Stuck in a rut? 3 questions to help you change your life

You're becoming more and more aware that things aren't right. You have a nagging suspicion that life could be better. It could be more positive and fulfilling.

You're not sure, though, what changes you want to make or how you're going to make them. So you stay stuck right where you are, for fear of making the wrong decision. 

The first step to creating a happier world for yourself is to acknowledge that you don't want to stay still anymore. You have had enough of worrying about time slipping away. You are fed up with complaining to friends and family that you aren't happy, and you want to do something about it. 

Once you have acknowledged where you are, only then can you do something about it.

Now that you have accepted what is going on for you, you need the resolve to take action. Ask yourself these three simple questions:

1. What is the cost to me of staying in this situation for another year?
   What will happen if you do nothing? It often feels easier to do nothing, so it can seem like the safest option. But what will life look like next year if you do nothing to change it? Can you really live with that?
2. How would I feel about myself and my life if I took positive steps to change it?
   Make a list of how you would feel if you made meaningful changes in your life. Imagine how it would actually feel to have achieved those goals.
3. How would I like to describe my life to someone else?
   Imagine you've bumped into someone you haven't seen for years. When they ask what you've been up to, what do you want to tell them? How do you want to feel when sharing your story?

Now that you have acknowledged where you are and gained clarity on how you want life to be, you have the groundwork you need to make it happen. You'll gain resolve by being clear on what you want to achieve, and energy from knowing you have the power to create change.

Whenever you feel yourself doubting your ability to make it happen, come back to the vision of what life will be like once you do. Keeping that picture in strong focus and knowing it is what will truly make you happy will keep you on the path to a much more fulfilling life.