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It happens, right? One second, you’re lying on the bed (or the floor, if you’re anything like me), staring at the ceiling, wondering why life feels so dull and irritating—even when, on paper, everything seems… fine? The job, the relationships, the routine. All of it’s fine.
But somehow, it feels like you’re stuck in a loop, like a Netflix show you’ve already binge-watched way too many times.
And then it hits you. Maybe what you need isn’t a vacation, new skincare, or even a spiral into online shopping (no judgment). What you need is a hard reset—that refresh button on your life.
Sound familiar? If you’re ready to shake things up, here’s how to hard reset your life & feel excited again!
1. Delete “Aspiring” From Your Identity
Why call yourself an “aspiring” writer, designer, entrepreneur, or insert-your-dream-role-here? Take out the “aspiring” and own it! You’re not aspiring; you are.
- Instead of saying, “I’m aspiring to be a painter,” say, “I’m a painter.”
- Instead of “I’m trying to get organized,” say, “I’m an organized person.”
Pro Tip: Start acting like the version of yourself you want to be. Need to be validated? Look in the mirror and remind yourself you don’t need permission to become who you already are.
2. Do a Life Audit Day
Set aside one day to audit your life. It’s like spring cleaning, but for everything. Write it all down—finances, relationships, health, and career goals.
- What’s working? Double down on it.
- What’s dragging you down? Time to pivot.
- What can you simplify or improve? Get specific.
Divide your audit into categories like “Mental Clutter,” “Physical Clutter,” and “Toxic Commitments.” Be ruthless.
- Declutter digitally: Delete old emails, unused apps, and redundant files.
- Reflect: Identify habits or people that drain you versus fuel you.
- List tolerations: Jot down everything you’re putting up with but secretly hate (that squeaky chair, energy-draining connections, or a toxic workplace).
This isn’t just about organization. It clears emotional bandwidth you didn’t even know you were using. You’ll be amazed how light you’ll feel after this.
3. Stop Following People Who Keep You Stuck
You are who you follow. Social media might seem harmless, but if your feeds are filled with people who drain you, it’s time to hit that unfollow button.
- Unfollow accounts that make you feel less than.
- Mute the people who trigger comparison spirals.
- Follow uplifting accounts that inspire personal growth.
Ask Yourself:
- “Does this account inspire the future version of me?”
- “Do I scroll past feeling good… or like I’m missing out?”
- “Do I feel envy just by looking at it, or inspired?”
- “Do they remind me of some bad times that I never wanna relive?
Pro Tip: Download an app that helps you batch-unfollow accounts. That way, you don’t spiral into 3 hours of Instagram scrolling.
4. Create a No-BS Morning Ritual
Forget those picture-perfect Pinterest routines. You don’t need a 12-step morning ritual with green juice, yoga, and affirmations. Instead, keep it stupidly simple, non-negotiable, and effective.
Like,
- Wake up at set time.
- Take 3 deep breaths.
- Chug water.
- Write down 1 intention for the day.
- Move your body, even if it’s just stretching for five minutes.
- Spend ten minutes planning out your day.
Done. Keep it realistic. This type of minimal, daily consistency builds mental momentum.
5. Toss the Clothes That Weigh You Down
This might sound crazy, but hear me out. Some clothes carry energy. That hoodie you cried in for 3 weeks straight during your breakup or that oversized tee from your ex that makes you feel invisible? Time for them to go.
Use this reset as an opportunity to introduce new pieces that reflect the confident, transformed version of you. Next time you shop, only pick clothing that makes you feel like a million bucks.
If it’s not a YES, it’s a NO.
6. Master Your “Hard Thing”
We all have that one thing we’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s going to the gym, socialising more, learning makeup, meditating, going out solo, or even taking cold showers. It’s time to finally zap it down!
Why? Because mastering something difficult rewires your brain for discipline and resilience. It teaches you to believe in your ability to learn and grow. But how to do that?
- Sign up for a beginner’s class.
- Watch a YouTube tutorial and practice daily.
- Find a friend who already does it and ask for tips.
Pro Tip: Start small, stay consistent, and reward yourself after small milestones.
7. Turn Off Notifications for a Week
Constant pings, beeps, vibrates, nd dopamine traps? Bye! Turn off your notifications. You don’t need to know every single like or email the second it happens.
Notice what happens when you hit boredom. Those silences? That’s where creativity and clarity start to show up.
If going cold-turkey feels too hard, start with app-specific notifications (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) before graduating to full phone silencing. Reset your phone; reset your mind.
8. Make a “Things I’m Done With” List
Sometimes, knowing what you’re done tolerating is more powerful than setting new goals. Write a “Things I’m Done With” list of habits, people, and cycles you’re done with to set boundaries and free up mental space.
You can either make a burn list or something to always keep a reminder of.
Examples might include:
- Negative self-talk
- Overcommitting to things you hate
- Self-sabotaging perfectionism.
- Saying “yes” when you mean “no”
- Toxic friendships
Write it. Then read it. Burn it (safely, please). Watching it go up in flames is oddly therapeutic.
9. Go Somewhere You’ve Never Been – Alone
Yes, alone. Travel doesn’t have to mean an international flight or a five-star resort (though, if you’re feeling fancy, go for it!).
It can be as simple as venturing into a new café, going to the gym without your partner, walking a different route, or exploring a nearby town you’ve never thought to visit.
Doing something solo takes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to connect with yourself on a deeper level. There’s something empowering about tackling the new and the unknown on your own terms.
10. Create a Vibe Playlist for the “New You”
What does the new-and-improved you sound like? Music has a powerful way of shaping identity and anchoring emotion.
Think about the energy, style, and vision you’re stepping into. Now, make a playlist that mirrors that version of yourself.
Your reset playlist is not just for background noise. Use it as a tool. Feeling unmotivated? Hit play. Unsure of yourself? That soundtrack will bring you back.
11. Start a Shadow Work Journal
Warning: Things are about to get real. Shadow work is all about exploring the hidden, suppressed parts of yourself that shape how you think, act, and feel. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also magic.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Who am I when no one is watching?
- What am I pretending not to know?
- What do I judge in others that I suppress in myself?
By shining a light on your shadows, you start to release them. A reset isn’t just about the surface-level stuff; it’s about releasing what no longer serves you, even if it’s hidden deep.
Set aside 10 minutes a day for your shadow work journal. The key is consistency, not perfection.
12. Spend 3 Days in Silence
When was the last time you just sat with yourself? No Netflix. No Spotify. No mindless scrolling. Imagine spending three full days in total silence.
What happens if you unplug from the noise and distractions completely? You can calm your nervous system, purge built-up emotions, and meet yourself again in raw, real form.
At first, it might feel awkward. But by Day 3? You’ll find peace and clarity that feels like pure magic.
I suggest that you tell friends and family ahead of time what your plan is, so you’re not overwhelmed with questions like, “Why aren’t you answering my texts?!”
13. Make “No Contact” Your Superpower
Ever feel like certain people or patterns keep pulling you back into old, unhealthy habits? Time to go ghost, my friend.
“No contact” isn’t just for breakups or toxic relationships; it’s a declaration of self-respect.
If a person, situation, or even a past version of you keeps holding you back, cut the cord. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is walk away in silence.
14. Design a New Life Blueprint
Got a vision of the life you’re craving? Don’t just think about it. Design it. Take out a blank piece of paper (or get fancy with Canva!) and create your own “new life blueprint.”
Include things like:
- Morning routines
- The types of people you want to surround yourself with
- Places you want to visit
- New beliefs to live by
Hang it somewhere you’ll see often. Visualization isn’t just a self-help cliché; it works. The more detailed you get, the more you’ll embody the energy of your new life.
15. Set New Goals and Intentions
Do you have dreams collecting dust on a mental shelf? Now’s the time to dust them off and reboot your purpose. But let’s keep it realistic here. Set goals that excite you, not stress you out.
- Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to clarify what you want to achieve.
- Start small. Instead of “run a marathon,” aim for “run 2 miles twice a week.”
- Journal your intentions. Write them out in the present tense, like they’re already happening: “I am confidently presenting my ideas at work.”
16. Prioritize Self-Care
Resetting your life is the ultimate excuse to love yourself a little extra. When was the last time you gave yourself a moment to simply breathe?
- Create a self-care checklist with activities that make you feel good. Think bubble baths, long walks, reading a book just for fun, or zoning out to your favorite show without guilt.
- Normalize saying “no” to things that drain your energy. Protect your peace at all costs.
- Try meditation or yoga to calm your mind. Apps like Calm or Headspace are lifesavers for beginners.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcomplicate self-care. Some days, “self-care” is just drinking enough water or saying “I love me” in the mirror.
17. Celebrate Progress
When you’re resetting your life, it’s easy to focus on how far you still want to go. Take a breather and celebrate how far you’ve already come!
- Keep a “proud moments” journal and write down your wins, big or small.
- Treat yourself for every milestone you cross. Landed that job interview? Hello, fancy latte reward. ☕
- Reflect on what you’ve learned and how much brighter your future looks.
Pro Tip: Remember, progress isn’t linear. Celebrate forward steps, even if they’re small. Resetting is a marathon, not a sprint.
18. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Your vibe attracts your tribe. If your current “tribe” is draining the life out of you, it’s time to reset your social circle.
- Seek out people who lift you up, inspire you, and cheer on your wins.
- Join groups or communities that align with your interests, whether it’s volunteering, book clubs, or even Zumba classes.
- Have open, honest conversations about boundaries (even with yourself).
Pro Tip: Be your own hype person! Write positive affirmations and stick them somewhere you can see daily—for example, “I’m capable of change and growth.”
