasurable.

One of the biggest challenges we face when it comes to manifesting our dreams is overcoming our self-limiting beliefs. These beliefs are often deeply ingrained in our subconscious mind, making them difficult to recognize and overcome. But with patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to change, we can break free from these limiting beliefs and start manifesting our dreams.

As we embark on our manifesting journey, it's important to remember that we are not alone. There are countless resources available to help us shift our mindset, overcome our self-limiting beliefs, and take action toward our goals. Whether it's books, podcasts, courses, or mentorship, there are many ways to tap into the wisdom and experience of others who have successfully manifested their dreams.

Positive Affirmations 

One powerful tool for changing our thoughts and beliefs is positive affirmations. Affirmations are simply positive statements that we repeat to ourselves, either silently or out loud. These statements can be tailored to address specific areas of our lives where we may have to limit beliefs or negative self-talk. By replacing our old thought patterns with positive affirmations, we can create a new mindset that supports our goals and dreams.

To begin incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine, start by identifying the areas of your life where you want to see change. This could be related to your career, relationships, health, or any other aspect of your life. Once you have a clear idea of what you want to change, start coming up with positive affirmations that address those areas. For example, if you want to improve your self-confidence, you could use affirmations like, "I am confident and capable in all that I do" or "I believe in myself and my abilities."

Once you have your affirmations, write them down on a piece of paper and post them somewhere where you will see them throughout the day. This could be on your bathroom mirror, your desk, or even as a screensaver on your phone. By seeing these affirmations regularly, you will start to internalize them and shift your beliefs towards a more positive and empowering mindset.

Say Them Outloud

Another powerful way to use affirmations is to say them out loud in front of a mirror. This technique helps you to face yourself and really connect with the affirmations on a deeper level. By speaking the affirmations out loud, you are not only hearing them but feeling them in your body. This can create a stronger emotional response to the affirmations and make them feel more real and true to you.

It's important to note that positive affirmations are not a magic solution to all of life's challenges. They are simply one tool in a larger toolbox for personal growth and transformation. To truly create lasting change, we need to combine positive affirmations with other practices like goal setting, visualization, and action-taking. But by incorporating affirmations into our daily routine, we can start to shift our beliefs and create a more positive and manifesting mindset.

Remember 

You have nothing to lose, but your old limitations.  Try it! It is truly easier than you can imagine

Manifesting our dreams is not just a lofty idea, but a practical and achievable goal. It requires a positive and clear mindset, consistent action toward our goals, and a willingness to overcome our self-limiting beliefs. By embracing our imagination and harnessing the power of positive thinking, we can break free from our self-imposed limitations and start living the life we truly desire.

If you find yourself doing the same routine day after day, never remembering what you did the day before, having nothing to look forward to, living your life - but never enjoying it or anything in it...you are probably living your life and the relationships in it on autopilot.

The really devastating part about living life on autopilot, especially when it comes to your relationships, is that you don't even know that you're doing it half the time. You're just living your life, wishing for more, but not really sure if there is more or how to get it. While many people live out their entire lives on autopilot, the way to have truly rewarding and successful lives & relationships is to be totally aware and adaptable when it comes to life. So, how do you do that?

Get clear on your values and goals

Identifying your core values and what is truly important to you is crucial to breaking out of autopilot mode because it gives you a clear sense of direction and purpose. Without a clear sense of direction, you may find yourself going through the motions of life without any real sense of meaning or fulfillment.

To begin the process of identifying your core values, take some time to reflect on what matters most to you in life. What do you believe in? What motivates you? What brings you joy and fulfillment? What makes you feel alive? These are all important questions to consider.

Once you have a better sense of your values, you can start setting meaningful goals that align with those values. For example, if one of your core values is personal growth, you might set a goal to read a new book every month or take a course in a subject that interests you. Or if your core value is family, you might set a goal to spend more quality time with your loved ones or plan a family vacation.

Creating a roadmap for your life that aligns with your values can help you stay on track and avoid getting stuck in autopilot mode. This roadmap can include both short-term and long-term goals, as well as action steps you can take to achieve those goals. By taking intentional action toward your goals, you can start living a more fulfilling and purposeful life that is aligned with your values and what is truly important to you.

Break your routine

Routines are helpful in creating structure and efficiency in our day-to-day lives, but they can also contribute to living life on autopilot. When we get stuck in a routine, we tend to go through the motions without much thought or intention, and we may not even realize that we're doing it.

Breaking your routine can be a great way to break free from autopilot mode and start living more intentionally. By doing something different, you can shake things up and see the world in a new way. Here are some tips for breaking your routine:

1. Try something new in the morning: If you always start your day with a cup of coffee and the morning news, try switching it up by doing some stretching or meditation instead.
2. Take a new route to work: If you drive or walk the same way to work every day, try taking a different route. You may discover new sights, sounds, and experiences that you wouldn't have encountered otherwise.
3. Mix up your lunch routine: If you always eat at the same place or pack the same lunch, try trying out a new restaurant or making a new recipe for lunch.
4. Change up your exercise routine: If you always do the same workout, try mixing it up by trying a new class or workout routine. This can help you stay motivated and engaged in your fitness routine.
5. Do something spontaneous: If you're always planning out every detail of your day, try doing something spontaneous. This could be as simple as taking a walk in the park without a plan or meeting a friend for a spontaneous coffee date.

By breaking your routine and doing something different, you can start to see the world in a new way and break free from autopilot mode. This can help you live more intentionally and create a life that is more fulfilling and meaningful.

Try new things

Trying new things is an effective way to break out of autopilot mode and add excitement to your life. When we try new things, we challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones and experience something different. Here are some reasons why trying new things is so important:

1. It helps you grow: Trying new things allows you to learn new skills and gain new experiences. This can help you grow as a person and improve your self-confidence.
2. It keeps your brain active: Trying new things requires your brain to think in different ways, which can help keep your mind sharp and active.
3. It adds excitement to your life: Trying new things can be exciting and invigorating. It can help you break out of the monotony of everyday life and add some adventure to your routine.
4. It helps you overcome fear: Trying new things can be scary, but it can also help you overcome your fears and build resilience.
5. It can lead to new opportunities: Trying new things can open up new opportunities and lead to new friendships, hobbies, or even career paths.

Here are some ideas for trying new things:

1. Take a new class: Sign up for a class in a subject that interests you, whether it's painting, cooking, or a new language.
2. Try a new hobby: Pick up a new hobby, like photography, gardening, or hiking.
3. Travel to a new place: Plan a trip to a place you've never been before, whether it's a new city or a new country.
4. Attend a new event: Check out a new music festival, art exhibit, or food festival in your area.
5. Volunteer for a new cause: Volunteer for a cause that you're passionate about, whether it's working with animals or helping the homeless.

Trying new things can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that it's okay to fail or make mistakes. The important thing is that you're challenging yourself and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. So go ahead and try something new today - you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

Connect with others

Living life on autopilot can cause us to become disconnected from the people around us. We may be physically present, but mentally checked out, which can make it difficult to build meaningful relationships with others. However, by making a conscious effort to connect with others in meaningful ways, we can break free from our autopilot mode and create deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

One way to connect with others is to have meaningful conversations. Instead of just making small talk, try to have deeper conversations with friends and family. Ask them about their goals, fears, and dreams, and be open about your own. By sharing more about ourselves and truly listening to others, we can build stronger connections and feel more connected to those around us.

Another way to connect with others is to volunteer in your community. Volunteering is a great way to give back and meet new people who share similar interests and values. Whether you're volunteering at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or community center, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside others who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

Remember

Living life on autopilot can be a comfortable way to go through the motions of each day, but it can also lead to a lack of purpose and fulfillment. To stop living your life on autopilot, get clear on your values and goals, break your routine, try new things, and connect with others. 

By taking these steps, you can start living with intention and create a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.