When do you know it’s time to go for a lifestyle upgrade? For some people, it happens when you realize that you’re still living like a college student even though you graduated years ago. For others, it can be the knowledge that you’re in a dead-end job. Still others might simply struggle to do nice things for themselves even though they can afford it. If you’re looking to get a leg up on your quality of life, the tips below can help.

Identify the Issue

What is it exactly that you’re looking for? Have you suddenly realized that you’re tired of living off fast food and you want to learn to cook like an adult? Maybe you’ve decided you can’t be a ski instructor forever. Figure out whether the problem is a fairly straightforward one, such as deciding you want to give your wardrobe an overhaul, or a less defined one, such as knowing you want to do something different in your life but not being sure what that is. If you still aren’t sure what you want to change even after giving it some though, the next step below will help.

Map the Steps

The next step is to figure out what you need to do to get that upgrade. If you’re still stuck in the unsure space, you might want to consider a session with a career counselor if your indecision is job related or a talk with a life coach if the issue is a broader one. Your solution might be a fairly simple one in that if you’re looking for a better wardrobe and you don’t know where to begin, making an appointment with a personal shopper might be just what you need.

On the other hand, the pathway might be a little more complicated. For example, if you want a career change and you need to go back to school, you may need to figure out how to pay for it. You might be eligible for Earnest student loans from a private lender, which you can quickly check online. You may also be able to get scholarships and federal aid.

Give Yourself Permission

Even after identifying the issue and the steps to a solution, you might still be holding back. Many people struggle to simply do things for themselves. If you find yourself using words like selfish to describe this attention to improving your life, you may be one of them. Often, simply recognizing that you are holding yourself back is sufficient to reset your thinking, but if that isn’t working, more time with that life coach or possibly consulting a counselor could be useful.

Track Your Progress

It can feel great if you have some record to show yourself how far you’ve come. If you’re giving your wardrobe an overhaul or redoing your home, take before and after photos. If you have adopted some at home skincare treatments, how has your skin responded to these product changes? If you’re doing something major like a career change, take the time to jot down a few concrete points about your current job dissatisfaction. You can come back to look at it later to compare how much better your situation is.