Hi everyone! Life Coach Carisa here. Today I want to talk about living a life on autopilot.
Many working moms find themselves moving through their daily routine without much thought, simply trying to get through the day. This is so common. Juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities without truly engaging or being present in any of them can be detrimental to your health, relationships, and overall happiness.
Why It’s Crucial to Break Free from Autopilot Mode
Living on autopilot means you’re going through the motions without being engaged or aware in the moment. This way of life can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of fulfillment. As a certified life coach, I’ve experienced this firsthand and can guide you on how to change this.
Defining Living on Autopilot
Autopilot, short for automatic pilot, originated in the aircraft industry in the 1930s. It allows aircraft to keep moving in a particular direction without human involvement. Similarly, living on autopilot means doing things without actively thinking about them.
Can you think of any areas where you are living on autopilot?
My Autopilot Story
I used to wake up stressed, rush through the morning routine, go to work, come home, and repeat. I noticed other moms doing the same: rushing to drop off kids, applying makeup while driving, and always being in a hurry to get from here to there. I understand this loop, but now I see it differently and want to share that perspective.
Areas Where Autopilot Was Impacting My Life:
- Over-consuming wine
- Scrolling for hours on my phone
- Overworking in the evenings
- Constantly checking emails
- Worrying about everything
- Neglecting my faith and spirituality
- Saying I never had time for self-care
- Taking my marriage and other relationships for granted
- Parenting on autopilot, repeating the same things without connecting
Why Do We Do This?
Our primitive brain seeks to streamline behaviors to save energy. However, we have a prefrontal cortex that can form new neural pathways and change these habits.
Impact of Living on Autopilot:
- Mental and Emotional Health: Chronic stress, burnout, lack of fulfillment
- Physical Health: Neglect of self-care, resulting in health issues
- Family Relationships: Reduced quality time, emotional disconnect
- Professional Impact: Career stagnation, decreased productivity
- Personal Growth: Stifled potential, lack of personal goals
- Life Satisfaction: Monotony, unrealized dreams
- Impact on Children: Role modeling negative habits, lack of emotional support
Making a Change
Awareness is the first step. Look at the negative results autopilot living creates in your life and find your motivation to change. Living intentionally means being in charge and choosing what you want for yourself.
Why It’s Important to Break Free
Living life on autopilot as a working mom can have wide-ranging negative effects on your health, relationships, career, and overall life satisfaction. Practicing mindfulness, setting intentional goals, and actively engaging in all areas of your life not only benefits you but also sets a positive example for your children and improves your family life. Taking the time to reflect, plan, and make conscious choices can lead to a more fulfilling, balanced, and joyful life.
In my signature 12-week, 9-step total transformation program, I guide moms on getting out of autopilot. It’s a beautiful thing to see moms living a slower-paced, peaceful life.
For more on this topic, check out my latest video where I dive deeper into how you can recognize living a life on autopilot and begin to change it.
Thank you for reading! If you’re curious about my work, schedule a complimentary consultation session. Let’s explore how you can live a life of contentment.
“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.”
Robin Sharma, Writer