Ideopunk is right. We need to learn how to course correct on our own. I suppose, our spouses and close friends can provide warning signals. but then again, sometimes confronting someone about the need to rethink something can feel icky.

So how can we create or our own warning signals?

For me, one way is to use events like the start of a new year to reflect. Sure, the timing is arbritary, but it works. For one, the new year always comes in the middle of stretch of time off from work. The winter solstice has also recently occurred, giving me the sense of a new beginning.

My reflection consists of two parts. One, I give myself time for a major brain dump of everything that is on my mind. Secondly, I like the Stop/Start/Continue exercise and apply it to my life. This process usually drips out over several days, allowing my ‘system 2’ thinking to go to work. Do I catch all the warning signs in life that I need to catch? I’m not sure I’m batting 100%, but as a personal warning system, period reflecting helps tremendously.