How Can I Take Back Control of My Life?

Dear eNotAlone: I'm in my mid-20s and I'm starting to feel like I'm at a standstill in my life. Every day feels the same; I spend hours listening to 'friends' talking about their jobs and college, but I wasn't able to make it through college. Nothing ever changes for me - I don't feel like I'm moving forward or growing in any way, which is making me really anxious and uncertain about the future. What should I do to break this cycle and take back control of my life?

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It's normal to feel anxious and uncertain when you start to feel like your life is on hold. It can be hard to stay motivated and see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially when nothing seems to be changing. But there is hope. You can take back control of your life in a few simple steps.

The first step is to make sure that you're taking care of yourself. It's hard to break a cycle if you're not in the right frame of mind. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Taking time out to do things you enjoy will help you stay positive and focused.

The second step is to set some goals for yourself. Think about what you want to achieve in the short, medium and long-term. It could be anything from learning a new skill to landing a dream job. Break these goals down into actionable steps so that you can measure your progress and stay on track. Visualizing where you want to be will help to give you the motivation and momentum you need to start making progress.

The third step is to build a support network. Find people who share your goals and values and encourage and challenge each other. This can be family and friends, or it could be people you meet online or at events. Having a strong support network behind you will provide the right environment for you to succeed.

Take the time to reflect on what you have achieved and celebrate your successes. Acknowledge your mistakes and move on. Celebrating small victories will help to keep you motivated and energized towards achieving your goals. Remember that it's ok to take things slow, stay steady and celebrate the journey.