Reboot Your Life: Embracing Change and Setting Goals

Change is Inevitable

Thousands of workers, not just those in federal government positions, have been negatively impacted by reduction-in-force efforts, agency reorganizations, and the current government shutdown. While these changes are rarely welcomed, they often serve as necessary redirections toward the paths and purposes we are meant to pursue. It is important not to let a work shutdown lead you to shut down your own life. Change is a constant in life and should be embraced rather than feared. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, eliminates complacency, and motivates us to revisit old goals that may have been abandoned.

Drive and Determination

The story of a girl in Mississippi demonstrates the power of perseverance. Born into challenging circumstances and raised by her father after her teenage mother was unable to care for her, she faced unimaginable tragedies, including sexual assault by family members. Despite these hardships, Oprah Winfrey overcame her struggles, earned a full scholarship to Tennessee University, and became one of the most successful women in history. In 2003, she became the first African American woman to become a billionaire and has achieved numerous successes, such as owning a production company, television network, clothing line, and magazine. Oprah’s words, “No matter where you are on your journey, you are exactly where you need to be. The next road is always ahead,” encourage reflection on your own journey to determine if you are where you belong and where the next road might take you.

Shut It Down and Reboot

When facing technical issues with computers or electronic devices, IT technicians often recommend shutting down and rebooting. This advice applies to life as well. Antonio Collins’s article, “14 Ways to Reset Your Life,” offers steps to evaluate and reassess your life, understand whether you are happy in your current state, set goals, develop action plans, and create a roadmap to achieve those goals. Books like Brian Tracy’s “Goals! How to Get Everything You Want—Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible” provide straightforward guidance on setting and reaching goals. Remember, resetting your life is not an overnight process, but the key is to get started.

Keep It Simple and Achievable—Be Consistent and Committed!

Begin today by making a prioritized list of changes you would like to make. Assess why these changes matter to you, and envision what success would look and feel like. Choose changes that are achievable and measurable. Share your goals only with those who can help you reach them, and do not let others’ fears or lack of ambition hold you back. Failure is part of the journey—whether it takes one attempt or one hundred, if you want it badly enough, you will achieve it. Getting started is often the hardest part, so start small but dream big. There’s no better time than now.

Get Focused! Make It a Habit

Make it a routine to create a to-do list each night before bed. Use a simple notepad to write down what you want to accomplish the next day, including the time for each task and an estimate of how long it will take. If you prefer, there are many planners available from vendors like Etsy, Walmart, African American Expressions, Amazon, and Day Designer. If you are furloughed and money is tight, any paper at home will suffice.

Get Fit—Prioritize Physical and Mental Health

Both mental and physical health are essential and deserve attention. Do not be ashamed to seek help if you are unable to manage life’s challenges alone. Resources such as Black Physicians and Healthcare Network, employer EAP services, Maryland’s Mental Health Resources for Public Safety, the Maryland 211 organization, your primary care physician, insurance company, friends, and family are available for support. Exercise is free—start with a short walk, join organizations like Black Girls Run! or FreeWalkers.Org, or start your own walking club.

Get Rid of the Junk—Declutter Your Space

Clear out unused items, such as a tee shirt you haven’t worn in years. A tidy space helps clear the mind and improves focus. Start with manageable areas like a kitchen drawer or bedroom closet and avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to tackle all the clutter at once.

Take Simple Steps Toward Your Goals

Your goals do not have to be complex; they can be as simple as leaving the house 15 minutes earlier, drinking an extra glass of water, or reducing the creamer in your coffee by a tablespoon. The most important step is to get started—today.