Know yourself. No one else can give you personal growth. Each day, take time to meditate or sit quietly as you determine your future direction. In her book "Willing Change," Jane Collins asks her readers to consider the following questions: "What gives you joy?" "What would make the most difference in your life?" "What goals would you set if you knew you could succeed?" "What limits have you set on your accomplishments?" "Is there an alternative?" Write your answers in a journal or personal online blog.
Pay attention to your thoughts. After setting your goals, do not doubt your abilities or allow your inner critic to dominate your daily thoughts. It is very easy to lose confidence or quit in the early stages of any new activity. When you control, manage and direct your thoughts, you transform doubts into certainties and improve the quality of your life.
Open yourself up to new experiences. Do not be afraid to apply for the promotion, visit an exotic locale or consider another career at midlife. On a smaller scale, take up a new hobby, try at least one new recipe each week or plan a weekend getaway for the entire family. As you incorporate more change into your daily life, you will become less reactive to expected and unexpected challenges.
Expect the unexpected. As you change direction, you may encounter obstacles and derailments along the way. You may not get the promotion, a family member may be diagnosed with a serious illness or you may lose money in the stock market. Alternatively, you may experience a positive event such as a financial windfall, a new relationship or improved workplace conditions. When you release expectation, you can relax and enjoy the journey.
Take responsibility for your actions. Do not blame other people for your failures or expect them to be your safety net. When you take risks and change direction, plan for all contingencies. In some cases, friends and family members can provide emotional and/or financial support. If that is not your situation, keep your goals private and adjust your expectations. Allow the people in your life to have their own goals and direction.