Making a change in life can be a daunting task. Whether it’s switching careers, ending a relationship, or relocating to a new city or country, the thought of leaving your comfort zone can be overwhelming.
In sessions with my clients, I am often asked, “When do I know that it is time for me to make a change?” so in this blog post, I will explore two of the most common triggers I noticed that indicate when it’s time to make a change in your life. From feeling bored and unfulfilled to being fed up with a situation, these triggers can help you identify when it’s time to take action.
I will also provide some questions and journaling prompts to help you reflect on your decision and ensure that it’s the right one for you. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of when it’s time to make a change and how to approach the decision-making process.
The first trigger is when you feel that you’ve done your part, and there’s nothing left for you to do. This is a feeling of stagnation and boredom that can creep up on you, leaving you feeling unfulfilled. For example, if you’ve been in the same job for several years, and you’re no longer learning anything new, it may be time to consider a change.
The second trigger is when you feel strongly that enough is enough. This is a feeling of being fed up with a situation that’s been going on for too long. For example, if you’re in a toxic relationship and you’ve reached your breaking point, it may be time to make a change.
However, it’s important to note that just because you feel that you’re done with a situation, it doesn’t mean that it’s always the right time to make a change. It’s important to validate your decision within yourself and make sure that it’s the right one for you. This can involve journaling, talking to a therapist or coach, or reflecting on the matter in other ways.
If you’re unsure if making a change in your life is what you need now, here are some questions and journaling prompts to help you explore your options:
- What am I currently feeling about my situation? Am I bored, unfulfilled, frustrated, or fed up?
- What are the benefits of staying in my current situation? What are the drawbacks?
- What would happen if I stayed in my current situation for another year? Five years? Ten years?
- What are the benefits of making a change? What are the drawbacks?
- What are my values and priorities, and how do they align with my current situation?
- What are my options for making a change? What are the risks and rewards of each option?
- How will making a change impact my life and the lives of those around me?
Journaling can be a powerful tool to help you explore your thoughts and feelings and to gain clarity on your decision.
There are many tools available to help you get started, from traditional pen and paper to digital journaling apps. Some popular options include Day One, Journey, and Penzu. None of them worked for me. I prefer pen and paper or the closest digital option to this, which is using a note-taking app on my iPad and handwriting with the Apple Pen.
Keep in mind that journaling is a personal practice and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and to make it a regular part of your routine. I have another blog post about my experience with journaling and how journaling and self-questioning help me get clarity and be intentional.
If you’re new to journaling or find it hard to make time for it in your busy life, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Try a morning routine: Set aside 10-15 minutes each morning to reflect on the day ahead and set intentions for the day.
- Use a gratitude journal: At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. This can help shift your focus to the positive and improve your overall mood.
- Journal before bed: Take 10-15 minutes before bed to reflect on your day, process any emotions, and clear your mind for a restful sleep.
- Use journaling prompts: Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start with journaling. Try using prompts to help guide your writing. There are many books and websites that offer prompts, or you can create your own based on your specific situation, but if you want to know what I use, let me know in the comments and I can share them with you.
- Keep it simple: You don’t have to write a novel every time you journal. So no pressure, even a few sentences or bullet points can be helpful in processing your thoughts and feelings.
I hope that this post has given you some insight into when it’s time to make a change in your life. Remember that making a change is a personal decision that requires careful consideration and reflection. It’s important to trust your instincts, but also take the time to validate your decision and ensure that it’s the right one for you.
PS: Please let me know in the comments if you find this content useful or not. Your feedback helps me create better content for you. ✨
