How to Focus on Personal Growth and Happiness After Divorce

While the end of a relationship can be painful, try to look at your newfound single status as an opportunity to take control of your life and make positive changes. Here are just a few ways you can focus on personal growth and happiness.

By Paisley Hansen Updated: June 20, 2022Categories: Divorce Recovery, Health & Wellbeing, Life After Divorce

Going through a divorce is a big life charge that comes with many challenges. You have to make adjustments and consider a different path forward for yourself.

Focus on Growth and Happiness

While divorce can be painful, try to look at your newfound single status as an opportunity to take control of your life and make positive changes.

Here are just a few ways you can focus on personal growth and happiness.

Rethink Your Career

Use your divorce as the catalyst to examine all areas of your life. Do some soul-searching and think about what you truly want. Your job is a good place to start. Are you happy with what you do? Or, is it time for a change? Perhaps there is an alternative career path that you would like to explore. Consider taking out student loans to pursue a degree program that interests you. 

Get Healthy

One of the best ways to feel confident and improve your mood is by getting healthy. It can be tough to take time for yourself when you are distracted and stressed out from a major change. However, putting yourself first is an essential step toward personal growth. Listen to the needs of your body and carve out enough time to get in some exercise. You can even use it as an opportunity to meet new people by joining a gym, or sports team, or signing up for an exercise class. 

Explore What You Want

Many people find at some point in life that they start to slip into a routine that they begin to follow without question. Oftentimes, the reason for this is to accommodate the schedule and needs of others. Your divorce is the perfect opportunity to reexamine your life and look deeply into why you do the things you do.

Perhaps you live in the city because your former partner didn’t enjoy the country. Maybe you never ordered from your favorite restaurant because they had a food allergy or didn’t like the dishes available. Now is your chance to decide how you want to live your life. Make changes both big and small. Consider a move to a new home, take a cooking class, or finally adopt the pet you’ve always wanted. Live your life on your terms and in pursuit of your joy. 

Set New Goals

You likely had a plan in place with your partner with certain goals and milestones you were working toward together. Things such as buying a home or saving a certain amount of money. Now that you are single, it’s time to set new goals for yourself, based on what you want out of life. 

Take the time to examine your finances and educate yourself on ways to save or invest. You can begin to put aside money to retire early or to start a business. There is no limit to the options. Think about what would make your life more enjoyable and create a plan to make it happen.

Take a Trip

Getting away for a while can be an excellent way to clear your head and get a fresh perspective. Plan a fun trip with your kids or friends. You can even go on an adventure by yourself. A little excitement combined with some well-deserved rest can do wonders for your mindset and allow you to return feeling energized and excited about the next stage in your life. 

Final Thoughts

Ending a serious relationship is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be a terrible experience. Use the information that you have gained to empower yourself and make clear and bold decisions to create an amazing life going forward.