How to get back on track

 

Life has a funny way of throwing curve-balls at us. You think you have it all figured out, you are on point with your routines, disciplined and consistent, and then… You get sick, a family emergency happens or you simply lose motivation.

This is common and it can be disheartening. You start beating yourself up for falling off track when it’s actually a very human thing to do.

Life has ups and downs, and that’s what makes it beautiful (I know I’m cliché) but seriously, that’s how life should go, It can’t be all soaring highs. If you are down in the dumps and thinking of how to get back on track then strap in, I’m about to share practical science-based tips.

 

Reflect

First thing, I want you to take a step back and reflect. Take some time to journal or just do a brain dump. Ask yourself:

1. What went wrong?
2. What could you have done differently?
3. Was it in your control?
4. How is this making you feel?

Be honest and accept everything as it is, there is no judgment only self-compassion. Understand the reasons that made you go off track so that you begin to move forward.

 

Realign

Sometimes, (not always) the reason you go off track is that you don’t care about the goals as much as you think you do.

Listen, people change and your goals no matter how big they seem to you also change. What seemed important and relevant in January will not be important now and that’s okay.

Revisit your past goals and get clarity, see if they are still meaningful and worth pursuing.

 

Action plan

Now that you have an idea of the goals that you want to achieve and whether they are truly important, it’s time to set an action plan.

Think short-term on this step, we are only focusing on specific tasks so that it doesn’t get overwhelming.

Break down the large goals into small tasks and set deadlines to keep yourself accountable. 

 

Baby steps

Focus on what you can do with what you have. Don’t try to bounce back into what you once were. Just take it easy and focus on sticking to your schedule.

Use productivity apps and track your progress. This will give you a sense of motivation and accomplishment.

While on that, celebrate yourself. You got out of bed 30 minutes earlier than yesterday, go you! that’s amazing. Strive for progression, not perfection.

 

Be flexible

This should go without saying but it needs to be said. Be flexible as you get back on track. Life is unpredictable and things hardly go to plan. Be willing to adjust as necessary. Find ways to adapt in order to stay focused on the bigger picture.

 

Getting back on track doesn’t mean that everything will magically fall into place and it will be all rainbows and roses. Sooner or later something will come up again. The key is to embrace the journey and find joy in it instead of fixating on the destination. So, if you fall off track again, rinse and repeat, you’ve got this.

 

Until next time

xo xo