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How to Start a New Life: 20 Must-Do Steps to Leave Toxicity Behind

There’s something peaceful about starting anew and turning your life around. So learning how to start a new life is a life skill you need in your life.

how to start a new life

Not everything in life is great. We’ve all established that by now. That being said, sometimes, things can get so bad you want to escape. And that means you have to figure out how to start a new life and forget the shithole it used to be. It’s not easy.

In fact, you’ll have to work at it for a while, but it’s definitely possible to move on from toxicity and start over fresh. You can even make a point to rid your life of everyone and everything that messed it up in the first place.

It’s also the best feeling in the world to make a fresh start and turn your life around.

Change will always be scary, but it’s sometimes necessary when nothing in your life is turning out for the better.

[Read: How to start over and win – 12 keys to finding your second chance]

Is it healthy to start a new life or is it cowardice?

There are plenty of people who will say you shouldn’t just start over. You should try to correct your life as-is before jumping ship. But the thing is, you’re not just giving up because you want to learn how to start a new life. If anything, you’re persevering through all the turmoil in order to find something better on the other side.

Having a fresh start actually takes a lot more courage and strength than most people assume. It’s easier to stick to the familiar route and attempt to change your life.

But what if you can’t turn it around? The best thing you can do for yourself is to learn how to start a new life.

This doesn’t mean you erase every single thing from your past, and it doesn’t mean you’re ignoring it either. It means you’re figuring what you want, what you need, and how to bring that to the forefront while letting everything else fade into the background. [Read: How to get a life – 20 things you must do to feel alive again]

What does starting a new life do?

Many people are held back by the idea of change and entering uncharted territory. But that’s precisely why you need to learn how to start a life. You’ll thank yourself for doing this in the long run, especially when you manage to turn things around for the better.

When you’re stuck in a rut and there’s no way of getting yourself out, starting anew can significantly help. Most importantly, this can help you discover who you are and what you want when you’ve been so confused about what direction and path you really want to go.

Even if the thought of starting a new life seems scary, it will change your life. It changes your perspective, drops your old baggage, gives you hope and light, and can even provide you the sense of purpose and direction you’re looking for. [Read: New relationship advice to have a perfect start]

How to start a new life of health and happiness

Just like anything else that involves negativity and toxicity, it’ll take time to get through. You have to stick with it if you really want a fresh start and these tips are the best way you can go about starting over.

1. Make a list of what you want

Sometimes it helps to sit down and list what you want in life. It can be anything. You can write about what you’d like to look like and even how you’d like to see the world.

Having something to work off of can serve as a basis moving forward. If you’re serious about learning how to start a new life, it’s essential to have at least an idea of what you want. Envision the kind of life you’d be happy with and take it from there.

2. Make a list of everything standing in your way

Now that you have that list of what you want, write down everything that’s preventing you from having that life already. It can be people, a job, or even your mindset. Jot down every little thing you’ll have to change in order to get from where you are now to where you want to be.

Certainly, factors are standing in your way from achieving what you want. Maybe it’s your finances, or maybe it’s your own fear. Whatever it is, write it all down. This helps you gain perspective on everything. [Read: 10 signs your past relationship is holding you back from a better future]

3. Make a list of people you need to get rid of

Often, people struggle in life because of the other people they surround themselves with. If you have toxic people bringing you down or even insulting this life you want, you have to get rid of them.

It might be hard but overall, it’ll be the best thing you can do for yourself if you want to start a new life.

You can’t turn your life around if you keep holding on to the toxic people in your life. You need to have the courage to let go of these people, no matter how uncomfortable or scary it might feel. [Read: How to break up with a friend – The respectable steps you must follow]

4. Think deeply about what you want your life to look like

And even envision it. It’s easy to write down a list of what you want, but it’s another to think about that realistically and discover if any of it is attainable. Most of the time, it is. It takes some hard imagining in order to develop hope for what it’ll look like.

If there’s a central theme for how to start a new life, it’s knowing what you want and what you envision your life to be. So if you have a vision for your life, balance practicality and passion. List down the realistic ones to achieve but are things you really want for yourself. [Read: 12 life questions to help you visualize your future]

5. Set goals that can help you start over

You have what you want your life to look like, you have the stuff that has to change, and you also have the people you need to rid yourself of. Now it’s time for the challenging part: making goals. Never underestimate the power of goals in turning your life around.

Maybe the reason you feel stuck or you’re in a dark place is because of the lack of goals, which is precisely why you need to create plans. They don’t have to be life-altering, but you can start with something small and build your way up.

This is hard because doing this makes it real. And often, goals are intimidating. So write down those goals *weekly, monthly and yearly goals* and work toward achieving them every day. [Read: How to manifest love and happiness in your life – The steps you need to follow]

6. Work on bringing more positivity into your life

This will change your life the most. The more positivity you have in your life, the better it’ll be. You can transform the way you see the world if you work really hard on training your brain to be positive. You won’t know how to start a new life if you never bring any positivity into your life.

Whether it’s practicing gratitude or even changing your approach, you need to try at least to be positive. Granted, it’s easier said than done, but it really is necessary to create this habit.

Whenever you think of something in a negative light, immediately think of three positive things associated with it. Over time, your brain will default to those positives instead of focusing on the negatives. [Read: How to think positive and reprogram your mind to stay positive]

7. Accept what happened in the past

Before you can ever move forward, you have to acknowledge the past and accept what happened. No matter how bad it is, you can’t move forward unless you accept that it happened and you can no longer change the past.

What you can change is how you respond moving forward.

Stop dwelling on the past and everything that has already happened. No matter how much you focus on what happened, you can never change it – so let go of it however bad it was or however many years of your life you lost already. [Read: Achieving self-acceptance – 10 little steps for one big change]

8. Commit to moving on from the toxicity

It’s really a commitment issue here. Many people want to change their lives, and so few do because they don’t commit to it. They’ll do these things for a week and then fall back into their old habits. Commit, and you’ll see how great your life can be.

If you’re serious about wanting to learn how to start a new life, you need to commit to it. Make sure it’s what you really want and have the persistence and dedication to do so. Again, change is scary, but you need to commit to making your life better. [Read: How to focus on yourself – 27 powerful ways to create your own sunshine]

9. Meet new people

This will really make a big difference and help you feel like you’re starting a new life. Go out and about and meet new people. Meet great people. Surround yourself with people who have the type of life you want, and you’ll find it easier to achieve.

You can’t just stick to the same group of people you know, but you have to expand your circle and socialize with others. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in the same patterns as before. [Read: How to meet new people and find a new crowd]

10. Start new hobbies

Or even rediscover old ones. Get back to your roots and find out what you’re passionate about. Bring some of that passion back into your life, and it’ll feel like a whole new life to you.

This is your chance to try new things and explore different activities. Try taking a dance class or maybe learn how to play the guitar. There are endless possibilities, so don’t be afraid to try something new!

11. Kick nasty habits

Smoking, chewing your nails, negative thinking, not washing your face at night, the list could go on. Get rid of any bad habit, no matter how small. If you work on fostering good habits, your life will be renewed.

Negative habits will negatively impact your life, so never underestimate the power of habits. Instead, incorporate positive and healthy ones. Maybe that’s making your bed, working out, or even as simple as waking up early. [Read: 13 avoidable habits that will change your life for the worse]

12. Hit the gym more

This isn’t about how you look. It’s about how you feel. You really need to get in shape and give your body what it needs. People weren’t meant to just sit around. We need to move and sweat and get our hearts working hard. You’ll feel a lot better.

The best thing about exercise is that it ups you with productivity, motivation, and energy to lead a happy and positive life.

So if you’re serious about learning how to start a new life, it’s essential that you hit the gym. Or even if you’re not a gym person, just exercise and move your body. [Read: 13 faux pas that make you look like a jerk at the gym]

13. Change your diet

Just like people aren’t meant to lay around, people aren’t meant to eat junk. We’re supposed to fill our bodies with real food, and making this dietary switch can help you feel better, which will make you think more positively and see the world in a brighter light.

Stop eating junk food and basically every food that’s harmful to your body. Sure, you can eat it every now and then, but don’t make a habit out of it. [Read: Nothing makes me happy – How to make happiness your default state of mind]

14. Find balance

Find some balance if you want to know how to start a new life and enjoy it. Enjoy some junk food every now and then. Have fun while also maintaining your goals.

A balanced life is a sane life, and THAT is the goal. Remember, too much of something will drive you insane and cause you stress. So instead of working too much or resting too much, find the balance that satiates every part of your life. [Read: How to balance your career, social life and dating life]

15. Move if you have to

Not everyone can start a new life where they are. Sometimes there are just too many reminders of a more challenging time. If this is you, then move.

Get a new job and find a new city where you can be the person you truly want to be. It’s a challenge if you’ve lived in your hometown your entire life, but a new place also means a fresh start.

It’s your best chance of leaving everything behind, including all the toxicity and drama. [Read: 8 fun ways you can start over in a brand new city]

16. Always learn something new

Is your job going well, only to find that you want more? If you feel stuck at work or bored with your day-to-day, look for new ways to do things. Another way to make yourself more competitive in different jobs is to get more training.

Most of us don’t have the time or money to go to college and take classes. There are many good things about online universities, they are nationally recognized and cheaper than in-classroom education.

Make sure that you sign up for some non-synchronous online classes that collaborate with your work schedule so that you don’t have to stop your life to get ahead. And that’s how you start a new life. It’s not that easy, but the journey will be worth it. [Read: 17 happy things you need for a perfectly happy life]

17. Challenge comfort zones

Getting out of your comfort zone can help you break out of a life of stagnation. But don’t put on that bungee cord harness yet. You don’t need to take very high risks, which could put some parts of your life at risk.

Challenging your comfort zones is meant to help you see what you can do when you’re put to the test and will help you learn how to start a new life. After putting in so much effort to get there, it’s normal to want to take a break. But, there comes the point in your life when you have to step up your game again.

Set your goals and go for them. For example, if you have always wanted to run a marathon, set up a strict training plan to help you get there.

This lesson will teach you how to push through the pain and anxiety blocks that have kept you from being your champion. You deserve to live your most extraordinary life, so go deep inside yourself and discover where your hard ceiling is. [Read: 5 powerful steps to break out of your comfort zone]

18. Manifest goodness

If you’re thinking of starting over or changing your life, you’ll need to know what you want the new version to look like. Would you like to spend more time with your family, or would you instead concentrate on your career?

Making a vision board may help you materialize the positive in your life. Reading periodicals and newspapers of people, places, and things that inspire you may be eye-opening. Words you didn’t previously associate with yourself may now be appealing.

Silly? No. Consider making them with friends or family to determine whether their opinions matter in your future goals. Friends and relatives may sometimes function as mirrors for us. Seeing their astonishment at your many interests may lead you to reconsider or intensify your efforts.

Keep returning to the board to remind yourself of your goals. It’s common for predictions to evolve. Every year, a new vision board may help you concentrate and fine-tune your aspirations as you grow as a person. [Read: How to follow your dreams and all the amazing reasons why it’s worth it]

19. Take ownership

It is easy to move through life as if you were a passenger. The good news is that you don’t have to give up anything in your life to get back in charge of it.

Take control of one part of your life so that you can own it.

Start with one small part of your daily life. Instead of relying on someone else, try to fix it yourself – it could be making breakfast, a cup of coffee, walking to work instead of depending on public transport or anything just as trivial or big.

The best way to free yourself from being passive is to become the captain of your ship. Every time you take ownership of your life, you’ll start to feel more in control, and less like the passenger. And isn’t that what life is really all about? [Read: How to let go of your past and be excited by your future]

20. Maintain a meaningful social circle

A common proverb is that “you are what you surround yourself with.” New and interesting people might be the spice in your life that you’ve been looking for.

Consider your personal and professional connections as a whole. Make a mental list of the relationships that help you the most and why. Check out that list the next time you’re attending a social event and bring it along.

Strike up a conversation with people who fit into these boxes. If you want to know how to start a new life, remember it’s about fixing and changing every part that holds you back. And that includes the people that surround you as well. [Read: 12 quick tips to add more people to your social circle]

So, how to start a new life?

Starting a new life can often be scary because you really don’t know what to expect. This is a huge change in your life, but you need to realize you’ll never transform your life into something better if you constantly stay within your comfort zone.

Figuring out how to start a new life when you’ve been through some hard times isn’t easy. However, these steps can help make the transition easier and give you the insight you need to start fresh. Take that first step, everything good will follow in no time!

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The editorial team of LovePanky comprises relationship experts and real-life experts that share their experiences and life lessons. If you want the best love ad...