Ejecting your auto-pilot

I’ve found that whenever I haven’t come to terms fully with a commitment, an “auto-pilot” takes over my actions. Let me explain and see if you can relate.

Let’s say I’ve determined (again) that I’ve been eating too much ice cream and think it’s a good idea to take a break.

The next time I go to the supermarket, I do a great job stocking up on veggies. But instead of finishing at the checkout, I find myself walking towards the freezer section.

I then have a conversation with myself where I’m strangely curious about this development – “Hmmm, I don’t think I need frozen veggies… why would I need go to the freezers?”

Suddenly I’m in the freezer aisle, and now I’m saying to myself – “Oh, you’re here for ice cream. Come on Ben, let’s head back to the checkout”.

But instead my body keeps going and I then find myself in front of all the ice cream, and the conversation turns to – “Oh wow, connoisseur is on special. That’s nice to know but this doesn’t concern me”.

But then I open the ice cream door, and whatever inner-voice remains is silenced and I’m making my way back to the checkout with ice cream in-hand, almost in a haze.

It’s a routine I’ve found myself in regularly. My “auto-pilot” will kick in and dominate all my actions, even if there’s a little voice in my head trying to object.

This experience may be unique to me, but I’m sure you’ve had an auto-pilot take over your actions too. What I’ve found is that it’s very hard to eject the auto-pilot in the moment. But when it happens, I’ve found it a great signal to examine a commitment I want to keep.

So next time you feel the auto-pilot kick in, use it as a sign to explore why you’re continuing to act a certain way, and whether you really want to change.


Quarter Life Academy Logo horizontal

Life Coaching For Your 20’s and 30’s
Our team would love to hear from you! Simply complete the Contact Form on our website.

Join Our Mailing List

We post insights to help you on your journey EVERY DAY! Join our mailing list for daily guidance on all things career, health, relationships and life!

Learn more about how Benjamin and the QuarterLife Academy team can support you

Please submit this form and you’ll hear from our team within a day to schedule your 10-minute discovery call!

Subscribe for daily insights to your inbox

By submitting this form you will receive an email with the Quarter Life Framework. You will also join our Mailing List to receive daily insights about getting the most from your Quarter Life! You may unsubscribe at any time.