Feeling stuck on autopilot? Discover 10 powerful ways to get out of autopilot and start living intentionally!
Living on autopilot is a state in which people fall into their daily routines and activities without conscious awareness. Individuals rely on habits, rather than living intentionally. Before you know it, you are caught up in a mundane lifestyle.
Living intentionally has a lot of benefits:
- Increased self-awareness and personal growth
- Deeper connections in your relationships
- Greater joy and fulfillment
- Improved focus and productivity
- Etc.
Let’s dive into how to get out of autopilot and start thriving!
This post might contain affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you purchase an item through them.
Why are you stuck on autopilot?
First things first, we need to know the reason you fell into this mode. As my science teacher said, “Always ask why.”
- You have not identified your purpose yet
- You are not reaching any milestones in life
- External circumstances, such as trauma, have thrown you into survival mode
- Mental health struggles
- You are stuck in your comfort zone
- Societal norms and expectations
How do you get out of autopilot mode?
1. Change up your routine
Sometimes it can be as simple as mixing up your routine. Making minor changes to your daily routine will not affect you negatively (I know, as someone who is extremely dependent on routines for my well-being).
Some examples of minor tweaks are:
- Take a different route to work
- Study outside instead of at your usual spot
- Rearrange your desk
- Journal at a coffee shop or a park
2. Get out of the house
Break the monotony (I just learned that word…) of every week by leaving the house. Choose a weekend that works for you and make memories:
- Go see a movie
- Try a new restaurant
- Visit a local market
- Go on a late-night ice cream run
3. Learn a new hobby
Why not challenge yourself to learn a new skill or hobby as a way to get out of autopilot?
One of my main goals for the year is to tackle a new hobby. As someone who tends to be a workaholic and overly ambitious, I often neglect “me-time”. Therefore, investing time into a hobby sounds like a good idea.
However, I’m stuck between knitting and guitar. Which one do you think I should pursue? Let me know in the comments.
Check out these 40+ hobby ideas if you have no idea where to start!
4. Romanticize everyday activities
Shake your mundane life by spicing up normal daily activities. “Okay, sounds great but how do I do that?” Well, I’m glad you asked!
I am all about becoming the main character and living your best life. Find 18 simple ways to romanticize your life here. Here are a few easy suggestions:
- Light a candle when working
- Drink a glass of wine while cooking
- Create a background music playlist for your life
- Keep fresh flowers in the house
- Identify your signature “thing”
5. Set weekly goals
I have mentioned this in Stop Living For The Weekend: 8 Simple Tips.
Goals are a great way to get out of autopilot. They compel you to incorporate something extra into your week, which in turn rewards you with a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Keep your weekly goal small and fun. Some examples are:
- Journal every day of the week
- Meet a friend for coffee
- Have a social media-free day
- Do a digital declutter
- Write your future self a letter
6. Live on purpose for a purpose
My lowest moments in life were when I had no purpose. Or at least it felt like that. The instant I identified my life’s purpose everything changed. I have a reason to wake up. My purpose quite literally broke me free from autopilot and depression.
Many people do not know their purpose. Maybe you’re one of them? There are a lot of different tools you can use to determine yours. I wrote a post about it here and a new, revised version is coming soon. (I will link it here when it’s done).
Here are a couple of tips:
- Complete an Ikigai worksheet
- Do a life audit
- Ask God to guide you
7. Do a social media detox
How many times a day do you pick up your phone to doom scroll?
Social media is one of the biggest evils of our time. Don’t get me wrong, I will struggle without YouTube and TikTok (embarrassingly so).
However, we love to play the comparison game.
- “Why is my skin not as clear as hers?”
- “They’re always traveling meanwhile I can barely afford my rent.”
- “Why can she eat chocolates and still have a body like that? But I barely look at it and it goes to my hips.” (Yes, tis I).
- “Their life looks so much better than mine.”
Take a break from social media. It will do wonders for your mental health and recharge your focus on the things that matter.
8. Practice gratitude
We often take our lives for granted. When was the last time you were thankful for something as simple as running water?
Once we start to appreciate and notice the little things, we break free from autopilot. Write down three things you are grateful for before bed every night.
9. Seek out quiet times
It’s important to spend some time alone for various reasons. Seek out quiet times and recharge, refocus, and reflect.
Make yourself a cup of brew and sit outside by yourself. “Then what?”
- Reflect on your past, present, and future
- Recharge your soul by spending time with God
- Refocus on the positive and let go of the negative
10. Become aware of your surroundings
This isn’t a one-stop fix-all remedy. I added it as an additional way to get out of autopilot.
Whenever you catch yourself on autopilot, pause and become aware of your surroundings. I love to use the 5-senses method to reconnect with the world around me. Here is my favorite example:
- I see a tree, a bird, and my fur babies
- I feel the flower I picked from the garden
- The flower smells of lavender
- I taste my coffee as I clear my mind
- I hear the birds singing
Conclusion
Wake up, get ready, work, go home, make food, eat, and sleep. Say NO to this.
Get out of autopilot and let go of your mundane routine. Absorb all that life has to offer. Live on purpose, set goals, and become quiet.
Embrace the journey of personal growth, and celebrate each step towards an intentional and purposeful life.
Have a great day wherever you are in the world!
Love, Steph ♥
