We all learn from our mistakes. Maybe you haven’t spent enough time with the people you love, or you’ve engaged in destructive behaviors. Perhaps you chose to take that job flipping burgers instead of going to college. Or maybe you started a family before you were ready. Whatever your particular set of circumstances, it is never too late to change the direction of your life.

If you know you want to change, you already know what it is that needs to be changed. Be it giving up alcohol, getting a better job, or improving relationships with the people in your life, seeking out the key ingredients is the first step. By reading this article, you have already set the first steps into motion.

KEY 1: Collect information.

Collect as much information as you can for whatever you want to do. If you want to go to college, research colleges. Research careers. Talk to people who have been to the college you want to go to. Surf the Internet. Go to your public library. Make an appointment with a counselor at your community college. The information is out there.

If you are trying to restart your life after problems with substance abuse, research programs available to people in your situation. Many social service organizations have programs to assist people in getting back into the work force. People are much more motivated to help someone who has already done things to help themselves. Read memoirs of people who have successfully conquered addiction. Find people who were once in your position and have gotten their life together.

If you are trying to start back in life after a teen pregnancy, learn about programs for single mothers to help them get back into the work force. Research the types of jobs and companies that make it easier to be a working mother.

If you are trying to reestablish connections with other people, find out what type of activities and issues are important to them. Then, learn about the activities.

KEY 2: Be decisive.

Once you have selected your direction, be persistent. Like the musician who has tried every instrument but doesn’t play any of them well, if you continually change directions, you won’t make much progress in any of them. If you find yourself overwhelmed with indecision, find a counselor - be it a career counselor, a support group, a mental health professional or a spiritual advisor.

KEY 3: Treat people with kindness and respect.

Whether or not your goal is to repair relationships, treating people well is the key to success in life. Be patient with others. Remember that frequently in life we get back what we give.

KEY 4: Treat yourself with kindness and respect.

Be patient with yourself. If you screw up once, don’t assume you have ruined everything and might as well give up. Don’t expect perfection and try to keep things in perspective. When people are struggling, they tend to blow things out of proportion.

KEY 5: Reward yourself.

Nobody can give 100% all the time; we all do better with incentives. Take time to close your eyes and clear your mind for a few minutes several times each day. Find little things you can do that are not harmful to you or anyone else. Go for a walk. Look at the Moon. Laugh with your children. Simple things can help others and give us pleasure.

THE FINAL AND MOST IMPORTANT KEYS

Believe that every problem has a solution and then find it. Remember that you don’t have to change everything today. Every journey begins with a single step.

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This article contributed by Frances Simon - a writer at Helium.com