We've all experienced moments in our life when we hear ourselves 
say "YES" to a job, person or situation we know deep in our heart 
isn't right for us. And still we do it. As soon as "yes" leaves 
our lips somewhere in us we hear a voice that screams "NO! Don't 
do it!" but somehow another part of us kicks in and our mind 
overrules the wisdom of our body and we find ourselves on a path 
we never intended.

Sometimes these wrong turns can be detrimental to our wellbeing. 
They cause stress and put us in danger of losing ourselves 
indefinitely. Other times we immediately realize our "yes" has 
led to an "o-oh" and we decide right then and there to go back 
to the beginning and start again.

Either way, when you find yourself in a sticky situation, only 
you have the power to declare you took a wrong turn and only you 
can decide when it's time to get back on track. These tips may 
help.

Be honest with yourself. Admit, as quickly as possible, you made 
a choice that led you down the wrong path. Nothing will change 
until you personally acknowledge the decision you made isn't 
working for you. The sooner, the better. Be willing to take 100% 
responsibility for the choices you make for your life.

Plan an exit strategy. Once you've admitted to yourself you're on 
the wrong path, decide how you're going to get back on track. In 
some situations it may be necessary for you to stop what you're 
doing immediately. Most of the time, a fast exit may lead to even 
more stress and poor decision making. Take the time you need to 
get very clear on what it is you do want, and get back on track 
one step at a time.

Be gentle with yourself. Beating yourself up will only damage 
your self esteem. Realize everyone takes wrong turns -- even the 
most successful individuals take several wrong turns before 
getting it right. Remember, life is ten percent how we make it 
and ninety percent how we take it.

Look for the lesson. There are no mistakes and there's always a 
lesson to be learned -- and even a blessing. What did taking a 
wrong turn teach you about yourself? Do you need to listen to 
your gut more and others less? Do you need to finally listen to 
your heart and follow its calling? Do you need to value yourself 
more? Do you need to redefine what success means to you?

Do better next time. Life is full of second chances. Be willing 
to take them! Let go of the past and commit to do whatever it 
takes to get back on the right track. The wisdom you've gained 
from taking a wrong turn will help you do better next time.

There's only one way to live life on your right track. Listen to 
your heart. It holds the secret to your happiness and the key to 
your success. 

Cari Vollmer is the creative founder of LifeOnTrack.com.  
LifeOnTrack.com's inspirational e-zine, LivingOnTrack, 
offers practical success tools, tips and strategies for 
getting and keeping your life on track.  Sign up at 
http://www.LifeOnTrack.com .