So you’re ready to shake things up, huh? Maybe you’re tired of the routines and roles that seem to have boxed you in, or maybe there’s a little voice whispering, “Hey, what if there’s more out there?” Well, here’s the good news: you don’t need to quit your job, sell all your stuff, and move to a remote island (unless that’s your vibe—then go for it!). Sometimes, all it takes to start an “unscripted journey” are a few small changes, one day at a time.
Here’s how to get started:

1. Reflect on What Truly Matters to You
Ever feel like you're living someone else’s life? That’s where I was not too long ago. I took a step back and started really looking at my own life, comparing where I was to where I’d always imagined myself. Spoiler alert: they didn’t match up. And that’s when it hit me—I wanted a change, and I was the only one who could make it happen. So, grab a journal (I recommend this one), take a walk, or just have an honest chat with yourself. Forget about what's looked good on paper or what other people expect—this is your life. The sooner you realize what truly matters to you, the sooner you can start heading in the right direction.
2. Define Your ‘Why’
So, why are you doing this? What’s pulling you toward this path? I started by writing down all the reasons I wanted my life to change. I wanted freedom—the kind that would let me do anything and everything I’d always dreamed of. And, honestly, I owed it to myself to live my best life. But it wasn’t just about me; I was doing it for my husband, our marriage, and for my kids. I want to leave a legacy that will make a difference for them. Defining my “why” gave me clarity and made this journey feel real. When things get messy (and trust me, they will), your “why” will keep you grounded. So, whether you’re chasing a dream career you’ve always wanted and were afraid to go for, or a healthier lifestyle that seemed impossible, or just more time to enjoy life, make it meaningful to you. Write it down, pin it up, and remind yourself often.
3. Set One Small, Actionable Goal
This is where it can feel overwhelming—you see the big picture and suddenly feel like you need to change everything overnight. If you’re anything like me, I want to do it all!!! But let’s keep it simple and completely real. My first goal was just this: read and listen to something inspiring every day. I look for things that motivate me, give me real-life solutions, and help me take steps toward my goals. Some people that I follow and listen to are Ed Mylett, Mel Robbins (she’s my bestie for life and she doesn’t even know it), Lewis Howes, Jamie Kern Lima & Brooke Thomas to name a few. I even track it in my iPhone notes and share it with my husband for accountability (because who doesn’t need a little nudge now and then?). Small steps add up fast. The key here is consistency; it’s not about making huge leaps—it’s about showing up for yourself, day by day.
4. Create a ‘Dream Fund’
Let’s talk money! Creating a dream life doesn’t mean draining your bank account. Start a little “dream fund”—even if it’s just the spare change you find in the couch cushions or $5 a week. My husband and I have started doing this for our business ideas and ventures. We even went as far as opening a business checking account just to make it real. Our dream is to be business owners and entrepreneurs, so saving for that feels like investing in our future. But maybe for you, it’s a “live abroad” fund, a “year of travel” stash, or something else entirely. Whatever it is, just start putting something aside and stay disciplined. Consider it an investment in Future You—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it grows.
5. Embrace the Power of ‘No’
Live Free, Stay Unscripteduperpower, but let’s be real—temptations are everywhere, and not everyone is going to understand your dreams. We’ve decided to make it easier on ourselves by setting aside time in the evenings to work on our future. This simple commitment fills our schedule, so saying “no” to other things isn’t even a question—we’re already booked! It’s all about priorities. Remember: every time you say “yes” to something that doesn’t light you up, you’re saying “no” to the time and energy you could be putting toward what actually matters. So start practicing your “no” (in the nicest way possible), and keep your goals in focus.
6. Build a Supportive Circle
The truth is people who don’t understand where you’re going can’t take you where you want to go. Sometimes, that means you're letting go of relationships that no longer serve you or add value to your life. Some people are just dream killers, joy suckers and time wasters. It sounds tough, maybe even a bit harsh, but it’s reality. My husband and I are still building a network of like-minded people—those who believe in big dreams, and who we can support just as much as they support us. The beauty of surrounding yourself with people who “get it” is that they make the journey less lonely and a lot more energizing. So, find your people, and don’t be afraid to protect your time and energy by distancing yourself from relationships that pull you away from where you want to go. If you need some motivation, I recommend turning up the volume and doing a little Meredith and Cristina dance to the song “Find your People” by Drew Holcomb! Woop, woop, that song is one of my favorites! Because when you find your people, you find yourself!
7. Celebrate Every Win—Big or Small
When you’re on a journey to change your life, it’s easy to overlook the small victories because you’re focused on the big finish line. But trust me, celebrating the little wins is key. Tim and I talk often about what we’ve already accomplished. We look back at the moment we decided to make a change and compare it to all the small wins along the way, like opening that business bank account, counting the books we’ve already read, or thinking about the connections we’ve made. Each small step is proof that we’re moving forward. So take a moment to celebrate those little milestones—they’re the stepping stones that get you to the life you’re building.
Look at this list every morning so that you can be reminded of the steps you need to take to start living the unscripted life you were meant to live! Nothing comes easy and everything worth something takes work! Don’t give up, you got this! Well friends, that’s it for now!
Until next time,
Live Free, Stay Unscripted!
© 2025 Cynthia Shone