THE HAMSTER WHEEL: 7 WAYS OUT OF EVERYDAY LIFE

AM I TRAPPED IN THE HAMSTER WHEEL?

If you have reached the point of asking yourself this question the answer will most probably be: Yes.
In case you are still undecided, I’ve got a couple of questions for you:
Did you go from school directly into college or further education? Not because you were too interested in it, but because this is what everyone does.
Are you employee and work on the dreams of another person?
Do you find yourself in a position, that could be replaced in no time in case you drop out?
Would you like to work out or meet friends after work, but you’re too exhausted and barely make it to the couch?
Do you look at people, who’s lives are better than yours although they work less and get frustrated, why you couldn’t have this much “luck”?
Are you looking forward to the next weekend when it’s only Sunday night?
Do you not earn as much money as you like and think about every penny you’re spending?
Are you scared to change your life, because it could be worse?
Are you waiting for the right moment to finally change your life?
Did you answer most of these questions with yes?
The answer is clear: You’re stuck in the Hamster Wheel. Now the question is what you’re going to do with this information. Do you want to moan and be annoyed about your life being unfair or do you want to start doing something to decide over the course of your life yourself?

THE HAMSTER WHEEL AND THE JOB LADDER

The two main reason why many people are stuck in the Hamster Wheel are habit and fear. They don’t question themselves nor their work, instead they do as they are told, because “It’s always been this way.”
And this is being accepted. To get off the wheel requires effort, that often doesn’t want to be made. Then there are the ones that would like to break free and show the diligence, but they are too afraid. They want to stick to their safe job and see their income every month on their pay-check. They are afraid to fail.
You can see, the reasons don’t matter. Fact is, that both kind of people will stay inside their Hamster Wheel, because it needs bravery and effort to break free.
The people that want to be employed, often see the job ladder in front of their inner eye. The have big goals, are motivated and really want to make a difference. They’re working hard to climb the ladder from the bottom to the top. But they are not aware, that they spend years with stepping in one place.
All that does is spinning the wheel faster.

7 TIPS ON HOW TO GET OFF THE HAMSTER WHEEL

To be stuck in the Hamster Wheel means to sacrifice your own happiness for a life in apparent safety. There are only two possibilities: Either you accept your life and your job, or you try and get off the Hamster Wheel.
These tips will help you to finally leave the Hamster Wheel.

1. The right time is now
   

   It’s a big step and you are afraid. That normal. But you’ve been unhappy with the situation for an estimated amount of time and you’re pushing along to change something. You find excuses, that calm your conscience and make it easier for you not to start.

   The right time to start doesn’t exist. It is right now. Think about where you could be if you had started a year ago. Let’s go!

2. Set your goals and find focus
   

   Make your mind about your visions, what you expect from life and where you want this to go. This step always starts with self-reflection and you need to be aware on what you want to change in your life.

   Consider your abilities and how they might help you in the future. Think about what makes you happy and what fulfils you. Set yourself a goal, which attracts you like a magnet. No problem that gets in your way, can dissuade you from this goal. You must want it 100%.

3. Work on your money-mindset
   

   Often it is stated that you need to have financial savings before you can step into self-employment. This gets a lot of people in panic, because they think they don’t have enough money to get off the Hamster Wheel. They give up before they even start. You need to distance yourself from these thoughts.
   To constantly think, that you don’t have enough money, will lead to not having enough money and will never make you successful.

   No one expects that you give up your job right away. You could start with building an income in addition to your regular job. It will not only build confidence and trust in yourself, but also make the first steps less scary.

   Additionally, it is important to reflect your consumptions. Think about, in which parts of your life you could save money to invest it in your project, instead of unnecessary consuming. Write down a list with your monthly costs and you might be able to find something to cut in order to save more money.

4. Invest in yourself
   

   Start to free yourself from the materialistic thinking and invest in knowledge instead. Soak in every piece of information, read books, listen to podcast and educate yourself. There are countless people that are already in the position you want to reach, so why not learn from the best?

   Expand your horizon, get new ideas and inspiration. You will be amazed about how many possibilities you can find to do what you’ve planned! Also, it supports your confidence and strengthens your commitment when you invest in yourself.

   It is perfectly fine to ask for help from someone who’s got experience. It will make your way much easier and will get you to your goals quicker.

5. Think about your worst-case-scenario
   Of course this isn’t some exercise to get you in panic about all the things that might happen during your enterprise. Try to think rational and be realistic on what could happen. Be aware, that if something goes wrong, there will always be other ways and your dream doesn’t burst immediately.
6. Don’t be daunted by a setback
   

   I can promise you, not everything will always go as planned. One problem after another will get into your way. But that is fine, because it will make you grow, and you can learn from it.

   The only important thing is, that you don’t let yourself down from these little hurdles and stay on track for your goals. You are constantly in the process of learning, which means you will make mistakes. But you will always get the chance to improve the next time.

   Don’t give up!

7. Find your purpose
   

   One who walks without knowing why he walks, will never arrive.

   To get off the Hamster Wheel will only be possible for you, when you really want it. With all your heart. And that is much easier, if you find reasons for yourself, why you want it so bad.

   Write them down and look at them on a daily basis. This way you can be sure, that you know why you’re doing what you’re doing. You will notice that even hard and boring tasks will become easier, because you know why you put the effort in them.

I hope this list will help you to get off the Hamster Wheel and to fulfil yourself. But always keep in mind, that you are the person that will change your life and that you need your own strength to build the life of your dreams. I’m rooting for your entry in a life full of purpose.
If you liked this article, leave a comment and tell us what struggles you’re currently going through on your way of escaping the Hamster Wheel. You can also share which tips helped you on your journey the most.