How to Start Over and Have the Life You Want

Co-authored by Annie Lin, MBA

Last Updated: August 6, 2020 References Approved

Are you ready to make a big change? Starting over in life means being willing to let go of what isn't working or what's holding you back. When creating the life you want, set realistic and attainable goals so that you can work toward your dreams. Make time for fun and leisure activities to bring meaning and enjoyment to your life. Finally, be flexible in your approach and willing to adjust your life when you need to.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Letting Go of the Past

1
Take care of anything holding you back. If you want to make a new way forward, eliminate anything holding you back. For example, if you're in debt, work on paying it off and find a financial counselor. Find even the smallest ways to move forward so that you don't feel stuck.^{[1]
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- For example, if you want to move to a new country, begin selling your possessions or put them into storage. Or, if having a car is too expensive, find ways to use public transportation and save money.
2
Acknowledge your emotions. Don't let past emotions hold you back or influence your ability to move forward. Start by acknowledging the emotions and recognize that you feel them, but they are not you. When you feel an emotion, label and say to yourself, “I feel angry” or “This is sadness.” Let your negative emotions exist, but don't attach to them with judgment or identity.^{[2]
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- While running from your problems may alleviate stress or pain temporarily, it's not a long-term fix. It's better to acknowledge your emotions and work through them.
- If you're starting over after a painful or stressful experience, recognize that you are more than this experience. While it may be painful now, that pain will subside.
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3
Express your emotions. Stress and emotions can often feel overwhelming, so find a healthy outlet to express yourself. Some ways to express your emotions might include dancing, listening to music, painting, crying, and talking with a trusted friend. Even if your friend can't do anything to help, it's often cathartic to share how you feel.^{[3]
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- Don't hold onto your emotions when you feel them but try to express them in a healthy way. Expressing your emotions helps you move through your emotions, no matter how difficult they feel.
4
Write in a journal. A daily journal can help you collect your thoughts and feelings and express them in a positive way. A journal can bring clarity to situations that are confusing, help you solve problems, and help you know yourself better. Because a journal is private, you are free to express what you think, feel, and want.^{[4]
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- Reflect on your journal entries periodically. This can help you acknowledge the growth you've made and approach problems from a new perspective.
5
Learn to become vulnerable. Vulnerability can help you to come to terms with your past so that you can let go of it and get a fresh start. It means being honest about your mistakes, regrets, and desires. You may need to face some uncomfortable truths, but use these to make sure yourself stronger.^{[5]
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- Do something you have always wanted to do but were too afraid to try. Ask someone to dinner. Adopt a pet. Start taking singing lessons. By putting yourself out there, you'll start feeling more comfortable taking risks.
- If you're feeling down or upset, reach out to others. Remember that emotions are not weaknesses. Trusting and relying on others can actually help strengthen your relationships.
6
Forgive the people who have hurt you. While this can take time, remember that forgiveness is for you, not for anyone else. Make a choice to let go of the hurt, anger, resentment, or pain someone caused you. You don't have to formally forgive them or even communicate to the person at all. Choose to forgive and let go of the pain you feel.^{[6]
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- For example, write a letter to the person saying how you feel hurt and upset by their actions. You can write a separate letter about how you forgive them and want to move on. Safely burn the letters as a symbol of letting go and moving forward.
7
Work with a therapist. Letting go of the past can feel like asking too much, yet it's important to let go of some things if you want to move forward with the life you want. If you're struggling to let go on your own or you feel overwhelmed with the pain and stress in your life, consider working with a therapist. They can help you move through your emotions and bring clarity to your past as well as your future.^{[7]
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- There are many types of therapy, so choose what you need. For example, you can see an individual therapist, or you can attend couples' counseling or family counseling.
- Find a therapist by contacting your local mental health clinic or insurance provider. You can also ask for a recommendation from friends or your physician.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Creating the Life You Want

1
Take responsibility for yourself. Avoid starting over with your life as a way to get back at someone or make a statement in response to another person. Own your choice to start over and do it for yourself and nobody else. Make decisions based off of what you need, not what other people need or expect from you.^{[8]
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- Get in the habit of asking yourself, “What do I want and need right now?”
- While people may offer advice and feedback, remember that you are responsible for your own choices. Listen to what others say, but also do what you need to do.
2
Write about the life you want. Define the things and people you want in your life. Write down your goals or ideals for your chosen career, romantic partnership, wellness, or current lifestyle. Having a list or journal entry can help you organize your thoughts and help you reflect on them and update them in the future.
- Perhaps you want to quit your job or make a career change. Write down what your ideal self would do for work and how it would make you feel.
- For example, think about the life you want right now, as well the life you want in 5 years or 10 years. Ask yourself what you would like to do, where you'd like to live, and what kind of lifestyle you would be living.
3
Set goals for yourself. Once you're clear in what you want, set goals so that you can work toward having what you want. Your goals should empower you to feel like your wants and needs are attainable, so put some thought into creating them. Consider the various aspects of your life in which you want to start over, such as your relationships, finances, education, career, health, and hobbies. Make long-term and short-term goals to keep you motivated and on-task.^{[9]
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- Create a vision board for your life and write down or draw pictures of the goals you want to achieve. Put this somewhere you can easily see it to remind yourself to keep moving toward your goals.
4
Pull from your resources to set your goals in action. Once you've defined your goals, reach out to who and what can help you. This might include going to an employment center, signing up for a local gym to improve your fitness, or joining a dating service to meet a special someone. When creating the life you want, remember that you're not alone and likely have resources to help you in many ways.^{[10]
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- Reach out to a friend who is supportive and encouraging of your goals. Having support from someone who cares about you can help keep you motivated.
- Don't let fear and nervousness hold you back. If a big leap is scary, take small steps out of your comfort zone first. Trying new things may seem uncomfortable initially, but you will soon get used to them.
5
Consider likely obstacles and consequences. When making big decisions, it can be fun and exhilarating to let go and try something totally new. While this can lead to wonderful things, be sure to consider what problems could arise and how they might affect you or those around you. Don't intentionally cause harm to someone else or make a big decision that could likely impact you negatively in the future.
- For example, if the life you want includes adopting a dog, make sure you understand the responsibility that goes into pet care. While dogs can be great companions, they also need attention, exercise, and health care, so be sure you can provide these things before adopting a dog.
- Prepare for setbacks before they happen. This will make challenges and obstacles seem less dire when you encounter them. Just remember to keep pushing forward.
6
Reach out for support in your community. It's difficult to make changes entirely on your own, so reach out for some emotional support from those around you. This might include having a good friend to talk to or attending a weekly support group. If you're making big changes, find someone who supports you and wants you to succeed. You should feel like you can trust them and talk openly.^{[11]
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- It's up to you who and where you want to find support. While some people prefer to talk one-on-one with a close friend, others prefer the anonymity of a group. Whichever you choose, you should feel supported and encouraged.
- If you know someone who has accomplished your dreams you want, ask them to become your mentor.
7
Keep what's important to you. Starting over doesn't mean you have to give everything and everyone up from the past. While you may want to evaluate your relationships and personal values, don't be afraid to hold on to the people and things that matter to you. Additionally, you might appreciate having people or things that feel familiar close to you.
- For example, if you move away, you can still stay in contact with your family and friends, even if these relationships shift a bit.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Following Your New Path Forward

1
Add some fun to your life. Make time for fun and keep it a priority. This might include regular social outings with friends, joining a bowling team, learning to play the guitar, or taking weekly hikes. Engage in activities you enjoy and do so regularly.
- Having hobbies and fun activities can help you cope with stress and keep life exciting. It can also help you feel like you have purpose and meaning.^{[12]
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2
Focus on the present and not the past. Learn to live each moment as it comes by not holding on to the past and not worrying about the future. If you struggle to remain present, try focusing on your breath or your senses. When you feel uneasy or unsure of yourself, bring yourself to the present moment without focusing on anything else.^{[13]
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- For example, turn off your electronics and focus in on your senses. Tune in to each sense, one by one, until you feel centered and calm.
EXPERT TIP

Annie Lin, MBA
Life & Career Coach
Annie Lin is the founder of New York Life Coaching, a life and career coaching service based in Manhattan. Her holistic approach, combining elements from both Eastern and Western wisdom traditions, has made her a highly sought-after personal coach. Annie’s work has been featured in Elle Magazine, NBC News, New York Magazine, and BBC World News. She holds an MBA degree from Oxford Brookes University. Annie is also the founder of the New York Life Coaching Institute which offers a comprehensive life coach certification program. Learn more: https://newyorklifecoaching.com

Annie Lin, MBA
Life & Career Coach

Practice mindfulness to stay present. It's not possible to unwind the past, but it does matter how you think about it, so make a conscious effort to focus on the things that are actually around you. Every time you refrain from bringing the past to the present, you are giving yourself the opportunity to create something new.
3
Adopt a flexible mindset. Your wants may change over time, so be flexible and re-evaluate what you want every so often. Remember how courageous you were in making initial changes, and be just as courageous if you need to make more.
- Allow your desires to evolve. For example, if you went back to school and realized you don't want to be an engineer, consider your options and be willing to change your concentration.
4
Ask for help when you need it. At any point of starting over or moving forward, know that you can ask for help. It's okay to admit when things don't turn out the way you'd hoped or that you're having a hard time. Know how you can count on for support and reach out when you need it.
- If you previously disregarded helpful resources, think about looking into them again.

Expert Q&A
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Question

I am 61, and I feel like I am out of time. I want to start over, but I am scared. What do I do?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

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Acknowledge your fear first as being normal and plan to make baby steps to move in your desired direction. You don't have to change everything all at once. Find support and motivation as well from others who have made big changes later in life.
Question

How can I start again with a disability?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Focus on your strengths instead of the disability. Consider finding ways around your disability by delegating tasks or using technology to assist you as examples. Know your weaknesses and find ways to make them work in your favor or prevent them from interfering with your goals.