Live Life Fully: Do you need a reboot for 2025?

After four snowstorms, an ice storm and freezing temperatures, you may be feeling like you’re living out the movie, “Groundhog Day.�

The novelty of those first snowflakes and “snow days� is likely wearing off, and that got me thinking about downward spirals — and how we need to guard against them.

We’re dealing with a lot of unpredictable situations, so I’d suggest you give yourself an extra dose of self-care — instead of getting down on yourself.

I’ve been thinking that I haven’t been as productive the past few days as I usually am. It seems like I’ve allowed myself to get distracted — and it’s taking longer to finish projects. Maybe you’re experiencing the same thing.

Then I stop and remind myself that these are extreme times. And that dealing with “the tundra� means allowing more time to get places. I’ve been extremely grateful that we got our driveway plowed — and that we still have our power!

You may not be giving yourself enough credit, either. The passing of the torch from one year to another — as we’ve just experienced — could be bringing up a lot of issues.

Just in case you find yourself slipping into a downward spiral, it may be a good time to take stock.

According to Brianna Wiest, author of “101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think,� progress is more about getting into alignment with what we need and want — and less about reaching goals through milestones. That’s why our greatest growth can come from the most painful times.

Take a look at this checklist, incorporating Wiest’s work and my professional experience, and see if anything strikes a chord with you.

You’re aware of what’s wrong, but don’t know what’s right

Before you know what’s right, you’ll likely have nagging feelings that something is wrong. Without the answers, the questions seem never-ending. And if you feel stuck — like there’s no way out — just realize this is a process.

Change is complicated and messy.

You’re doubting your next step

If you’re not doubting your next step, it may not be the right step, says Wiest. “You’re doubting because this means something to you,� Wiest explains. “The more right it is, the more you’re going to have an unconscious reaction. And you’re nervous because it’s unfamiliar.�

When you make choices in your life, you may bump up against those limiting beliefs that have held you back. Then you find you’re no longer content to follow someone else’s script. Moving out of your comfort zone can cause a pit in your stomach.

Your relationships are changing

On the surface, this might not seem like progress. You could be second guessing whether you tried hard enough with certain relationships. Or beating yourself up for letting them slip away.

“Losing relationships is often a sign that we’re growing into the people we’re supposed to be,� says Wiest. “We aren’t meant to have the same circle of friends for our entire lives. Unless those people grow in perfect congruence with us, we often step out of pace, as they head down their own paths in life as well.�

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it’s not a sign of failure — unless you feel a strong compulsion that you need to do more work. It could be that the match you once had just isn’t there, and that’s usually a sign you need to realign with those who understand who you’re becoming — not just who you’ve been.

A new vision for a successful life

You may find your priorities have shifted. Rather than going after a more ambitious-sounding title at work or taking the lead on a volunteer project — you could find you’re as ambitious about pursuing things that make your heart sing — and your spirit soar.

You’re starting to care more about how you feel, rather than what other people think. You may be restless — and no longer content to live a life designed to please everyone else. See if “coincidences� show up — a new opportunity or new person coming across your radar.

You’re slowing down

Slowing down doesn’t sound like progress. It can be effective, though.

Have you been so busy spinning all those plates in the air that you don’t have a minute to yourself? You may be thriving on chaos as a means of escape — so you don’t have to think about what’s missing in your life. Then, when the adrenaline rush wears off, you’re looking for your next “fix.�

“When we slow down, it’s because we’re no longer just running away from what’s wrong,� says Wiest, “but learning to step toward what’s right.� You may be coming to terms with the fact that you’re overextended and burnt out.

Something has to give. And when you slow down, you’re able to listen for the answers.

Showing up

“There’s no point after which all your worries will dissolve, and your life will become magically effortless — so you’ll be happy forevermore,� says Wiest. “There’s only the ever-present now — and how we respond to it.�

It’s all about showing up. So, go back over these categories.

And put some gold stars on your chart!