Making Life Changes Without Fear

The only constant in life is change. This means that if you’re not a different person, even slightly, then the person you were ten years ago, something is wrong. Some may say “you’ve changed” as a means of dismissing others, but the truth is it is much more appropriate to change and much less inspiring to stay where you are in all things.

Sometimes we decide to initiate that change ourselves. (I did this when I chose to pursue happiness.) Making a necessary change in our lives, perhaps by taking on a new job, moving, or even filing for a divorce and then moving on to bigger and better things, could be just what we need.

Mr. Misadventures and I did this when we hit the eject button on our careers, and decided to have an “intermission” also known as a sabbatical. We quit our jobs, sold our home, and hit the road for 18 months in an RV and 5 years later we are better off for it! My career is still going and life is really good!

Curating a necessary change in life is not necessarily the easiest thing to do. It’s much easier to stay where we are, which is why some people in bad relationships can remain in a similar situation despite how difficult it can be to do so. After all, we tend to prefer the devil we know to one we don’t.

Sometimes, the anxiety can prevent us from taking a step with our best foot forward. In this post, I hope to provide you with a different perspective.

Rational Fear vs. Anxiety

It’s okay to admit there’s a big difference between rational fear that anyone can experience when making a change and the anxiety that prevents you from going forward. In the latter, you can feel as though forward progress is impossible, or you can’t present your best self.

If this is how you feel, it may be good to seek help, like counseling or speaking to your doctor. However, it is important to note that a little bit of anxiety is often natural and good – it shows you care about making a good choice and moving forward as a result.

Ask Yourself Which Direction You Need To Go In

It’s very easy to know you need a change, but harder to determine what that change should be. This is why it’s good to write down your options so that you can go through the pros and cons to understand if the change you are about to embark upon is worthwhile.

Is it a change of career? A relationship? Where are your pain points? If money were no object, what would you like to do? You may not have all the answers right now, but when was the last time you really tested yourself and tried to come up with these answers directly?

If it is a career change, why not try out an online career assessment? You can begin there and see what your possibilities are. If it is a relationship change, don't immediately think of a counselor (although that is a good idea too) but also maybe a life coach. If it is a personal development change, consider a planner or journal.

Lean On Support If You Need It

It’s okay if you need support – everyone does from time to time. Asking your parents if you can move back in for a week while you figure things out – or sleeping on the sofa of a friend for a couple of days as you pivot, or even taking on the renewed career training advice from your local work center. It all adds up and makes a difference.

Don't be afraid to make a necessary change in your life, without fear! I have many times and not only survived but thrived!

How about you? Have you made a big change in your life? What's your story? Do tell!

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