5 Tips for Getting Your Life Back On Track -- After Taking a
Wrong Turn
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.