When Life Doesn’t Feel How You Want It To Be

At various times and for all sorts of reasons, we can experience a nagging, uncomfortable feeling that life isn’t how we want it to be. 

When that happens, don’t treat it as a negative. It isn't. It’s a message. And if you use that message wisely, it can be the thing that gets you on the path to change, even if you’re not yet sure how you’ll make it happen.

A lot of people stay stuck at that point because the thought of change feels challenging or overwhelming. So they do nothing. But the reality is simple: you can’t build the life you want by doing the same things day in, day out. Eventually, there’s a decision to be made. Stay where you are, or figure out how to make change doable.

So if you’re feeling that sense that life isn’t how you want it to be, don’t see it as a failing point. See it as a starting point.

These are the two mottos I created for myself for moments just like that:

The permanent pain of staying stuck is far worse than the temporary pain of creating change.

and

I’d rather give something a go, even if it doesn’t work out, than spend the rest of my life wondering what might have been.

Because you don’t want to have regrets for the chances you wanted to take but didn’t.

Here are three things that will help you get the ball rolling:

1. Get specific about what you really want.

Clarity steers everything. Write down what you want your life to look like. The clearer you are, the easier it is to map out the right path for you.

2. Choose one small action for this week.

Keep it tiny and doable. One step is enough to shift you out of stuck and into motion. Momentum builds from there.

3. Prioritise your own development.

You’re the one who has to turn your plans into action. Your habits, behaviour, and emotional state are going to shape your results. Don’t underestimate how much focusing on yourself can move things forward.

The bottom line:

Change doesn’t start with a grand plan. It starts the moment you stop ignoring that feeling that life isn't how you want it to be and take one small step.