How To Create The Life You Want: Just Press Start

Remember arcade video games? You would put in your money, and then there was always a flashing button to press or part of the screen to click on so you can begin the game.

It says “Start”.

Would you know what to do if that button or area wasn’t available? Would you know how or when to start playing the game?

Probably not. 

You wouldn’t want the game to just start automatically because what if you needed to tie your shoe or grab a seat or take a drink real quick? It would catch you off guard and you would likely feel frustrated that you hadn’t been given the heads up that your game was starting.

Plus, there isn’t really another option because the game either has to start automatically or be told to start, right?

So, the green button it is.

What Does A Green Button On A Video Game Have To Do With Your Life?

Why are we talking so much about a start button on a video game?

Because we all have a version of a start button for different parts of our lives. It’s that moment when you make a life decision and then TAKE ACTION on whatever it is you want to do.

But, that’s the tricky part, right? The ‘taking action' part. Because even if we want to move forward, we are afraid to. We have fear, insecurities, low confidence, and even trauma holding us back from ‘pressing start’. These are real issues and they're okay...until you're ready to move past them and create the life you really want to live.

So, are you ready to press START?!

The key is knowing what you want and understanding your motivation. What motivates you to take action in your life? Is it your family, your passions, or wanting to move toward a healthier or more fulfilling life? Is it a little bit of everything?

Whatever positively motivates you will act as that flashing green light on the ‘Start’ button. If you don’t know what it is, the first step is to figure it out. Ask yourself these questions, and then either write down the answers or record yourself talking about them (Talking out loud is like magic for your brain, that’s why online counseling works SO well!)

• What do I want more of in my life?
• Which parts of my life are most important to me?
• What do I think my life looks like in 6 months? 1 year? 5 years?
• What am I most afraid of?

It Is Time To Create Your Plan To Press Start

Now, take your answers and create your plan. Here are some examples:

What do I want more of in my life?

If you want more money? Press Start by creating a profile on LinkedIn or revamping the one you have so you can start looking for new opportunities for leveling up or finding a new position.

If you want to exercise more (or at all)? Press Start by deciding which types of exercise you enjoy most and then creating a schedule on your calendar for which days you will do those exercises and for how long. (Ex. Wednesday: Cycling for 30 min, Friday: Pilates class for 1 hour)

If you don’t know what types of exercise you actually like, try a few different ones out and see what feels best!

Which parts of my life are most important to me?

Is time with your kids an important part of your life? Press Start by scheduling one on one time with each kid during the week (Ex. Monday: draw with George for 20 min, Thursday: read books with Louise for 15 min) and also scheduling time for a fun activity. You could plan a morning walk in the neighborhood or a game night after dinner. Put it on the calendar as a reminder!

Is time working on a hobby important to you? Press Start by finding creative ways to make time for those hobbies. Are you an early riser? Grab your coffee and head outside to weed your garden or water your plants in the early hours. Are you a night owl? Instead of turning to your phone or TV, work on a project, read a book, or make some art in the evening or even late at night!

What do I think my life looks like in 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years?

Press Start by creating concrete and achievable goals and then scheduling time to work towards them each day/week/month.

Let’s say you want to move to a new city/state/country within 1 year. What do you need to do to make that happen?

1. Ensure you have a job there or one that is remote.
2. Search neighborhoods you want to live in or do research with current residents to get more information.
3. Look for available housing in the neighborhood you choose.
4. Sign a lease or buy a house.
5. Schedule a move date.
6. Pack your belongings.
7. Move them to your new space. The end!

What am I most afraid of?

Maybe you are afraid of taking risks or failing. Maybe you are afraid of how others will perceive you or if you are making the right decisions. The thing is though, fears are just thoughts. They can be changed! Maybe you created a story (in your mind) about something that scares you because of an experience you had in the past. You’ve told yourself over and over again that you can’t repeat it because you don’t want to have the bad outcome again. 

Press Start by changing the story. Instead of something bad happening, envision something AMAZING happens instead! Taking a risk brings you a reward, failing creates an opportunity to learn, and others don’t actually care that much about the decisions you make. (Spoiler alert - everyone is WAY too consumed with their own lives to worry about what you are doing!)

Once you know what you want and why you want it, ‘Pressing Start’ will feel MUCH easier. And once you actually hit that green button, it only gets easier and more fun from there!

Get Help With Pressing Start With Online Counseling in Oregon

Are you ready to create the life that you want but need help pressing start? Discover Counseling can help you find the answer to the questions above. Then our Oregon online therapist will help you make a plan so you can begin pressing start. In order to start online counseling in Oregon just follow these simple steps:

1. Reach out to speak with an online therapist
2. Make your first online counseling appointment at our therapy practice
3. Get ready to press start

Mental Health Supportive Services At Discover Counseling in Tigard, OR

Our understanding Oregon online therapists offer several options to support you and your mental health needs through online counseling in Oregon. Such as anxiety treatment, trauma recovery, therapy for life transitions, and counseling for postpartum. In addition to therapy for teens, Christian counseling, and codependency treatment. We also offer support for your relationship with premarital counseling, couples therapy, marriage counseling, and therapy for relationship problems. At Discover Counseling we look forward to helping you live the life that you want.