How to get back on track after life pulls us off
May 9, 2018
By Brian Maynor
It’s easy to say “be true to yourself”, but much harder to live it.
The self-help industry makes billions of dollars churning out products centered on what we should do, what we are supposed to do and who we should be more like in order to improve our lives and our situations, but that hasn’t really helped. We are still living in a world of conflict and struggle.
Given the fact that we do not live in isolation, the friction caused by the constant struggle between who we are and who we want to be impacts our families, communities, organizations and ultimately the world.
Since we can’t tackle larger issues without first addressing our personal ones, here are some proven ways we can use to get ourselves back on track:
1. Find out what you need. Instead of starting out with a list of basics or creature comforts think about the times we felt fantastic; unstoppable, or on top of the world and write those down. Then compare each time and see what they had in common. Those commonalities are the things we need to thrive.
2. Identify what makes us feel most at peace. When we are being true to ourselves we exist in a state of peace and serenity that is undeniable. Whatever those moments are made of, is no question about them or denying their existence, and we need to record them so when we are feeling lost we can remember how to get back to being ourselves again.
3. Learn to recognize when we’ve gotten off track. Most of these signs will manifest physically. They can start out as a headache, low energy, loss of focus or concentration and progress to high blood pressure, depression or anxiety or even chest pains. These symptoms are frequently overlooked or dismissed as a part of life, but they are anything but normal. They are signals trying to get us back on track.
4. Focus on the big picture. It’s easy to compartmentalize the journey of self-discovery, but maybe we should step back and just focus on ourselves as a whole. Healthy living is a natural part of happiness, so it’s important to take a look and see how we can do better. Whether it’s exercising more, eating healthier, or decreasing screen time and increasing face time, the benefits of improving our big picture by default improves the smaller ones.
I always love a good analogy, and Tracy Kennedy had one of the best. She suggests looking at our true selves as a pair of magnets. When we get off track it’s like pulling them apart, we get shaky, disoriented and struggle against the force trying to reconnect us. We can use that same analogy when deciding how to get back on track by choosing the path we’re most attracted to. Trust deep down our true self always knows what we need and where we need to go, because it does.
I am always curious to hear from you. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
