Stop Living on Autopilot: Take Control of Your Life and Career

Posted on October 03, 2024 by Tesa Vitelj, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

Introduction:
Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions—living on autopilot? It’s easy to get stuck in routines, where each day looks the same, and before you know it, weeks or months have gone by without meaningful progress. In his book Stop Living on Autopilot, Antonio Neves challenges us to step off that predictable path and start living with purpose and intention. In this article, I’ll explore some of the key insights from the book and how they can help you regain control of your life and career.
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1. Take Responsibility for Your Life

One of the central messages of Stop Living on Autopilot is the importance of personal accountability. Neves reminds us that we often blame external circumstances for our lack of progress, but the reality is that we are responsible for our own lives. If you feel stuck in a job, relationship, or routine, it’s up to you to make the change.

**Insight: If you aren’t satisfied with where you are in life, ask yourself: What actions can I take to improve my situation? Waiting for others or for the “right time” is a form of living on autopilot.

**Tip for Readers: Reflect on areas of your life where you’ve been passive and identify one action you can take this week to regain control.
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2. Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

Neves emphasizes that you don’t need to make grand gestures to start living with purpose. Instead, small, consistent actions can lead to significant transformations over time. The problem with living on autopilot is that it feels comfortable, but comfort can lead to stagnation.

**Insight: One of the most powerful ways to break free from autopilot is by setting small, achievable goals. These goals give you a sense of progress and build momentum.

**Tip for Readers: Choose one area in your life—whether it’s health, career, or personal development—and set a small, specific goal you can work on every day for the next week. By the end of the week, reflect on how this small action has made a difference.
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3. Reconnect with What Excites You

Living on autopilot often means losing touch with the things that truly excite or inspire you. Whether it’s a passion project, a hobby, or a new challenge, reconnecting with what lights you up can help you break out of the monotony and reignite your sense of purpose.

**Insight: Neves encourages readers to reflect on what brings them joy and fulfillment. This may mean revisiting past interests or exploring new ones that align with your values and passions.

**Tip for Readers: Think back to a time when you felt truly alive and excited about something—whether it was a project, a hobby, or even an idea. Ask yourself: How can I bring that feeling back into my life?
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4. Surround Yourself with the Right People

In the book, Neves points out that the people you surround yourself with have a major impact on whether you stay stuck or grow. If you want to stop living on autopilot, you need to be around people who challenge, inspire, and support you.

**Insight: It’s essential to assess your current circle and ask yourself: Are these relationships helping me grow? If not, it may be time to seek out new mentors, peers, or a coach who can push you toward your goals.

**Tip for Readers: Take stock of the five people you spend the most time with. Are they lifting you up or holding you back? Make a conscious effort to spend more time with those who inspire you to be your best self.
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5. Own Your Successes (No Matter How Small)

Another key takeaway from Stop Living on Autopilot is the importance of celebrating your wins. When living on autopilot, we often forget to acknowledge the progress we’ve made, big or small. Recognizing and celebrating your successes can keep you motivated and remind you that you’re moving in the right direction.

**Insight: Neves encourages us to track our wins and actively reflect on our progress. This not only boosts confidence but helps you stay focused on your goals.

**Tip for Readers: At the end of each day, write down one thing you did well, no matter how small. Over time, this practice will help you see just how far you’ve come.
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Conclusion:
Antonio Neves’ book Stop Living on Autopilot offers a powerful call to action: take control of your life, break out of stagnation, and live with purpose. By taking responsibility, setting small goals, reconnecting with what excites you, surrounding yourself with the right people, and celebrating your successes, you can transform the way you approach your life and career. If you’re ready to stop living on autopilot and take charge of your future, start by making one small change today.
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Call to Action***

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps, a coach can help you identify where you’re on autopilot and support you in taking actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life. Reach out to start your journey toward living with intention and purpose.