Getting back on track can be challenging when life gets busy. We’ve all been there, you are steaming along and then BAM, you drop everything to manage something unexpected that life throws at you. The good news is that you can get back on track with a few simple steps. Here are my quick tips that I’ve used to get back on track, so I know they can work for you too!
Deciding to Get Back On Track:
The first thing you need to do is decide that you are going to get back on track. Deciding to do something is the biggest step you will ever take. You can dream, think, or talk about doing something, but until you decide to do it, no action will be taken. With this is mind, it will be necessary to make some tough choices and just do it. By setting a date you want to start, or just starting you are taking action.
Whatever you decide will be the right choice. Surprisingly the best thing about making a decision, is that you can change your mind at anytime! If you start back up and realize you aren’t ready yet, that’s ok. Extend your break as necessary, and set a date to try again. Decisions are not set in stone, they are malleable so you are always in charge. Sometimes jumping right in is the best thing to do to get back on track. So when you’re ready, take that leap of faith.
Show Yourself Grace:
The fist step is to show yourself grace. From the time you drop out of your regular routine, until you’re ready to pick it up again, be forgiving of yourself. We are only human, and there are only so many hours in the day. It’s ok when you have to switch up your routine. Whether it’s taking a break due to illness, work, or life changes, it’s ok to slow down from time to time. You can always start back up at anytime when you are ready to do so.
Taking a break can also help you get a new perspective on what’s really important to you. Firstly, this can help you jump back in with a new sense of purpose and passion. Conversely, It can also show you what you have grown out of, and are ready to leave behind. Either way, showing yourself grace will provide you with peace while you deal with life’s challenges.
Make A List Of Priorities:
Making a list of your previous activities and priorities will help you decide what is important to you. You can then rank them from one to ten in their importance to you. Then you can review it to see if the things on the list are still something you want to do. Don’t be afraid to let things go that no longer serve you. We are constantly growing and changing, so it’s ok to let things go without guilt or remorse.
Discovering what you really want to do is very empowering. Maybe there are things on the list you can pass off to someone else. Perhaps there are things you’d like to add instead. Taking the time to evaluate what you really want will put you back in the drivers seat, reinvigorating your passion again. When you are happy with your list, it’s time to put them into practice.
Add One thing At A Time:
When you are ready to resume your previous tasks, start with the first one on your list. You may find that you are able to add more than one of the items back at a time, but you don’t have to. In spite of your desire to jump back in with both feet, it’s often better in the long run to do a slower start. Once the first item feels comfortable, then add the next one and so on. before you know it, you will be fully on track again! Give yourself grace for any set backs that may occur, and keep going.
Consistency is not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to start again after a break. Adding one thing at a time allows you to ease into your new schedule without adding undue stress. Should you find your stress levels rising, consider whether this is the time to add that item back. This is why it’s so important to add one thing back at a time, as it will show you what is causing the most stress. Once you’ve figured that out, you can decide if it’s actually that necessary for your life.
Celebrate Your Wins:
When we were in elementary school learning how to read, our teachers often gave us stickers to encourage us. Why do we stop this as adults? You may not have a teacher or mentor there to give you a gold star, but you can definitely do that for yourself. Even better than a gold start is a reward that you really want! Celebrating your wins will help you stay on track and keep going through the tough times.
There are lots of ways you can do this, but the easiest way is to track your wins. If you keep a journal or a day planner, put a huge check mark or smiley face next to each task you accomplish in a day. When you reach the desired quantity of check marks, reward yourself! In your journal at night you can also list all the wins you had for the day. Consequently you will amaze yourself with everything you’ve accomplished and go to sleep in a much better mood too.
Getting Back On Track Conclusion:
You can get back on track with ease, once you decide that you want to. Showing yourself grace, making a list of priorities, adding one thing at a time, and celebrating your wins will keep your momentum going. I’ve been through what feels like a drought after life threw me some curve balls. Now that I’m on the other side, I’m glad that I didn’t give up and am returning to the things I had to lay aside. If you need help getting back on track, please reach out to me at andrea@nopainallgain.ca and I’ll be happy to help!
As a naturally born encourager, I live to help others!!! One-on-one coaching is a great way to start building your confidence, and improve your health! I am now a certified Neurodiversity Coach, and strive to help people integrate better into society and thrive in all aspects of their life! I also help people with Fibromyalgia and chronic illness manage their symptoms with ease, so they never feel held back again! Click here for an application form and I would be happy to help you in your journey. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter by clicking here. You can also contact me at andrea@nopainallgain.ca or check out my website: www.nopainallgain.ca
