Beginning again—whether it’s a new career, a house move, or a health overhaul—can feel incredibly exciting. But it’s all too easy to hit a few issues along the way. Here are six common road bumps to watch out for, so you can make the most of your fresh start: 

1. Feeling Like You Need To Get Rid Of Everything

When something big changes in your life, it’s totally normal to want that slate to be wiped completely clean. This is especially true when you’re recovering from a major setback, building back up again after a breakup, or getting clean from an addiction. The key here is to avoid going overboard. 

Instead of chucking everything out (and probably regretting it later), you could rent a self-storage unit. This gives you a safe, affordable, neutral space to keep hard-to-replace items, or belongings that have sentimental attachment. You can always sort through them at a later date when you’re in a more stable place. 

2. Making Big Decisions Too Quickly

Adapting quickly is good, but acting too fast can be problematic. Take the time to think everything through and make sure each step you take aligns with what you want. When you give yourself the space and kindness to make considered decisions, you support your immediate and long-term future. 

3. Overlooking Financial Literacy 

Research tells us that over half of American adults are financially illiterate. Fresh starts can come with expenses, so now is a good time to gain that financial literacy. 

To keep your finances in check:

  • Learn how to budget
  • Face up to debt
  • Consider delaying any big purchases
  • Seek financial advice for tricky monetary situations, aka divorce
  • Build an emergency fund

4. Forgetting About Your Emotional Health

When big life changes happen, all kinds of emotions can come with them. For example, breakups can make you sad, angry, happy, confused—it’s a lot. This emotional tsunami is such a big deal, in fact, that experts say it takes roughly half the time the relationship lasted to get over it. 

Regardless of which big life changes you’re going through, do seek extra help if you need it. Whether that means pulling in friends and family for support, learning to regulate your nervous system with breathing exercises, or getting professional therapy, your emotional health is worth prioritizing. It’s okay to pour more of your time into emotional self-care at the moment to ensure you’re strong, safe, and supported. 

5. Clinging To Old Routines

Sometimes, we stick to old routines because they feel safe and familiar, but with this life change, yours may no longer serve you. Instead, carve out the perfect day-to-day routine for your new self, one that supports your fresh outlook and goals. 

6. Not Protecting Your Peace

When you have a fresh start, you’ll likely get well-intentioned advice from everyone you know. While it’s lovely that they care, it can also make you feel pressured to succeed, or to get through the difficult time quickly. Studies show that over half of young people feel unable to cope due to the pressure they feel to succeed. In reality, all age groups can crumble if expectations feel too high. 

Protect your peace, be kind to yourself, and set boundaries. Loved ones may mean well, but you need to create a healthy foundation for this new chapter, giving yourself the freedom to grow at your own pace. 

A rich, beautiful, happy future is right around the corner. Avoid the six mistakes above, and you’ll move forward stronger, more well-rounded, and freer to carve out an exceptional new life for yourself.