What’s next is coming, ready or not so if you’ve ever felt like time is passing without meaningful progress—like you’re stuck on “cruise control”—you’re not alone. One day, we’re filled with dreams and aspirations, and the next, we’re knee-deep in routine, barely noticing the years slip by. This feeling of drifting without a clear direction is more common than you might think.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
You can decide to hit pause, reflect, and ask yourself, “What’s next?” By embracing this question, you can stop the cycle of frustration and reclaim your sense of purpose.
We all have a “someday” dream; that deep calling that we want to pursue someday when all of the obstacles are removed.
vm
- Someday when the kids are older…
- Someday when I have more money…
- Someday when I have more time…
- Someday when I retire…
How can you move past feeling stuck and start creating the life you truly want?
Feeling stuck in “cruise control” living
Does this sound familiar? You’ve reached a certain level of success in your career, maybe even checked off a few personal milestones. Yet, despite all that achievement, you can’t shake this nagging sense that time is passing you by, and the life you once imagined for yourself seems just out of reach.
The scenery seems to move past you, but nothing really changes.
Cruise control feels safe. It’s the routine that allows you to coast through the days, ticking off to-dos, but leaving little room for reflection or growth. You do what’s expected, but deep down, you know there’s more to life than simply meeting deadlines and attending meetings.
You feel restless, bored, and burned out.
Why you fall into the trap of cruise control
Modern life is fast-paced but is it out of your control?
Between career demands, family obligations, and the constant hustle, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. We prioritize “doing” over “being,” and before we know it, months—or even years—can pass without any real sense of fulfillment.
There are a few common reasons why we find ourselves stuck on this road going nowhere:
- Fear of change Change is uncomfortable, and our brains are wired to avoid it. Staying in the same routine feels safer than taking a risk, even if it means we remain unfulfilled.
- Overwhelm With so many competing responsibilities, setting aside time to focus on personal goals feels impossible.
- Lack of clarity Without a clear vision of what we want next, we default to doing the same things day after day.
While these reasons are understandable, they don’t have to dictate your future. And that’s where pausing to ask, “What’s next?” comes into play.
What’s next? The power of asking the right questions
It may sound simple, but asking yourself, “What’s next?” can be the question you need to break free from cruise control. This question forces you to pause, reflect, and get clear on what truly matters to you.
Why asking this question is so powerful
- It promotes self-awareness When you take the time to ask yourself what’s next, you become more conscious of your actions and decisions. This heightened awareness allows you to see where you might be coasting and where you can pull over to check the map and recalculate.
- It encourages goal-setting By focusing on the future, you begin to clarify what you really want. Goal-setting becomes less about what you “should” do and more about what you “want” to do.
- It reignites your passion Life isn’t meant to be lived on autopilot. Asking “What’s next?” allows you to dream again, to reconnect with your passions and ambitions, and to reignite that sense of excitement for the future.
It’s time to rescue your “someday” dream and start working toward it now.
vm
Breaking free from cruise control with 5 steps to make meaningful progress
Once you’ve acknowledged you’re ready for change, let’s talk about how to make it happen. Here are five steps to get you started on the road toward intentional purpose.
1. Reflect on where you are
Before you can move forward, it’s essential to understand where you are right now. Take a moment to evaluate your current situation—both personally and professionally. What’s working? What’s not? Which areas of your life feel like you are running on empty, and which ones are filling your tank?
Journaling is a great way to start this process. Write down your thoughts, and don’t shy away from the uncomfortable parts. This level of self-reflection will help you identify the gaps between where you are and where you want to be.
2. Identify what matters most
In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. This step is all about getting crystal clear on your core values and priorities. Ask yourself:
- What do I want to spend more time on?
- What am I willing to let go of?
- What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?
When you identify your non-negotiables, decision-making becomes easier, and you’re more likely to pursue goals that align with your authentic self.
3. Set clear, actionable goals
Vague goals lead to vague results. To move beyond cruise control, you need to set specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps that feel achievable, even with a busy schedule.
For example, if you want to make a career shift, start by researching different industries or updating your resume. If your goal is to improve your work-life balance, begin by scheduling regular breaks or time for hobbies.
4. Embrace accountability and support
One of the biggest challenges in making meaningful progress is staying accountable. When life gets busy, it’s easy to push your personal goals to the back burner. This is where your support team can be a game-changer.
Consider joining a coaching program or accountability group where you can regularly check in with others who are also on the journey. Having someone to hold you accountable will keep you motivated, even when the going gets tough.
My upcoming 6-week group coaching program is designed specifically for people like you who are ready to stop drifting and start thriving. You’ll get the tools, support, and community you need to make meaningful progress in your life.)
5. Celebrate progress, not perfection
Finally, it’s crucial to recognize that progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. There will be setbacks, challenges, and moments when you feel stuck again. But instead of beating yourself up for not being “perfect,” focus on how far you’ve come.
Every road trip has potholes, construction and detours.
Celebrate your wins—big and small. By acknowledging your progress, you’ll reinforce positive habits and build momentum for continued growth.
The role of group coaching in making meaningful progress
If you’re serious about breaking free from cruise control and making lasting changes, you don’t have to do it alone. Group coaching offers a unique blend of community, accountability, and expert guidance that can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
Here’s how group coaching can benefit you:
- Accountability Regular check-ins with your coach and peers help keep you focused and committed to your goals.
- Perspective Hearing the experiences and insights of others can inspire you and provide new strategies for overcoming challenges.
- Support Knowing you’re not alone in your journey can be incredibly empowering. You’ll be part of a community that encourages and invests in your progress.
If this resonates with you, my upcoming 6-week group coaching program is designed to help you identify what’s next in your life and give you the tools to make your someday dream a reality. Together, we’ll create a clear roadmap to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.
What’s next for you? It’s time to take action
Living life on cruise control may feel comfortable, but it won’t lead to the meaningful progress or the fulfillment you crave. By asking yourself “What’s next?” and committing to the steps outlined above, you can break free from stagnation and start living with purpose again.
If you’re ready to take control of your life and start moving forward, consider joining my 6-week group coaching program. With the right support, accountability, and tools, you can make the changes you’ve been dreaming about and finally create the life you truly want.
—what’s next for you?
vm
Final thoughts
Life doesn’t wait, and neither should you. By identifying what’s holding you back and taking small, intentional steps forward, you can break free from cruise control and make meaningful progress in your life. Whether it’s through self-reflection, goal-setting, or seeking support through group coaching, the power to create your future is in your hands.
Don’t let another year pass by without making the changes you know you need. I don’t want you saying the same thing next year that you said last year!
Ask yourself, “What’s next?”—and take action today.
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