Each day many of us wake up and tend to do the same things over and over again yet expect different results.

Do you tend to eat the same breakfast, read the same newspaper and take the same route to work?

If so, you are operating on auto-pilot.

When we operate on auto-pilot we lose focus. Without focus, our stress levels go sky high. Then, we feel we have so much on our plates that not even a Superhero can save us. What are we doing wrong? By doing the same thing over and over again, the results will be the same.

Let’s change it up. Instead of oatmeal for breakfast every day, try cereal with fruit and nuts. Scout out the other newspaper and read it on Sunday to view the news from a different perspective. Take a new route to work tomorrow. Simple changes make a big impact! Becoming more mindful and aware of what we do helps release us from the anguish of being overwhelmed.

Auto-pilot rarely leads the road to success. When something does not work we need to make changes to get off of the hamster wheel and thrive. In order to stand out, we need to do things differently. Auto-pilot keeps us stuck.

Do you let others’ moods have an effect on your attitude and their approval of you can make or break your day? This can lead to feeling stressed out to the max and exhausted. Who wants to feel like this? It’s time to switch gears and be mindful of all the great stuff around us. Having lunch with your best friend, the kindness of strangers, and the smile of a young child never ceases to amaze me. This is great stuff for sure...

It all starts at the beginning of our day and our attitude. A positive attitude starts with a healthy dose of self-confidence. How do you rate your self- confidence? A strong executive presence radiates from that confidence. No more slouching, staying silent and letting others affect our day. Let's stand up straight, speak up and live life on our own terms.

It is important to cultivate strong values. Values are the ideas, concepts and beliefs that guide you. What do you value and how does it affect your everyday life? If you value honesty and your employer is dishonest, get out now! Start looking for employers who will value your honesty and integrity. If you value being positive, stay away from toxic people that will suck you up in their world of negativity.

The secret ways to getting over the corporate hamster wheel...

These seven choices will help you get off the hamster wheel and start taking control of your life again.

1. Have a positive attitude. Negativity is toxic and pushes people away.
2. Be optimistic. Optimistic people thrive in life.
3. Find positives in negative situations. Why be miserable?
4. Stand out and be different as no one wants to be a bobble head and do things the same way that others do. Copycats bring us down.
5. Lead from grace with class and finesse. You will radiate with confidence.
6. Make a difference by being of service to others. Leave your own legacy!
7. Become a mentor and guide someone new to success. How does it feel to you when you give back to others and make a difference?

How you break away from the corporate hamster wheel and live life on your own terms?