Instead of focusing on what you may lose, focus on what you have.
Practicing self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Simply do something that makes you feel good!
The activity doesn’t have to be big; it can be as simple as coloring, watching TV, or cooking a meal with your partner. Taking the time to recognize what makes you happy can help you create a plan for feeling happier moving forward, especially when it comes to making hard decisions.
Think of your pros as goals and your cons as fears. Sometimes rephrasing your thoughts can help you see things more clearly. For instance, you may ask yourself, “Does my fear of losing quality time and money outweigh my goal of landing my dream job?”
For example, say you’re interviewing for a new job, and your goal is to move up the corporate ladder. Try to focus less on the logistics of the job. Instead, focus on how the new role will help you get where you want to be.
For instance, say you value family, taking a job with a schedule that interferes with family time may not be ideal for you. Perhaps you value education, and going to a party on a school night might hinder your performance on a big test.
Remember, what makes someone else happy might not make you happy, and that’s okay!
It’s perfectly okay not knowing what to do or say. Don’t be afraid to ask for more time to make your decision. Having a time frame for when you need to have a response can help ease anxiety.
For instance, if you’re unsure about what you want to major in, take classes in the fields you’re interested in and see what sticks.
Going with the flow doesn’t mean letting go of all control. It simply means to observe and accept what’s happening around you. As Epictetus once said, “Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will—then your life will flow well. ”
