If you find yourself doing the same routine day after day, never remembering what you did the day before, having nothing to look forward to, living your life - but never enjoying it or anything in it...you are probably living your life and the relationships in it on autopilot.

The really devastating part about living life on autopilot, especially when it comes to your relationships, is that you don't even know that you're doing it half the time. You're just living your life, wishing for more, but not really sure if there is more or how to get it. While many people live out their entire lives on autopilot, the way to have truly rewarding and successful lives & relationships is to be totally aware and adaptable when it comes to life. So, how do you do that?

Get clear on your values and goals

Identifying your core values and what is truly important to you is crucial to breaking out of autopilot mode because it gives you a clear sense of direction and purpose. Without a clear sense of direction, you may find yourself going through the motions of life without any real sense of meaning or fulfillment.

To begin the process of identifying your core values, take some time to reflect on what matters most to you in life. What do you believe in? What motivates you? What brings you joy and fulfillment? What makes you feel alive? These are all important questions to consider.

Once you have a better sense of your values, you can start setting meaningful goals that align with those values. For example, if one of your core values is personal growth, you might set a goal to read a new book every month or take a course in a subject that interests you. Or if your core value is family, you might set a goal to spend more quality time with your loved ones or plan a family vacation.

Creating a roadmap for your life that aligns with your values can help you stay on track and avoid getting stuck in autopilot mode. This roadmap can include both short-term and long-term goals, as well as action steps you can take to achieve those goals. By taking intentional action toward your goals, you can start living a more fulfilling and purposeful life that is aligned with your values and what is truly important to you.

Break your routine

Routines are helpful in creating structure and efficiency in our day-to-day lives, but they can also contribute to living life on autopilot. When we get stuck in a routine, we tend to go through the motions without much thought or intention, and we may not even realize that we're doing it.

Breaking your routine can be a great way to break free from autopilot mode and start living more intentionally. By doing something different, you can shake things up and see the world in a new way. Here are some tips for breaking your routine:

1. Try something new in the morning: If you always start your day with a cup of coffee and the morning news, try switching it up by doing some stretching or meditation instead.
2. Take a new route to work: If you drive or walk the same way to work every day, try taking a different route. You may discover new sights, sounds, and experiences that you wouldn't have encountered otherwise.
3. Mix up your lunch routine: If you always eat at the same place or pack the same lunch, try trying out a new restaurant or making a new recipe for lunch.
4. Change up your exercise routine: If you always do the same workout, try mixing it up by trying a new class or workout routine. This can help you stay motivated and engaged in your fitness routine.
5. Do something spontaneous: If you're always planning out every detail of your day, try doing something spontaneous. This could be as simple as taking a walk in the park without a plan or meeting a friend for a spontaneous coffee date.

By breaking your routine and doing something different, you can start to see the world in a new way and break free from autopilot mode. This can help you live more intentionally and create a life that is more fulfilling and meaningful.

Try new things

Trying new things is an effective way to break out of autopilot mode and add excitement to your life. When we try new things, we challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones and experience something different. Here are some reasons why trying new things is so important:

1. It helps you grow: Trying new things allows you to learn new skills and gain new experiences. This can help you grow as a person and improve your self-confidence.
2. It keeps your brain active: Trying new things requires your brain to think in different ways, which can help keep your mind sharp and active.
3. It adds excitement to your life: Trying new things can be exciting and invigorating. It can help you break out of the monotony of everyday life and add some adventure to your routine.
4. It helps you overcome fear: Trying new things can be scary, but it can also help you overcome your fears and build resilience.
5. It can lead to new opportunities: Trying new things can open up new opportunities and lead to new friendships, hobbies, or even career paths.

Here are some ideas for trying new things:

1. Take a new class: Sign up for a class in a subject that interests you, whether it's painting, cooking, or a new language.
2. Try a new hobby: Pick up a new hobby, like photography, gardening, or hiking.
3. Travel to a new place: Plan a trip to a place you've never been before, whether it's a new city or a new country.
4. Attend a new event: Check out a new music festival, art exhibit, or food festival in your area.
5. Volunteer for a new cause: Volunteer for a cause that you're passionate about, whether it's working with animals or helping the homeless.

Trying new things can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that it's okay to fail or make mistakes. The important thing is that you're challenging yourself and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. So go ahead and try something new today - you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

Connect with others

Living life on autopilot can cause us to become disconnected from the people around us. We may be physically present, but mentally checked out, which can make it difficult to build meaningful relationships with others. However, by making a conscious effort to connect with others in meaningful ways, we can break free from our autopilot mode and create deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

One way to connect with others is to have meaningful conversations. Instead of just making small talk, try to have deeper conversations with friends and family. Ask them about their goals, fears, and dreams, and be open about your own. By sharing more about ourselves and truly listening to others, we can build stronger connections and feel more connected to those around us.

Another way to connect with others is to volunteer in your community. Volunteering is a great way to give back and meet new people who share similar interests and values. Whether you're volunteering at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or community center, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside others who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

Remember

Living life on autopilot can be a comfortable way to go through the motions of each day, but it can also lead to a lack of purpose and fulfillment. To stop living your life on autopilot, get clear on your values and goals, break your routine, try new things, and connect with others. 

By taking these steps, you can start living with intention and create a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.