As humans, it’s easy to operate on autopilot. Think about the last time you were driving and either arrived at your destination without remembering the journey or missed your exit entirely. This phenomenon, known as highway hypnosis, occurs when our conscious mind disengages while performing routine tasks.
We can do this in our careers, in our relationships, and in the way we spend our free-time. Staying on autopilot disconnects us from our authentic selves and true desires. We lose touch with our passions, relationships, and well-being, turning life into a series of routine actions devoid of joy and purpose. Over time, this can lead to burnout, stress, and deep dissatisfaction.
Recently, I heard the phrase, “You are not stressed because you are doing too much; you are stressed because you are doing too much of what doesn’t energize you.” Do you remember what energizes you? When was the last time you did what you love without feeling guilty about not doing something else? It’s challenging when we live life on autopilot.
In the past week, I learned of two people I knew who passed away too young—one from cancer and the other from addiction. Thinking about their families’ pain and their final thoughts forces me to consider how fragile our lives are. Time is short. Decades pass in the blink of an eye.
I aim to do better today than yesterday, maintaining a balance between drive and peace. How can we live the life we desire without losing ourselves to work or mindless scrolling that achieves nothing other than reinforcing our autopilot behaviors. Is it our tendency to please others, maintain harmony, or avoid conflict? It’s time to come off autopilot and live intentionally. I challenge myself to recognize negative thought patterns and question their validity. To wake up and get off autopilot!
Here are some tips that help me come off autopilot and reconnect with my true self, striving to be better each day and get off my autopilot which is showing up as more negative than I realized. Ouch, this recognition hurts!
Mindfulness: Be present in the moment. Notice your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings without judgment. Follow Ted Lasso’s advice: Be Curious Not Judgmental
Reflection: Regularly reflect on your actions and goals. Ensure they align with your values.
Set Intentions: Start your day with clear intentions. Focus on what you want to achieve.
Break Routine: Change your routine to avoid habitual patterns. Try new activities or routes.
Self-Care: Make time for activities that energize and rejuvenate you. Prioritize your well-being.
Gratitude: Focus on what you are grateful for. Shift from negative thoughts to positive, intentional thinking.
Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. External support can help you stay grounded.
LAUGHTER: Seek out people and things that make you laugh. My go-to is stand-up comedy. I am putting it out there I AM going to sign up for an improv class this summer. Colorado friends, anyone want to join me?
We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to live the life we desire. How did your autopilot show up today?
