Life Course Correction

Most of us have experienced a time in life when we felt we were moving in the wrong direction. We need to be able to catch ourselves and make the proper life course correction. Ideally we are able catch it early but that’s not always the case.

Begin by identifying, then limiting exposure to that which doesn’t serve you. Here’s a list to get you started.

Media—No good can come from spending many hours in front of CNN, or any other news. It’s one thing to keep up with what’s going on the world, it’s another to be absorbed by it. Try to limit your exposure. If something big happens, someone will let you know, then you can tune in for the details.
People—Who brings you down when you see them? Can you eliminate them from your life? If not how about minimizing your exposure? Start with the easy ones—friends that you don’t have for any other reason than camaraderie. Next would be coworkers. Do you have the ability to manage them out? If not how can you minimize your exposure to them? Work from home? Transfer to another part of your organization? Seek other outside opportunities? Last is family and that is the most difficult. If you are in a toxic relationship, what is your exit strategy? For others, do the obligatory stuff, don’t stay too long, and be busy when they reach out to get together.
Bad Habits—I had a friend who used to sneak out of his window as a teenager. His parents found out and planted rose bushes under his window. Problem solved. If you create a situation that prevents you from engaging in the bad habit you can avoid exposure to your problem. If you eat junk food, don’t bring it into your house. If you smoke in bars after a few drinks, go to a place that doesn’t allow smoking.
Give of Yourself—If you pour your energy into helping others, especially less fortunate people, you can’t help but feel good. You are making an impact in the life of another. Their challenges can lend some perspective to your own situation. It is also time away from dwelling on that which is pushing you in the wrong direction.

We all end up heading the wrong way from time to time. The key is to catch it early and make the right course correction. Think about what is taking you off course? What could you do to improve the situation, even if it’s just an incremental move? What’s stopping you? Make the life course correction!