If you’re tired of feeling miserable and unfulfilled in life, then you need a plan to get your life back on track. It’s not a simple process; it requires sacrifice and giving up some of the things you think you need. But it’s worth it. Following this seven-step method will help you get your life together.

STEP ONE: PAUSE

Before anything else, just get still. Go far beyond simply slowing down. You have to pause—unplug, de-commit, say no. Quiet the noise of the world so that you can restore your energy. Ditch social media; turn off screens; say no to unnecessary school, social, work, or family events. Step away from as many obligations as possible for as long as you can. Sleep– a lot.

This process may take just a couple of days, or several weeks. Don’t rush to the next step before your mind has had time to rest and calm itself. Ask for help. Allow your mind and spirit to recuperate so that you can begin to think clearly again.

STEP TWO: REFLECT

Reflect on what’s wrong and what’s right. Grab your journal and write your heart out. Talk to a trusted friend, family, or therapist. Avoid problem solving for now; just get in touch with your thoughts and emotions. What is causing you stress, sadness, anguish, or emptiness? What brings you joy? Give yourself grace, but accept responsibility for where you are. Are you neglecting the things (or people) that truly matter to you? Are people’s expectations dictating your life? What are you doing that you love and want to continue?

STEP THREE: IMAGINE

Ask yourself, “What do I want? Where do I want to be? What do I not want?” Be fanciful; be realistic—whatever comes out is fine. This is a wish list, not an action plan. “What means the most to me? What will matter when I’m at the end of my life? How would my ideal day look and feel?” If you can’t imagine your ideal, then think about what a better-than-yesterday day would be like.

STEP FOUR: PLAN

Take a wish list item from phase three, and decide how to get closer to that goal. Set one small, single-step goal if that’s all you can handle right now. Some examples— Notify the Foundation that you’re reducing your volunteer hours. Research admission requirements for that degree you’ve been putting off. Install an app to limit your social media usage (I recommend Quality Time).

STEP FIVE: ACT

Accomplish one small goal and reward yourself. Unfollowed that fomo account you love to hate? Yay! Replied back, “Sorry, I can’t make it this weekend?” Good job! Drove a different route home to avoid retail therapy? Happy dance! Listened to a podcast about self-love? Total win! Verbal praise may work for you, but I love a good list of simple tangible rewards to keep up the motivation.

STEP SIX: EVALUATE

Once you’ve gotten a few action wins under your belt, reflect on how you’re feeling now. Are you missing the things you decided to say no to? Are you proud of the steps you’ve taken? Don’t expect a complete 180° change overnight. Allow the baby steps to get you closer and closer to a happier you.

STEP SEVEN: REPEAT

These steps are fluid– you’ll need to weave in and out of them frequently. It’s common to realize you need more rest later on, and return to step one to eliminate more noise. Having a growth mindset means you will always reflect on what is or isn’t working. You can always re-imagine what a fulfilling life means for you. Allow yourself the flexibility to come up with a new plan when necessary.

The more you guide yourself through these phases for getting your life back on track, the stronger you’ll be at each step. You’ll be more focused on what you truly want in life and at peace with the action you’re taking to get there.