By Dave Smith, The Ultimate Retirement Coach
There are times when life just feels flat.
Physically, mentally, emotionally — it’s as if someone dimmed the lights inside you. During these times, I’ve found I’m not a great partner to my spouse, kids, or friends. I’m distracted, distant, and not listening well.
When I was still in the workforce, I’d feel this way too. My go-to solution was to step away for a day — to read, reflect, and recalibrate. One time, I took The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People on a personal retreat and used it as a framework to re-center my thoughts. It helped me rediscover what mattered most and sparked small, simple actions that reenergized me.
Now that my “working for the man” years are behind me, I still find myself in a funk from time to time. What I’ve learned is that this feeling has nothing to do with working or not working. It’s about rekindling the fire — reminding yourself what matters most, practicing gratitude, and rebuilding excitement for the future through small, meaningful actions.
I’m a stubborn guy, so I had to develop my own system. When I get away for a bit — maybe a walk, a drive, or a quiet weekend — I let my thoughts flow without a goal. I capture ideas as they come, then sort them into simple categories: health, relationships, learning, building or creating, and finances.
Then, I let those ideas simmer. Sometimes they start to connect: a 10K race in a new city, a creative project with friends, a family trip that sparks memories. When ideas from different parts of life start to link up, that’s when I feel my energy return.
The magic happens when I write those ideas down — no pressure, no commitment — just possibilities. A few of those possibilities will start to pull at you. They’ll make you a little nervous, maybe even uncomfortable. That’s a good sign. That’s where growth and excitement live.
And that’s what led me to create my 5-Step Reboot Process — a simple, practical way to reset your mental and emotional energy when life feels heavy or flat.
Think about that moment.
Where were you?
What were you doing?
Who were you with?
Chances are, it wasn’t during a moment of comfort — it was when you were challenged, curious, or connected to something meaningful.
Feeling alive doesn’t come from having everything figured out. It comes from taking one small, intentional step toward what excites or scares you just a little.
Here’s the simple framework I now use — one I wish I’d had years ago.
Step 1: Interrupt the Pattern
Change your environment or routine. Go outside, take a new route, do something that shakes up the monotony.
Step 2: Name It, Don’t Judge It
Say (or write), “I’m feeling ___ right now, and that’s okay.” Naming your emotions helps release their hold.
Step 3: Micro-Wins
Do something small and achievable — make your bed, drink water, go for a short walk. Momentum follows action.
Step 4: Curate Inputs
Audit what you consume. Limit draining content, and add uplifting or inspiring material — podcasts, books, or music that make you curious again.
Step 5: Choose One Tiny Forward Step
Ask: “What’s one thing I can do today that moves me 1% closer to what matters most?”
This process isn’t about fixing everything — it’s about regaining movement. Funk isn’t failure; it’s feedback. It’s your mind’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s time for a shift.”
Take the signal seriously, but don’t overcomplicate it. Start small. Take one step. And let the energy rebuild itself from there.
If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected, remember: you’ve rebooted before — you can do it again.
The spark isn’t gone; it’s just waiting for oxygen.
Slow down. Reflect. Reboot. Then move forward — one small step at a time.
By Dave Smith, The Ultimate Retirement Coach
Helping you rediscover purpose, peace, and excitement in your next chapter.