Warning signs you're living on autopilot, and how to stop

You dread the day ahead

If you wake up dreading the workday and feeling unfulfilled, then this is a red flag that you're working on autopilot. 

You do things without thinking

You do things without stopping to think about what you're doing, how you're doing it, and why you're doing it. Life is basically automated and there's little thought behind it.

Your daily routine is predictable

You already know how you'll spend each and every day. You already know where you'll go, what you'll do, who you'll see, and what you'll eat.

You stay deep in thought

Basically, you're mentally checked out and thinking about things that aren't currently happening.

You overcommit

You often agree to things that you don't want to do, then dread the decision after. Be it going to a party or taking on more tasks at work, you have difficulty saying "no."

You keep working through lunch, dinner, and supposed leisure time

When you're working too much, you can feel tired and disengaged at the same time. Your brain is so focused on working that this is the only thing you do.

You waste time

You know that you're wasting time, be it by procrastinating or spending hours on social media.

You're not making meaningful progress

Days, weeks, and months seem to fly by, and you haven't made any meaningful progress toward your goals.

You don't have a plan

Do you have plans for the future? Can you identify the things most important to you? If the answer is no, then you're on autopilot.

You feel stuck and unfulfilled

When you're not actively engaging in your life and making intentional choices, it can be difficult to find fulfillment.

You lack focus and attention

If you find that you're easily distracted or have a hard time staying focused on tasks, it could be a sign that you're living on autopilot.

How to get out of autopilot mode

If most of these signs resonate with you, chances are you're living your life on autopilot. The good thing is that you can get out of it! Click on for some helpful tips.

Practice mindfulness and meditation

By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and break out of the cycle of autopilot mode.

Create new experiences

To break out of autopilot mode, try new experiences and activities that challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone.

Set a schedule

Having a set schedule that you stick to is a helpful way to ensure you're not tempted by outside distractions. Make sure to include fun moments and leisure, too!

Sources: (Success) (Stylist) (The i Paper)