We have all been there… hitting the wall and thinking you just can’t go on. Stress and worry just overwhelm you. You think there is no way out. But there is. There always is. First things first. You need to change your way of thinking. The phrase, “change your thinking, change your life” is a very powerful truth. If you don’t think that your life will get better, then it won’t. So, you need to start believing. Then things will start to turn around. However, you can’t just stop there. While it’s essential to change your thinking first, you also have to change your actions. Because as the saying goes,
“the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”
So now that we have that clear – thought and action – let’s move on to some more specifics about how you can improve several different areas of your life.
Career
Let’s start with your career. As sad as it is to say, it seems like
most people don’t like their job or career. It’s simply not what they imagined they’d be doing when they were dreaming about the future as a child. But let’s face it – nothing is permanent. If you have it the wall in your career, here are some things you can do.
1. Reflect on your talents and goals
A person’s job doesn’t always match their talents. So, sit down and try to analyze what you’re good at – and then try to find a career path to match the gifts that you have to offer the world. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to actually enjoy what you do for a living and make a difference?
2. Set your sights on a promotion
If you don’t want to change your line of work, then you should think about a promotion. Sometimes people get a little too comfortable in their job. They know how to do it well, and so they just keep doing what they’re doing. But maybe it’s time to challenge yourself by going for a higher position. It will help you grow as a person, and it will probably put more money in your pocket too!
3. Start looking for another career path
Many times, people just simply drift into a job or career path accidentally. Unless you are one of the lucky ones who knew they wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, police officer, or something else that was definitive, most people just take the first job they can find. So, if you’re unhappy with your current career path, start looking for another one.
Dating
These days, the dating world is very frustrating for most single people. Swiping left, swiping right. Getting ghosted. Failed short-term relationships. It can get depressing and cause you to hit a wall. But don’t fret. There is hope if you try these things.
1. Try different ways of meeting people.
Dating apps and websites are the most popular thing to do these days. So, if you haven’t tried them, try them. If you have, but with no success, try something else. Join local groups or ask your friends to set you up. In other words, meet people the old-fashioned way.
2. Learn to read red flags
In order to avoid getting involved with the jerks, flakes, and losers of the world, you have to know how to read the red flags with the people you date. They may not always be obvious, but they’re always there. From treating the waiter rudely to canceling dates, people’s behavior tells you everything you need to know about them. Check out these
6 Red Flags To Watch For When You’re Dating Someone.
3. Don’t give up hope
It’s easy to think that you’ll be single forever – especially if you haven’t had a lot of success in the dating world lately. But don’t ever give up hope! It may take months, years, or even a couple of decades to get it right, but if you give up, then you never will.
Marriage
For many people, marriage is difficult. It doesn’t have to be, but people often complicate it anyway. So, if you’ve hit the wall in your marriage, try these things:
1. Communicate!
No one is a mind reader, so you have to speak to each other about your problems. Tell your spouse why you’re unhappy – but in a very non-critical way. Talk to each other. But you have to work as a team, and not think of each other as “me vs. you.” That never works. After talking, take action required to make the marriage better.
2. Have empathy
If you get rid of your “competitive” spirit in your marriage, then you will have to have empathy for the other person’s point of view. It takes two to tango… a marriage doesn’t go off into a ditch without two people participating, so listen to your spouse’s side of the story too.
3. Seek help if needed
If your marriage feels so far gone that you don’t think you can possibly fix it together, then see the help of a trained professional.
This is when you should seek couples counselling. They will help you communicate and make an action plan to cooperate and work on your problems together.
Kids
Kids… you love them, but sometimes you want to strangle them too or run away and never come back! Okay, that’s a bit dramatic. But you know what I mean. If you’ve hit the wall with your kids, here are some things to try.
1. Teach them empathy
Sometimes kids act out because they don’t see how their actions are affecting other people. So, you can teach them how to have empathy for other people – including yourself. Start as early as possible. It’s easier to teach a toddler than it is a 17 year old. Here're some
effective ways to teach your children empathy.
2. Have and enforce rules
If there are no rules in the house, then the atmosphere turns chaotic. Children thrive on structure and routine. So, if you don’t have rules, then make some. If you do and don’t enforce them, then change that too.
This guide about how to discipline a child will help you.
3. Teach them consequences
Many people, including adults, don’t understand the consequences of their actions. So, if your kids think that they can do whatever they want, and they won’t get punished for it, then it’s your job to show them otherwise.
Money
Most people have a love-hate relationship with money. They love it when they have it, and they hate it when they don’t. So, if you’ve hit the wall with your financial situation, here are some tips:
1. Re-evaluate your job or career
As mentioned above, sometimes people get in their comfort zone with their job or career and don’t think outside the box. If you are not making enough money, then there are always ways to make more.
Re-think what you are doing for a living.
2. Go back to school
This may sound counter-intuitive because of spending more money on school, but getting a degree (or a higher degree) might actually increase your earning potential. As they say, you have to spend money to make money.
3. Figure out a budget
Many people have no idea where their money is going. They live in the moment, and then at the end of the month, they have no idea why they don’t have money in their bank account to pay the next rent. So, make a budget and stick to it.
These tips can help you keep your personal budget under control.
Future
Thinking about the future can be daunting. It’s exciting and scary at the same time. If you don’t know where your future is going to take you, then it’s time to try these:
1. Write down your 5, 10, and 20+ year goals
You can’t get somewhere without knowing where you’re going. It’s like sailing a boat on the ocean with no map hoping the wind will take you to China (highly unlikely). So, sit down and think about where you want to be in 5, 10, or 20 years.
2. Make an action plan
Now that you have your long-term goals written down, you need to make a plan of action. Write down the things you will do every day, month, or year that will accomplish those goals.
3. Take action
While making an action plan sounds great, it means nothing if you don’t actually take the actions! I know that sounds obvious, but so many people have good intentions and then abandon them later because of lack of follow-through. Don’t let that be you.
Life
Life is short – too short. So, you might as well have fun and enjoy it as much while you can! And you don’t have to win the lottery to have a good life.
1. Make a bucket list
Many people talk about making a bucket list, but how many people actually do it? Or even if they make a list, do they actually check things off of it? Why not be one of those people who actually makes their life better by accomplishing those things you want to do before you die.
2. Do things that you enjoy
Do you like walking in nature? Reading books? Taking a long bubble bath? Well, if so, why aren’t you doing more of it? If your answer is “not enough time,” then try to make the time. Prioritize things that are important to you:
The Ultimate Guide to Prioritizing Your Work And Life
3. Minimize stress
Stress is inevitable in life. However, some people create unneeded stress for themselves. Whether it’s relationship drama or overspending your paycheck, some of the stress is in your control. So, minimize stress when are where you can.
The key takeaway
If you feel like you’ve hit a wall in any (or all) of these categories, don’t give up! You can change your life for the better. It does require a lot of effort, but it is worth it. Everyone hits a wall or two now and again. So, you’re not alone. If you use some of these tips, your life will start to improve, and you will be happier in no time.
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