How Do You Know When The Timing Is Right?

ARE YOU FEELING READY TO SHAKE THINGS UP A BIT?

Eight years ago, as many of you know, I felt a bit stuck and had an itch to do something different. As a practicing clinical pharmacist for over 20 years, and with 3 teens coming into their own, I was feeling like it was time to embark on something new and challenging in my life. I was seeking something that would excite me and challenge me again. I had no idea where I was going next, but I was ready to gain clarity around it.

To be fair, the process of pivoting took over 2 years to fully figure out, but I knew that it was time to assess where I was and start taking the small steps towards something new, which included taking a break from my pharmacy career to step back and explore my options.

Was I ready?

Nope?  

Was I confident it would work?

Nope!  

Did I eliminate my fears so I could move forward?

Nope!

But, I did know that I had to shake things up or else I would never move past the nagging feeling that something new and exciting was on the horizon.

To be clear, the fear of doing new things never disappears, but we get better at acknowledging the feelings and still deciding to move forward anyway.

We only become the person ready to do the big thing by doing the thing.

The more we do the new thing, the less scary it becomes.  The feeling of fear and anxiety begins to feel like a normal part of the process, because it is.

How to know when we might be ready to shake things up?

• We feel curious

• We feel tired of the status quo

• We feel eager to gain more meaning, growth, and purpose

• We know it might be uncomfortable, but know it’s worth it

How much clarity do we need?

Only enough to take the first step!

How do we know if we are truly ready?

We don’t; readiness is a practice to build, not something we find!

Will it be a smooth and comfortable process?

Not at all.  It will always be uncomfortable when we move beyond what we know!

Are there ways to find comfort in the discomfort zone?

Yes….

1. Visualize what you will feel when you cross over the threshold of fear

2. Seek support

3. Start with small, consistent steps

4. Acknowledge discomfort and then challenge yourself, “to just do it!”

5. Imagine the pride you will experience doing something new and uncomfortable

   
   

And remember: “A ship is always safest at shore. But that is not what its built for.”

—Albert Einstein

If you are feeling like it’s time to do something different, to shake things up, to move beyond your comfort zone, but you don’t feel ready…. this is your reminder…

You will never feel fully ready!  At some point, you have to “just do it!”

If this sparked something in You…Follow It. Let's turn your clarity into momentum. Connect for a coaching conversation here.