Backup Plans and Pushing Through
Have you ever had to make a tough decision or major change because something did not turn out the way you planned? Over my life, there have been a number of times, just like that, when I set out to do something and I didn’t know how long it would take me to accomplish it, or how I would make it happen. Most worked out, but others didn’t. Yet knowing I’ve had success helped me to move forward when I felt uncertain or apprehensive.
Times like that you get to make a choice: fall prey to disappointment and frustration, or dig deep, readjust your attitude and figure out your next steps. When you’re on the other side of the incident, you get to define what constitutes a successful or failed outcome.
It’s often helpful to reflect on what worked, what didn’t and then apply that to future encounters when faced with tough decisions. (If you didn’t read Part 1 – go back and read more to gain insights about combating risk and uncertainty through times of change.)
Serious Changes – When to Take the Leap
I’ve had to make serious changes a number of times in my life and I’d like to say that I was always confident about the path forward. But, more often I had some doubts and apprehensions; they just did not stop me in my tracks.
How do you know when it’s time to make a change or take that leap? Personally, I know it’s time to make a change because I feel out of sync with myself. For instance, I must’ve been 18 or 19, with a good job for that stage in my life. I’d been moving up in the company, eventually into a management role. My financial situation was improving, the future looked solid, yet a part of me felt so disconnected from myself and my hopes and dreams. Even though the current job offered a great opportunity, it also required that I move to a community where I had no connections (beyond work), and no desire to establish roots. I realized I’d gone after security and now I was simply working for money, while I was dying a little bit inside each week that passed.
I knew I needed a break from my job and surroundings, and time to reflect and consider options and what was true for me. I packed up for the weekend and drove to visit my sister. Each mile I got closer to my sister’s increased my resolution to make the jump. Into what? I’d still have to figure that out. And so I did. Over the course of the weekend I found a job, committed to a start date, and prepared to give my bosses the news I would be leaving. That part was hard because I liked them so much. But when I listened to that part in each of us that is connected to our true self, I knew I’d made the right decision – even though I would have to start over, at a lower wage, in a new place.
Change is Constant
Since that time, there have been many other changes and transitions. Some work related, some “life-path” related, and others that touched personal and family relationships. The more I cared about the outcome, or needing it to be a certain way, the longer I delayed. It’s like when you have a Band-Aid you need to remove, you know it’s going to hurt – if even only for a second. Still, you delay. As if the eventual discomfort can be avoided and you can jump straight to having a Band-Aid free arm. In the end, you just have to decide to do it. The time comes to call the question, trust your instincts and your decision-making process, commit and step into the unknown of the next steps. With years of experience at my back, I’ve learned to strategically plan ahead as best I can. I know I can neither predict the future nor plan for all the challenges that may arise.
Looking for guidance or support on your path forward? Check out our resources or reach out to the Sarah Boxx Team via our website. Remember, you are in control of your future, but only if you seize the opportunities that come your way. The longer you wait for the future, the shorter it will be.
