It’s Not Quite a Rut . . .

But you’re not satisfied with your routine. You may have a family. You may be working at a decent company for decent pay (or a great company for great pay). You may be active socially, involved in the community, have fascinating hobbies. And yet . . . there’s something missing. Maybe you simply need to alter your routine, or maybe you are ready for a significant and substantial change in your life. Here’s how to tell if the answer is: You’re ready for change.

1. Your Mind Tells You

Long before we acknowledge that we’re ready for a change, our subconscious is well aware and working on making it happen. If you find yourself daydreaming about a different life, if your thoughts wander off to things you’d much rather be doing, or if activities you used to be excited about don’t bring the same level of interest, this could be a sign you’re poised for change.

2. Others Tell You

When those you respect, suggest that not only are you ready for a change but you need a change, that’s a big, Bill Engvall “Here’s your sign” moment. There’s nothing like confirmation from those you love, trust, and have your best interest at heart that the restlessness you’ve been feeling is present for a reason. Often, we dismiss and/or overlook what our minds tell us. When people who are important to us take us aside and share what they’ve noticed, it may be time to consider new paths.

3. You’re Bored

Do you sometimes feel uninspired? When people ask, “How’s it going?” is your response often lukewarm? Are you unchallenged? Maybe you’re not in a rut now, but are you headed in that direction? Are you eager to do something different or learn something new? Several “yeses” to these questions signal you’re on the horizon of change.

4. Your Get-Up-And-Go is Gone

Along with inspiration, energy levels can suggest whether you’re in a “good place.” At the end of the day, do you feel drained (depleted) or empowered (energized)? If you feel empowered, energized, lifted, or—if you’re tired—encouraged by the goals you’re striving for, change probably isn’t necessary. On the other hand, when you end your day depleted and wondering where renewal will come from, your life is in the “ready, set” position.

5. You Know There’s More

Bellevue University professor Dr. Victor Harms says your own self-talk may be the key to determining change readiness. Questions, thoughts, and statements like:

• “There are things I want to do, but in my current position, I can’t.”
• “I want to make a difference, but I don’t think I am.”
• “Why do I come here?”

are clues that rather than being settled you are still searching.

When you believe, are told, or know that you were meant to do something more with your life, don’t be afraid to act on that knowledge. You may just discover the change your life has been seeking.

About the Author: Kim L. Whiteside is a recognized expert known for helping adults develop their professional lives while improving their performance at work. A reliable source for the media, her articles, opinion pieces, and other writings have appeared in a number of national publications. She puts her skills as a certified executive coach (specializing in career coaching) into practice daily in her current role as Program Specialist for the Center for Student Engagement at Bellevue University.