Knowing When it’s Time to Move On
You’ll never leave where you are until you decide where you’d rather be
How do you know when it’s time to make a change in your life?
Is it time to change jobs, move to a new city, get married, get divorced? How do you know when it is time to have children, drop out of school or go back to school? How do you know when it is time to change yourself or the world around you?
And if you choose to ignore the call to change, what price do you pay? How do you work through the scary questions and find the courage to decide where you’d really rather be?
How do you know when it is time to move on?
A change is always a gamble, but the truth of life is we change with every breath, whether we want to or not. Change can go right and it can go wrong. But you won’t know until you make the choice to create a new beginning. A change will always feel bitter sweet. You will always be letting go of one thing while birthing another.
It takes courage to do something different. To turn the corner. What really matters when you make a change is that you are stripping away one set of circumstances what isn’t working for you in exchange for something that is more in line with what you really want in life. That’s how you know you’re making a “right” decision.
Let every day be the first day of the rest of your life, but especially let today be a new beginning. ~Jonathan Lockwood Huie
When you’ve lost your passion
The most rewarding things in life are those we do simply because we love to do them. But, sometimes, that passion fades. Routine especially can be a brutal passion-killer. Knowing what you’ll be doing day in and day out may be a good thing sometimes, but it can also start to chip away at the passion you once had for doing something, and creating doubt in your mind about continuing. However you arrive there, the end result is the same — loss of passion is often a precursor to change.
When your priorities have changed
Life changes, priorities change and goals change, so it’s important to regularly revisit your goals and dreams and consider whether the choices you’re making on a daily basis are bringing you closer to, or taking you farther away from your desired path in life. Whether it’s gradual or sudden, you may be on a path that will require you to make decisions in many different aspects of your life in order to make course corrections or open the way for a new beginning.
When familiar isn’t better
Sometimes, especially in relationships, even when we know in our heart change is needed, it’s easier to stay with what’s familiar rather than escape to something that’s unfamiliar and new.
It takes a lot of courage to overcome self-doubt and move on in this kind of situation, but ultimately we are the only ones who can decide when it’s time for a new beginning. When something ends, we need to muster a good dose of self-respect and courage, and look for the lesson, then move on.
Moving on is a necessary part of life.
Life is constantly changing, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. Bad situations sometimes resolve themselves, but sometimes we need to have the courage to take action. While we should not be constantly running away from our problems, everything in life has a time and season, and when that season is over, it’s time to decide where you’d rather be and move on.
Major changes in particular can be challenging, so in my next post I’ll provide some specific actions and strategies to prepare for life in transition.
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Twitter: hmn4sale
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Great article! If there is one thing remains constant in this world is change. Changes often provide us the room for growing up and developing ourselves to a better person.
Thank you once again for your inspiring writing! It’s really hard to make a dramatic life change like leaving as job or moving, but in my experience it’s even harder feeling unfulfilled with your every day life. I recently moved from Virginia to Los Angeles, and couldn’t be happier. I can say from experience that big changes are hard, but if it’s something you truly want, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. Thanks again for the advice!
This is a very timely post for me.
I have been serving in the military for the past 20 years to tell you the truth I used to really love the work. Taking care of Soldiers, deploying, working hard and knowing that I was making a difference. But lately that drive to succeed, and the excitement my career was providing me has faded away.
Online marketing is my passion now, its what I live and breath everyday. I can’t wait until I can walk away from the military with my head held high knowing I made a difference. And knowing that what I am moving on to with allowing me to continue doing the same thing. Just in a different way.
Clint Butler recently posted..TSA (Tribal Syndication Association) Going Free
Welcome back Clint – thanks so much for sharing and congratulations for finding your new passion in life! Personally I think change is healthy and have to admit I’ve put myself through 3 major career changes (so far).
Twitter: donna_tribe
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Hey Marty, this couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I love living out of the box. I know that I like to have a positive change ahead of me all the time. I guess I’m hooked on positive challenges. I am so happy you have written this post. It just reinforced my decisions on moving. There are so many reasons for me to say in my area, but my intuition says “Move Donna” and I started the year by an affirmation as a mantra. “I am grateful for being successful” Jan. 2 – 10 calls Jan 3- more calls. Silly isn’t it how fast it can work. But then two random people offered me almost double the price of my home in one week. It’s not even listed. Hmmmm Is that a sign? Yes!
At first this was not according to my plan. My plan was to sell off my investment properties first. But then I knew it was time to take a giant leap out of my safety zone. I’m ready if they are. Where will I go? Wherever…I’m no longer concerned. I will have the answer if the deal goes through.
Thanks for the reinforcement!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Find Your Passion | Key Lifecoach Strategies
Hey Donna! It’s funny I saw your comment on Facebook talking about how you are considering the move right after I published this articles and hoped you’d have a chance to see it. I’m so glad it helped and at the same time I’m really excited for you! Yes, I believe it IS a sign and it is so true in life you can feel when something has taken on a life of it’s own and is gaining momentum!
Twitter: lyndacromar
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Wow you hit a home run on this one Marty. Our life is full of change whether we like it or not. I have at times wanted to hang onto the familiar, and the only thing it got me is stagnation. Now I have an easier time letting go but only through much stepping into new dark places. Once we set out to change it becomes easier but at first it is absolutely down right scary!
Lynda Cromar recently posted..This Baby Boomer Decided I Was Not Too Old For Network Marketing!
Thanks so much Lynda and you know I really agree with you – understanding the value of opening ourselves to change and life in transition is so beneficial. And the truth is, once we accept that the process – where ever it may lead us – becomes so much easier!
Hello Marquita
Early in my life this quote, “Change is the essence of life.Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.” helped me to shape my life. In these words, “What really matters when you make a change is that you are stripping away one set of circumstances what isn’t working for you in exchange for something that is more in line with what you really want in life”, you have shared what I call a golden nugget of life. Your article is very timely. We are seeing the Industrial Age corporate structure crumbling and bringing about many new opportunities. If people use what you have written and let today be a new beginning, their life will be exciting.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry Davis recently posted..Network marketers what is your most valuable ammunition for improving your relationships?
Twitter: raenalynntweet1
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Hi Marquita,
Wow, what an inspiring post! I am grateful that you shared it because I recently made a HUGE change by moving and starting a completely new beginning. I had to leave behind a lot, however now that I moved forward, I am starting to see that it was the best thing for me to do. When you said, “What really matters when you make a change is that you are stripping away one set of circumstances what isn’t working for you in exchange for something that is more in line with what you really want in life. That’s how you know you’re making a “right” decision.” I’m not quite where I want to be….yet, but I know I’m on the right path. I know in time my “right” feelings will be validated. There are some days I wonder “What did I do?” but I’m determined to make this work. I’m in the middle of a major transition and I still don’t know where it will lead. Time will tell. Thanks for a beautiful post.
Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn recently posted..How Can A Dog Teach Us To Be Consistent With Internet Marketing?
Welcome back Raena … wow, seems like a lot of people are going through major life changes these days. Thanks so much for sharing a little about yours. I think it’s a natural part of transition to have at least some doubts. Can’t begin to describe what a game of mental volleyball I experienced when we first moved to Maui! I didn’t even have to ask myself “what did you do?!” because every friend and family member on the mainland asked it every chance they got! Sounds like you’re open to enjoying the experience fully though, so I have no doubt you’re transition will work out in the best possible way for you!
Twitter: opportplanet
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It’s always tough to ?ake the decision for a big change in life but it’s always refreshing getting out of your comfort zone. Of course every change in life has risks but without them it wouldn’t have any meaning at all. Simple without change there is no life…
Kostas recently posted..Direct Marketing And Its Current Social Value
Marty,
OMG! Fantastic post and so right on target for what my wife and I faced the latter part of 2011.
After hiring a business coach we soul searched what we were doing and found the passion gone and priorities had definitely shifted. Amazingly the shift occured and will be complete by fall of 2012 with our move from South Florida to South Carolina.
We got fired up about what we had been trained for over the years. Our passion was reignited for really working with folks to do the same. We even named our new company “Inspiring Transitions” designed to help people identify their passions and make “the move.”
I knew when I saw the title of your article that we were speaking the same language. Thanks for expressing it so eloquently.
RICK
Rick Lelchuk recently posted..Because Life is More Than Just a Job!
Thanks so much Rick, for taking the time to share your inspiring story … I am so glad you enjoyed the article! It sounds like you have so many exciting things going on in your life these days and how awesome that you have the opportunity to share this incredible energy and passion with others
Thanks for the great advice! It’s true, every new stage of life will see us letting go of something. These things hurt, but are more than worth it in the long wrong. I recently went through a move, it was difficult leaving my previous life behind. However, when I returned to my hometown I was incredibly glad I’d left it behind. Thanks!
Doug Gene recently posted..Five Ten Anasazi Review
Welcome Doug and thanks so much for taking the time to share your story. I’m so glad your move worked out for you … starting over, even in a familiar place can be challenging and at the same time exciting and filled with new opportunities!
It needs finance too – in order to be prepared for the change, and the risk, so money is needed, in case it doesn’t turn out like you wanted. If you put some money aside, you have more courage.
Stacy recently posted..Electrolux EIFLW55HIW Washing Machine Review
Very good point Stacy, and I plan to go into that and several other strategies in my follow up post about BIG life changes. Thanks!
My pleasure, Marty! I look forward to read your next articles on this theme.
Stacy recently posted..LG WT5101HW Ultra-Large Capacity Top Load Washer Review
Moving on is totally difficult in my part. Actually, I have that struggle on that right now. Though I’m happy on my choice, some people are trying to push me in different direction because they are seeing nothing in what I’m doing. But I’m very much willing to take the risk despite of those concerns they have. I hope I could finally make up my mind.
James recently posted..Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine Review
You know James, I can SO relate to what you are going through! Can’t tell you how many times in my life I’ve gone against the grain of those who claim (with all best intentions) to know what’s best for me -”What?! What do you m-e-a-n you’re moving to Hawaii?! (as in away from US)” “Are you NUTS giving up your cushy desk job to go into sales?!” “It can’t possibly be safe traveling around the world alone, do you have a death wish?!” It’s hard enough trying to follow your own path in life and managing transitiions without having to deflect naysayers and guilt trips. Hang in there James, I’m rooting for you!
Yeah, thanks! I do hope that I could work on all my goals. Despite all of the challenges I’m experiencing right now, I’m still looking forward for a better future out of my decision.
James recently posted..Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine Review
Twitter: natashanassar
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Marty,
The whole time I read this, I was thinking of my husbands and my decision move 2 1/2 years ago from our hometown of Memphis, TN all the way across the country to Boise, Idaho.
We made the move by choice. We wanted a change.
It took courage, but looking back, it was the best decision we ever made (well, besides deciding to get married). We knew that it was time to move on, and we did. Was it scary? Yes. But well worth it!
To me, change is exhilarating! I love finding myself in unfamiliar territory! : )
Natasha Nassar recently posted..Living a Purpose Driven Life
Hi Natasha, thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m definitely with you when it comes to the value of embracing change and life transitions. We went through a similar move many years ago leaving California for Maui. Created quite the uproar on the homefront, but I’ve now lived here longer than I did on the mainland. Life can be quite an adventure if we are just willing to open ourselves to new experiences. Thanks again for contributing to the conversation.
Twitter: learnit2earnit
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“Let today be a new beginning” is a wonderful reminder. Change can happen at any time, if not every day. I schedule my business days and they almost always change due to issues or situations that come my way. I find change and embracing change in a positive way can actually attrack more benefits that we realize. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this Marty. Your dedication in helping others is a true asset. Look forward to more of your wonderful insight!
Lynn Brown recently posted..Want To Reach Your Online Marketing Goals This Year and Beyond
Twitter: AcardAday
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Marty,
You are so right! I walked away from an 18 year career to try something new. It has been a struggle emotionally and financially, but I don’t regret a thing. I have learned so much and am a totally different person than I was 5 years ago!
The only constant in life is change! Embrace it as a new adventure!!
Tom Burt
Tom Burt recently posted..What is Turmeric?
Twitter: jbennett2020
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Life in transition. It can be embraced with hesitation and fear or looked at as a moment to turn in the direction of the things you dream about (even if the road is extremely bumpy).
Large changes can be difficult. I remember what happened when I suddenly had to leave my job and move my family back to my home state. That was difficult. Especially living with in-laws. But I decided that it needed to be done. 1 year later we bought our first house and a year after that I was working in a job that produced a 3rd more income that I was used to before. Now, I’m leveraging that role into building my business. Difficulty can lead to bigger things.
James Bennett recently posted..The Self-Confidence Formula… Your Daily Think and Grow Rich
Twitter: blondishnet
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I think for me… when familiar is not better. I do not like being on a plateau for long and will do something to improve myself. When doing it, it is not always easy and takes all of your being to commit to it. I do admit that in some things it is hard to make a change, especially if it is good… but if the change makes it even better, I suck it up.
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