Break free from the autopilot mindset and take control of your life! Discover how to recognize autopilot tendencies and embrace mindfulness to live fully in the present moment.

1. Beyond Habit:
How the Autopilot
Mindset keeps
your life on the
ground

2. Have you ever experienced a day where you felt like
you were just going through the motions, not fully present?
Or perhaps you've looked back and wondered where all the
time went?
If so, you might have been operating on autopilot.
In this post, we'll explore why the autopilot mindset keeps you
trapped in your routines.
But fear not! There's a pilot in the plane... and it's you!
Recognizing when you're on autopilot is the first step in taking
control of your life.
Are you
present?
Let's get on board!

3. Think about your morning routine: getting dressed, brushing your
teeth, making breakfast. Autopilot lets you do these tasks
automatically, freeing your mind for more demanding work.
Just like setting your airplane on autopilot, your
mind can rely on ingrained habits to get through
your daily routines. This isn't all bad!
Autopilot offers some amazing benefits:
Tackling a tough project with deadlines? Autopilot can handle
routine tasks like scheduling meetings and filing documents.
This allows you to focus on strategizing and problem-solving.
Playing a musical instrument or practicing a sport? For well-
practiced skills, autopilot allows for smooth execution without
overthinking every move.
Benefits

4. Sticking to routines limits new experiences! Consistently
socializing with the same group might prevent you from meeting
diverse perspectives, hindering your growth. Autopilot disconnects
you from the present too. Scrolling through your phone while
walking? You might miss the beauty around you (or a life-changing
encounter!)
Autopilot often leads to impulsive or habitual reactions.
Stressed at work? You might grab a sugary drink or snack bar for a
quick boost, hindering your productivity later.
Constantly checking your phone during dinner? It disrupts genuine
connections with your partner or friends.
DRAWBACKS
Autopilot : It gets things done, but at what cost?
Relying too heavily on autopilot can lead to several
drawbacks:

5. Autopilot
alert!
Eating quickly without savoring? Brushing your teeth in a hurry
Speeding through workouts? Not fully engaged in conversations?
These automatic behaviors prevent you from being authentically
present and fully engaged in life. When daily tasks become
automatic, you miss out on life's flavors!
Stuck in the past, or anxious about the future? Fixating on past
successes or failures? Constantly worrying about upcoming
deadlines or responsibilities? Overplanning and underappreciating
the present?
These autopilot tendencies limit your ability to make conscious
choices aligned with your values and goals.

6. Scrolling through social media aimlessly? Watching TV without
truly focusing on the content? Snacking without considering
whether you are hungry? Completing work tasks without conscious
thought?
Being mentally absent limits your ability to live mindfully and enjoy
each moment fully.
Reacting defensively in a conversation? Feeling
jealous or envious of someone else's success?
Automatically saying "yes" to requests without
considering your own limits? Getting angry over
minor annoyances, such as a spilled drink?
These automatic reactions can cloud your judgment
and disrupt your ability to connect authentically.

7. TAKE THE
PILOT SEat
Becoming aware of autopilot tendencies is the
first step towards reclaiming control of your life.
Here are some tips to sharpen your vigilance:
Regular body scans help you become aware of stress signals your
body sends.
Deliberately focus on your body throughout the day, starting from
your head down to your toes. Recognize physical sensations,
especially in stress-prone areas like the shoulders, neck or jaws.
This awareness lets you catch yourself in autopilot mode and take
steps to de-stress, like deep breathing or stretching.
By listening to your body, you can manage stress before it gets out of
hand.

8. Set reminders (phone chime, wristband) to stop and check in with
yourself. When prompted, pause, close your eyes (optional), and ask:
"Am I present?". If not present, gently refocus:
Breath: Notice your breath, feel each inhale and exhale.
Senses: Tune in to the sights, sounds, and sensations around
you.
Choose the reminder method that works best for you. Practice
regularly for increased awareness and appreciation of the present
moment.
Utilize quiet moments during your day, such as waiting
in line or commuting, to check in with your thoughts.
Are they fixated on worries or judgments?
Are they dwelling on the past or future?
Practice approaching your thoughts with curiosity and
compassion, labeling them to create space between
you and them. This helps you observe them objectively,
rather than becoming entangled in their content.

9. and
TAKE OFF!
Recognizing autopilot signs and practicing mindfulness
in your daily routines enables you to fully engage with
the present moment, enriching experiences, and
enhancing overall well-being.
Now, you're prepared to transition to the next phase of
your journey. It's time to spread your wings and soar
towards empowerment and action!

10. Are you ready to
chart a course to
your dreams?
Stay tuned for my next post,
where we'll delve into strategies
for transforming your mindset
from autopilot
to takeoff.