Six Practices to Get Back on Track in the Journey of Life

Samchetsabam Ratankumar Singh *

Life has a way of throwing us off balance. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves drifting away from our goals, losing motivation, and struggling to regain momentum. But getting back on track is always possible. Success, as Jim Rohn wisely said, "is something you attract by the person you become." The key to reclaiming your focus and progress lies in intentional daily practices that cultivate the right mindset, habits, and discipline.

"The true purpose of life is to cultivate virtue, and the first step is to exercise control over yourself." – Marcus Aurelius. This quote from Marcus Aurelius reminds us that the essence of life lies in developing virtuous qualities, with self-discipline as the foundational step. By gaining control over our own impulses and actions, we lay the groundwork for personal growth and moral excellence.

Through my own journey, I have discovered six fundamental practices that can help you regain control of your life, re-ignite your passion, and set yourself on a path toward success. These practices are not new; they have been used by the world’s most successful people for centuries. The real question is, are you willing to implement them?

1. Practice Silence for Greater Clarity and Genuineness

In a world of constant noise and distractions, finding silence can be powerful. Whether through meditation, prayer, or quiet reflection, silence allows us to reconnect with ourselves, gain clarity, and cultivate inner peace.

One of the best ways to use silence effectively is to set an intention before meditating. For example, if you’re working on a project or facing a challenge, use your silent time to seek solutions or insights.

Set a timer for 10 minutes, sit comfortably, and allow your thoughts to settle. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your intention. Over time, this practice will enhance your mental clarity and decision-making abilities.

2. Clarify Your Priorities by Journaling Daily

Journaling is one of the most powerful ways to gain clarity and structure your thoughts. Writing things down not only helps you process emotions but also assists in goal setting and prioritization. A simple method, such as the Five-Minute Journal, allows you to begin your day with gratitude and a clear focus on what truly matters.

Every morning, write down three things you are grateful for and three key tasks that will make the biggest impact on your day. This process helps shift your focus toward positivity and productivity. Journaling also acts as a self-reflection tool, enabling you to track progress, acknowledge personal growth, and stay motivated.

3. Make Truthful Affirmations for Personal Growth

Affirmations have long been touted as a powerful tool for personal growth, but they must be rooted in truth to be effective. Simply repeating “I am a millionaire” when your bank account tells a different story won’t help. Instead, craft affirmations that acknowledge your current reality while directing your focus toward growth.

For example, instead of saying, “I am a millionaire,” say, “I am committed to developing the skills and discipline necessary to achieve financial freedom.” This approach makes your affirmation a motivating, believable statement rather than an empty wish. The more you repeat and internalize these affirmations, the more they shape your mindset and actions.

4. Appreciate Your Current Place in the Journey of life

It’s easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re falling behind. However, success is a process, and each stage of your journey plays a crucial role in shaping you. Instead of wishing you were further ahead, recognize that everything you’ve been through—both the challenges and the victories—has prepared you for what’s to come.

When you embrace your current position with gratitude and perspective, you reduce stress and create a healthier drive for success. You can still maintain a sense of urgency, but let it be fueled by inspiration rather than anxiety. Trust that the timing of your journey is perfect and focus on taking consistent steps forward. "You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. Let not the fruit of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction." – Bhagavad Gita

5. Boost Your Energy with Morning Exercise for the Better Version of Yourself.

The importance of exercise goes beyond physical health; it directly impacts your mental and emotional well-being. A short morning workout can set the tone for your entire day by increasing your energy, improving focus, and reducing stress.

If you’re not a morning exerciser, start small. A five-minute stretch, a brisk walk, or a few bodyweight exercises can make a significant difference. The key is consistency. As Tony Robbins puts it, “Motion creates emotion.” When you move your body, you generate the energy and momentum needed to take on the day.

6. Read to Expand Your Knowledge and Perspective Consistently

Successful people are lifelong learners. Reading exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and solutions that can accelerate your growth. Whether it’s self-improvement books, biographies of great leaders, or industry-related content, reading keeps your mind sharp and adaptable.

Make it a habit to read at least 10-20 minutes daily. If you’re short on time, audiobooks and podcasts are great alternatives. The key is to immerse yourself in valuable content that challenges your thinking and inspires action.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." – Dr. Seuss

Bringing It All Together

Implementing these six practices daily can transform your life. You may not see immediate results, but consistency is the key. As Aristotle wisely said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Start small. Commit to incorporating at least one of these practices into your routine today. Over time, as you build momentum, you’ll find yourself naturally integrating all six into your life. The path to success is within your control—choose to take it, one step at a time.

Let’s remember the fact that, getting back on track is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Life’s challenges may slow you down, but they don’t have to stop you. Embrace these practices, stay persistent, and watch how your life transforms for the better.

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." – Confucius