3 Ways To Stop Sleepwalking Through Life
It's time to stop going through the motions. Here's how to wake up to your own life and start living with clarity and intention.
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | May 20, 2025
Our culture is rife with stories where people grow dispassionate and jaded with lives and routines they intentionally created for their own security and comfort. It's a story we hear frequently — you wake up, go through your daily routine and before you know it, another day has passed without anything meaningful to show for it.
Many people find themselves stuck in a routine that feels more like a never-ending loop than a fulfilling journey. It's as if life is happening around you, but you're not really living it — you're just existing.
This sense of being on autopilot can be unsettling, leaving you with a nagging feeling that there's more to life than what you're currently experiencing. The good news is that you don't have to stay in this state of inertia. It's entirely possible to break free from this pattern and start living your life with greater intention and awareness.
Here are three strategies that can help you reconnect with your true self and reignite your passion for life.
1. Create A Personal Manifesto
One powerful way to snap out of autopilot mode and reclaim control over your life is to create a personal manifesto — a written declaration of your core beliefs, values and intentions for how you want to live.
This manifesto is more than just a list of goals; it's a reflection of what you stand for, the principles that guide you and what you aim to contribute to the world.
The process begins with deep self-reflection. Ask yourself probing questions:
- What do I truly believe in?
- What kind of person do I aspire to be?
- How do I want to impact others?
You might even draw inspiration from Japanese philosophies such as Ikigai and Wabi-Sabi.
- Ikigai, often translated as "reason for being," encourages you to find the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs and what you can be rewarded for. Integrating Ikigai into your manifesto can help you identify a life path that brings you deep satisfaction and purpose. A 2021 meta-analysis also confirms an additional and natural boost in physical health benefits for those who live by the principles of Ikigai.
- Wabi-Sabi, on the other hand, is the art of finding beauty in imperfection and embracing the transient nature of life. Chasing perfection, as we know and as highlighted by research, can more often than not, hinder progress. Incorporating Wabi-Sabi into your philosophy can guide you to accept and appreciate life's imperfections, allowing you to live more fully in the present and find contentment in the here and now.
To ensure that your manifesto remains a central part of your life, display it somewhere visible — on your desk, in your journal or as a background on your phone. Seeing it daily will serve as a constant reminder of your intentions, helping you stay focused and intentional rather than drifting aimlessly.
2. Engage In 'Curiosity Days'
While routine can offer comfort and stability, it often dulls your senses and traps you in a state of mental inertia. To counteract this, dedicate one day each month to your inner curiosity — a day devoted entirely to exploration and discovery, where you consciously step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new, unfamiliar experiences.
Consider indulging in a new culinary adventure. If cooking isn't your thing, attend a pottery workshop. If you prefer intellectual challenges, try a crash course in a foreign language. The goal isn't necessarily to master the subject but to engage your brain in a new way, sparking curiosity and expanding your horizons.
Similarly, consider picking up a hobby that's completely outside your usual interests. If you've never painted, try a beginner's art class; if you've never gardened, spend a day with your hands in the soil. These activities can reignite your passion for learning and foster a sense of wonder.
The essence of a successful "curiosity day" lies in approaching it with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Let go of any preconceived notions or expectations, and fully embrace whatever new experiences come your way.
Researcher and psychologist William Whitecross at the Australian National University supports this approach, suggesting that while uncertainty can be daunting, we are not inherently wired to respond with fear or anger.
"There is a part of our mind that wants to approach the unknown and learn about it. You just need to tap into it," he says.
3. Adopt A 'One New Connection' Rule
Another way to stop sleepwalking through life is to broaden your social horizon. Sticking to familiar social circles and routines can limit our perspective and growth. Adopting a "one new connection" rule can help you intentionally expand your social network and infuse new energy into your life.
Here's how it works — each month, make a deliberate effort to connect with at least one new person. This could be someone you encounter at work, in your community or even online within a group that aligns with your interests. Approach these interactions with genuine curiosity and an open heart, focusing on learning from others' experiences and viewpoints.
To make the most of this approach, try to engage in meaningful conversations and show genuine interest in the other person's story. Ask questions, share your own experiences and seek common ground. By seeking these new connections, you not only enrich your social life but also invigorate your overall sense of purpose and involvement in the world.
Curious whether you're ready to stop drifting and start living? Take the research-backed Openness To Experience Scale to find out.
A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.