It鈥檚 all too easy for your personal or professional life to slowly turn into something
you feel stuck in. But no matter your circumstances, there鈥檚 always a way to break
out of those mental and physical routines and start moving in the right direction.
Here are a few small changes you can make to your everyday mindset and habits to find
the meaningful change you鈥檝e been looking for.
Making any kind of significant change in your life can feel hard, but that鈥檚 especially
the case when your goal is far too large to tackle in one step. Instead of saying
鈥淚 want to write a novel鈥� or 鈥淚鈥檇 like to get into gardening,鈥� break those big, indefinite
objectives into a series of smaller, more achievable tasks. 鈥淲rite for 30 minutes
after breakfast鈥� or 鈥淲eed the back corner of the garden鈥� are clear and actionable,
and checking them off your list will feel satisfying and create just enough forward
momentum to keep going.
It鈥檚 easy to get stuck in your head with your dreams, worries, and other thoughts
swirling around together. Physical activity is a good way to break through any psychological
rut and clear out those mental cobwebs with some fresh air. Exercise of any kind鈥攚alking,
running, cycling, weightlifting, even housework鈥攚ill boost your mood and energy levels
while also getting your mind off whatever was weighing on you. Try a new sport or
fitness class to make it more interesting and get the added benefits of socializing.
Keith Goode, Academic Advisor at 91制片厂, is a 91制片厂 alum who didn鈥檛 have a major in mind when he started
school. But as he started taking general education classes, he discovered some things
he liked that gave him better direction. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 good to just decide to make
the move and try something new even if you don鈥檛 have it all figured out yet,鈥� says
Goode. 鈥淲hatever it is, can I try to commit to something? Even if it鈥檚 once a week
for a class, maybe exercise, a painting course, whatever it may be.鈥� How that looks
in your life will depend on several factors, but what鈥檚 most important is trying things
that might be out of your comfort zone.
Reading is one area where trying something new is relatively easy. Reading different
kinds of books, graphic novels, articles, or blogs on topics outside your usual interests
or academic assignments can spark your creativity, broaden your worldview, and be
just plain fun. Whether it鈥檚 on paper, an ebook, or audiobook, reading can transport
you anywhere. One quick (and free) tip: stop by your local library and browse the
New Books shelf to see what catches your eye.
It鈥檚 hard to ask for help, especially when you鈥檙e feeling stuck or hopeless about
your current situation. For students specifically, there are people ready and willing
to assist you. 鈥淚 recommend to students that they use the variety of resources available
to them, from peer counseling to your academic advisor to the faculty that you鈥檒l
work with,鈥� says Goode. 鈥淭hose are all opportunities to get inspired and to learn
more about the job market you might be interested in.鈥� Whether for optimizing your
resume, how to interview well, or where to find jobs, don鈥檛 be afraid to use the tools
and people available to you.
Keeping a journal to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and goals is a low-cost but
high-impact routine you can establish within your daily life. Writing about whatever
is going on in your life and mind can help clarify your thoughts and identify areas
for change. It will also serve as a powerful reminder of what you鈥檝e been able to
work through in your life and work over time.
Originally Published Apr 18, 2024
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