By Melissa HullMy secret weapon for getting back on track is a simple yet POWERFUL one.
It always seems like life is going along … things are pretty good – and then life throws me a curveball.
Sometimes it’s a big, life-altering one. Other times it’s much smaller, but still enough to throw me off track.
Something shifts. Something is off.
Maybe I need time to heal from something. Or I’m confused about the next step forward. Sometimes I realize I just need to refocus on my own personal growth.
Whenever I find myself in one of those moments – whenever I feel like something just isn’t quite right – I’ve learned to rely on one simple yet life-changing tool.
Because the last thing I want to do is revert back to old patterns, bad habits, and false narratives.
Instead of running away from my problems, I have one simple trick that always helps me refocus and get back on track.
Take A Clarity Break
After years of healing and practice, today I can say I’m not afraid to take a step back whenever I need clarity about how to move forward – especially if it’s about what’s best for me.
This is something I’ve done many times over the years, especially when I need to heal from or focus on something really important.
I just give myself time to emotionally sort things out.
That’s how I take care of myself. That’s how I get back on track.
I take the time to get clear on what’s going on, and I do it in an intentional way. I give myself the space I need – and then I protect it.
And I won’t have it any other way.
It’s my way of setting a boundary and communicating that my self-care is a priority.
I make it a priority because I can’t take care of the problem, or anyone else, until I can take care of myself first. And that’s why I choose to give myself space and time.
My boundary isn’t about taking care of someone else; it’s about taking care of me.
In order for me to hold onto my peace, that’s what I have to do. So I really don’t mind giving myself the permission to do that anymore. In fact, I think sometimes it’s necessary.
How To Take A Clarity Break
1. Ask Yourself Why
If you find yourself needing to take a clarity break, the first step is to get clear on why.
Do you feel anxiety, or have a lot of emotional ups and downs? Is there a relationship you’d like to change the dynamic of? Are you unsure about an upcoming decision? Do you feel a complete lack of purpose or nothing at all?
If something in your life or business is off track, I would start to look at what you need from a clarity break – and why. Get really clear about your intentions and goals for this clarity break.
What do you hope to get from it?
2. Hold Your Boundaries
Once you know why you need a clarity break and its intended outcome, you really have to commit to taking it.
You have to say, clearly and confidently, that you’re taking a step back to focus on you. Share it with the people around you, so they can support and respect your boundaries, too. Communicate your needs in a loving way.
If someone in your life reacts poorly, remember that this break is about what’s right for you. You can’t let the objections of others override what you know is best and right in your life.
For me, I’m no longer afraid to hold my boundary, or even to have a disagreement, because I have zero time and zero tolerance for people or situations that feel unhealthy or unsupportive.
You have to put you first if you want to find the clarity and strength to get back on track.
3. Take Care of Yourself
Once you’ve established your intention and boundaries, it’s time to let yourself actually take a break.
Sometimes the best way to see the solution to a problem is to stop thinking about it so much. Instead … let it go, step away and shake things up.
Choose a self-care activity you love like walking in nature, playing your favorite sport, making art, trying something new, going somewhere new, or redecorating the house. Get in touch with your creative side, and let yourself play a little. Or slow down and get quiet with a meditation.
Most importantly, you have to trust that the answers will come. You just have to connect with the parts of yourself that hold them.
Ready To Take Action?
I’ve been working on this practice for over 20 years, and I’ve learned quite a few tools, techniques, and mindsets along the way.
I share all my best strategies for navigating life’s toughest moments inside of my membership community. You can even find a video course on this exact topic that includes everything you need for self-discovery and empowered action.
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