Talk about it. You know how dieters are supposed to have a diet buddy, or at least let the world know what they’re going through? That’s for support and accountability. It’s the same principle here. Even if you just find one person, you’ll have a friend to lean on and someone that can keep you on track when you slip. We all need that support.
If you have a job, you may need to take time off work. Not a long time – nothing to get you fired. Just a day or two to assess and concentrate. Right now is all about you.
Imagine the person you want to be. Does that person have a dependency on anyone or anything else? When it comes to this self project, why settle for anything less than that ideal image? You owe it to you to be the best you can be. If you can’t kick this habit, none of the new, better habits will fall into place.
It’s highly possible that training your brain to think differently could alleviate this situation entirely. What are you but your thoughts, anyway? While it’s impossible to instruct someone on how to specifically do this, know that the rest of this page will make that process a lot easier. Thinking positively and with confidence will make all these steps doable.
You need an end point in order to know just how and where to start your journey. Where do you want to end up? What goals would you like to reach? Write it down. Everybody needs something to work to because none of us is perfect. Now’s your chance to pick yours. This is what you’ll be aiming for.
Knowing you look good can change your outlook on everything – and how people treat you too (sad, but true). You’ll find an inner source of confidence that can ultimately change your behavior (for the better). The world will probably be a bit kinder to you and in turn it’s easier to be kinder to yourself.
In addition to keeping up old habits (the good ones), new ones work just as well! Staying active (both physically and mentally) will force you out of this lackluster, lethargic thought-path you’ve been squeezed into. Are there any opportunities at your school or workplace? Is a friend trying something out that seems interesting to you? What could be a valuable way to spend your free time? In other words, what could distract you?
It all depends on where you are in the process. It could be something like “send in 5 applications, “go for a 2 mile (3. 2 km) run,” or “talk to a new person. " Think of a few things you’d like to see come to life in the near future – what are small things you could do every day to achieve them?
Seek out the little opportunities in addition to the bigger ones. Offering to walk an elderly neighbor’s dog, helping a pregnant woman with her groceries, help someone in your family – all these little deeds add up. You’ll gain a sense of purpose, possibly make friends, and just make the world better. That’s three wins in one.
Sometimes it’s necessary to end toxic friendships. We grow as people and our friends don’t meet these new identities we find. It’s totally normal. If any of your friends (or significant others) don’t fill you with joy, maybe it’s time for them to go.
By the time you do notice, you’ll probably be so awesome, happy, and content that rock bottom seems like it barely ever existed. Until the moment comes when you wake up and realize, “Crap. That used to be me, didn’t it?” take your time. It’ll come. It always does. It’s always darkest before the dawn, remember?
You’re striking a serious balancing act between your old life and your new life right now, and that can get pretty daunting. No one expects you to do it with your hands tied behind your back and one eye closed. In fact, we expect you to lean on us for support. That’s what we’re here for. Though the transitions will be messy, know that they’re only temporary. Focus and you’ll get through them.
Being truly good at something is so rewarding. Being truly good at something you really, really enjoy is even more rewarding. Cultivating a passion, regardless of what it is, can do great things for your sense of self. You’ll get so well-established that rock bottom isn’t a place on your map anymore. It got erased.
The good news here is that the routine will help shape itself. As long as you keep your priorities in line (taking care of your body and your mind, like we covered), it’ll fall into place.
