Ushering In ChangeLast week marked the beginning of fall. After a long, hot summer, many of us are eagerly looking toward a new season of rain, cool weather, and cozy evenings. The change in seasons is welcome. We know it’s coming and are ready for it when it arrives. Change in general doesn’t usually happen this way. It’s often a surprise, and an unwelcome one at that.

But what about the changes we’re hoping for? The ways we know we want to grow and develop? We don’t have to wait until we’re out of options to make big changes in our life. When it comes down to it, how do we know if we’re ready for change?

Here are a few ways to tell:

  1. You have outgrown your current role.
    Whether you finished a new degree or your experience has simply overtaken your job requirements, this is a good indication that you should begin looking for new opportunities. Be intentional about where you look and make preparations for an adjustment in salary, moving costs, etc.
  2. You have lost your motivation.
    Have you begun to dread your workweek rather than looking forward to the challenges it will bring? This may be a sign that you’re experiencing burnout. If you’re working from a place of burnout, make sure you know what you need before you begin moving into new opportunities. You want to ensure that you have time to reset, find your passion, and get into work that excites you. Don’t take the next available position just because you’re ready for change.
  3. You feel like you’re not really living.
    Maybe it’s the monotony, maybe it’s the sneaky feeling you’re simply surviving from weekend to weekend. Whatever it is, it keeps you from feeling like you’re fully living your life.
  4. You are prepared for the challenge.
    Are you in a good position to start the business you’ve been dreaming of? Are you ready to pursue you PhD or take that new position you’ve been offered? Take a look at your list—are your loved ones in a good situation for you to take on a new challenge? Are your finances stable? If you’re not yet prepared to make a big change, now is a good time to begin planning for it.

If you’re still not sure about what your next steps should be, there are some things you can do. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with me to talk about what you want for your life and how to get there. Check out my online store for resources to help you up-level your life to lead you in the direction of your goals. And join my Facebook group Shine On Purpose for daily encouragement and weekly goal check-ins.

It’s never too late to begin living your best life. Start today.

Love insights in your inbox? Get them direct from Gretchen’s desk.