Stuck On Autopilot

“Most humans live life on automatic pilot, barely aware of what is happening around them.” — Eckhart Tolle.

Have you ever driven home from work to realize you don’t remember the last few turns or mindlessly scrolled through social media for an hour, emerging with wasted time? We’ve all been there, stuck on autopilot in the daily grind. Life throws us into a routine, a comfortable rhythm that can lull us into unconsciousness. But what if I told you that this very autopilot mode, while seemingly harmless, could be holding you back from true happiness and fulfillment? Self-reflection, intentionally examining your thoughts, feelings, and actions, might seem like an indulgence, but it’s the key that unlocks a vibrant and thriving life. Imagine stepping off autopilot, becoming the conscious author of your journey, and watching your happiness blossom. Ready to ditch the mundane and embrace the extraordinary? Buckle up because this article is your roadmap to a life filled with intention and joy.

What is autopilot, and what are the consequences of living on autopilot? Autopilot is an unconscious state of performing habitual actions without conscious awareness. It can refer to performing daily routines, responding to situations automatically, or engaging in activities without attention to the present moment. Is this something you’ve experienced? We do it constantly, whether checking our phones repeatedly throughout the day, scrolling through social media, or tuning out when someone is talking. However, the negative consequences of living on autopilot include:

1. Lack of fulfillment and purpose.
2. Unconsciously following harmful patterns.
3. Difficulty adapting to change and growth.
4. Inability to identify and achieve personal goals.

Consider the following examples and statistics that illustrate the prevalence and impact of autopilot living. A 2023 study by Stanford University found the average person spends approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes daily mindlessly scrolling through social media without engaging with the content. Recall the last time you mindlessly scrolled through social media without memory of the endless posts you consumed. This habit leaves us feeling drained and disconnected from the present moment. Or contemplate the last time you commuted to work and were lost in thought throughout the journey and oblivious to your surroundings. A 2022 survey by the University of Melbourne revealed that 73% of commuters admit to regularly zoning out during their daily commute, highlighting the prevalence of autopilot mode in our routine activities.

Unlocking Your Potential

“The only true voyage of discovery, the one that allows you to discover new landscapes, is the one you never knew you had to undertake. And it begins with the decision to sail away from the familiar shores.” — T.S. Eliot

This is where self-reflection and its different forms, such as journalling, meditation, spending time in nature, etc., can shift us out of autopilot mode. The benefits of self-reflection include:

1. Increased self-awareness and understanding.
2. Improved ability to identify personal values and desires.
3. Greater clarity on life goals and direction.
4. Enhanced emotional well-being and resilience.
5. More fulfilling and meaningful relationships.

Self-reflection is a powerful faculty that helps us become more mindful and present of our moment-to-moment experiences. While awareness of our surroundings is important, not every detail demands our focus. When we consciously direct our attention to the sensations, thoughts, and subtle elements of the present moment, we infuse it with a vibrant awareness, bringing it to life. It starkly contrasts being absorbed in our thoughts, whether stuck in the past or ruminating about the future.

We can take actionable steps to incorporate self-reflection into our daily lives. Here are some practical tips to integrate into your daily routine.

1. Daily prompts: 

Answer the following questions in your journal or diary to gauge whether you are living on autopilot:

1. What are my core values? Do my actions align with them?
2. What are some limiting beliefs I hold about myself? Are they true? How can I challenge them?
3. What is my biggest regret? What can I learn from it and move forward?

2. Mindfulness exercises: 

Engage in regular meditation practice or mindful walks to disengage the mind from habitual thoughts. By observing your thoughts, you can decouple the mind from the persistent nature of thinking.

3. Gratitude journaling: 

Create a gratitude journal that you complete in the morning or at night. Try to connect with the words you write and “feel” the essence and meaning behind them.

4. Regular goal setting and review: 

Set achievable goals and reflect on your progress regularly.

1. What strategies have been successful, and which ones have not yielded positive results?
2. Are your goals aligned with your values and purpose?
3. Do you pursue your dreams for personal fulfillment or to impress others?

5. Seeking support: 

Seek guidance from therapists, coaches, or mentors. By working with professionals, you can better understand yourself and take action to break the cycle of autopilot mode.

Navigating The Challenges

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Although it may seem like additional work, tailoring these suggestions to your preferences gives you more control. In other words, doing the work regularly changes the neural network in the brain so you become more engaged and mindful of your moment-to-moment experience. By engaging in mindfulness practices, you can train your brain to pay more attention to the present moment. This increased awareness can help you become more conscious of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, fostering a sense of presence and engagement. Is this a practice you’re willing to undertake? You might be unsure because you may not see the work’s benefits and how it can change your life. But I would encourage you to try it for two weeks to see whether you experience positive changes in your life.

Naturally, there will be initial challenges in undertaking self-reflection, such as the discomfort with self-awareness or the fear of change. Feeling resistant to change is common, but remember, new experiences often lead to unexpected growth. Let’s explore strategies to navigate these challenges and unlock the potential beyond them. Consider starting small and gradually increasing the time you spend on reflection. Start with as little as five minutes daily and slowly build up as you become more familiar with the process. Similarly, focus on self-compassion and self-acceptance rather than judgment. Occasionally, you will relapse to your habitual ways of doing things. Instead of getting caught up in self-criticism or the judgment of being unable to take on the new habit, acknowledge you are trying something new and bound to make mistakes. Equally, celebrate your progress as you adopt the new practices. For instance, if you complete your gratitude journal for seven days straight, consider it a successful milestone and reward yourself for the small win. Conquer the initial hurdle of starting something new by teaming up with an accountability partner or joining a supportive community. Their shared experiences and understanding can be invaluable.

Remember the drive home where the scenery blurred, or the social media session vanished into thin air? We’ve all experienced these moments, stuck on autopilot in the daily grind. But imagine life beyond autopilot, filled with intention and awareness. Self-reflection, the act of examining your thoughts, feelings, and actions, is the key that unlocks this transformative journey. It’s not about becoming hyper-vigilant but cultivating a mindful presence in each moment. Daily prompts, mindfulness exercises, or simply taking quiet breaths can be powerful tools. While seemingly simple, this practice can unlock profound benefits: increased self-awareness, more precise goals, deeper relationships, and ultimately, a life brimming with fulfillment and joy. Sure, there may be challenges – discomfort, fear of change – but remember, small, consistent steps lead to significant shifts. Start with five minutes of reflection, celebrate your wins, and find support if needed. This is a journey, not a destination, and every step forward brings you closer to a life you truly love.

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Tony Fahkry

Expert Life Coach