Gaining Independence By Changing Different Aspects Of Your Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes are never easy. When you have been predisposed to a certain routine, making changes is easier said than done. Going on a trip by yourself can be a scary thought. Spending time alone while doing something like strolling around at the mall, watching a movie or eating with no company are also other unimaginable things for some people.
But when does it really become important to be independent? How can someone face their fear of being helpless just because nobody keeps them company? Being independent means being informed. Online books and publications can serve as your first guide in exploring the world by yourself. As early as possible, teaching yourself to gain independence will help your chances of survival in life.
Planning some changes in your daily routine would require you to develop some form of discipline. Isha Judd, author of Love Has Wings and Why Walk When You Can Fly, advises that people should learn how to create a mindset of beliefs not based on other people’s perceptions. Make sure that your self-worth remains solid and intact, allowing you never to lose sight of who you really are.
Likewise, a person can’t begin to be independent without having a complete grasp of their own identity, according to Darlene Lancer, a psychotherapist and author of Codependency for Dummies. The process of gaining independence is a step-by-step process. Judd explains reevaluating your ideologies and your personal identity is an important step towards growth and independence. “Often our opinions are so habitual that we don’t even stop to see if they reflect what we really feel: kneejerk responses simply reaffirming the past,” she added.
Assertion is another key factor for independence. Certain lifestyle changes that may result from becoming assertive may be difficult. For instance, if you have gotten used to being available for your friends, saying no to them will seem like a daunting task. However, being unable to refuse could lead to losing self-respect and a loss of healthy boundaries. It could also have a negative impact on your self-esteem, especially when it’s always you who has to adjust to their needs.
Sharpen your decision-making ability by learning how to make up your mind without the help of others. Start slowly such as thinking of new hobbies. As you move forward, seeking advice from others would not necessarily become a priority for you, but rather just an option. Critical life-changing decisions are not always easy to make. However, it’s absolutely crucial that it is your own welfare that would benefit from such decision. Your friends’ perspectives in life may differ from yours sooner or later, so try to make your important life decisions on your own.
Independence is scary for some people as it denotes everyone’s fear of being alone, rejected or abandoned. But what most people don’t understand on independence is the luxury of being true to yourself. You never have to stay on anyone’s shadow, but revel in your own spotlight. Being independent may be difficult, but it certainly offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
