This is an awfully big topic, so weasked you for personal experiences, and you delivered.
There were so many great contributions, so thank you to all who told your story.
Just do something
Its possible you feel stagnant because…well, you are.
You wake up, work, go to bed, and repeat.
Sometimes when it feels like youre not going anywhere, you just need something to loosen up the gears.
Chances are your comfort zone is exactly whats bringing you down.
You never know where something will lead you.
I applied for a position as a Software Engineer at IBM via the encouragement of another close friend.
The best thing you’re able to do is simply do something.
Once you do something, dont give up doing it.
What you do doesnt always have to be big.
It can bejust one small thing.
Think of something that has bothered you for a long time and handle it.
Fix a wobbly doorknob, cancel your Netflix subscription, or make an appointment youve been putting off.
The sense of accomplishment will get you moving again.
Whats important is that youre making a move.
Take up crocheting, or try a food youve never had before.
Just pick somethingwhatever youre feelingand go for it.
No matter how alone you think you are, youre not.
Lifehacker commenterPicclessays this is the key to feeling better about your life:
People.
Its all about the people in your life.
I guarantee there is
someone, somewhere
that cares about you.
Seek out family, friends, or perhaps even a coworker to chat.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it.
If you think you might be depressed, its even more important that you seek help.
There is always some way to talk to somebody,even if you cant afford it.
Of course, theres always strength to be found in words as well.
Whatever it is that suits you, you need support from time to time.
So reach out for somethingpeople, religion, inspiring wordsgrab it tight, and start to move forward.
Translation: youll be happier.
It doesnt have to be crazy when you start out.
Doing this allowed me to really think and just be present.
Walking allowed me to meditate and pray and literally be those important first steps to a better life.
I always tell people to take a walk and think things through.
I said Well that sounds like a good goal.
On June 14th, 2013 I started the race against 160+ people from around the world.
Find a sport, hobby, orroutine youll want to stick toand youll feel better in no time.
Probably not, but its a good first step to feeling better.
The change of scenery may help.
If your job is whats making you unhappy,you dont necessarily have to quit.
The simple change of setting boundaries between work time and personal time can help.
With boundaries in place, youll have more free time.
Instead of well I guess they didnt text me back you start to take ownership.
When is best for you?
Hey I havent heard back, are we still on?
(People are weird; say, you want to hang out sometime?
and itll never happen.
Say, are you free this Friday after work?
and you start a discussion.)
Maybe there is someone in your life that is nothing but negative.
As difficult as it is, cutting that person out of your life is what it takes.
Your environment could be affecting you as well.
Just dropped everything and left.
Have you ever considered that maybe things arent as bad as you think?
Its possible that you are just looking at everything too glass half empty.
One day, I realized that bad things werent just happening to me.
I was causing them.
When I took responsibility for my life and stopped making excuses, things turned around.
It wasnt easy but I put myself back on track.
Bad stuff still happens.
But you control your own happiness.
If you let life happen to you.
It will be over before you know it.
Theres no better time to try and adjust your mindset than when youfeel like youre out of control.
Remember, nothing will change unless you take action.
A simple change in any of those things can give you the perspective adjustment you need.
