Do you want to incorporate a change to your routine?
Do you have a new idea?
Want to leave a job?
Have an entrepreneurial vision?
A new lifestyle?
Or going through breakup?
These days, it feels like everyone has an opinion on how to handle change. Some people might take a page from Nike and say “Just do it.” Others might be more hesitant and reserved.
I, too, was skeptical about making dramatic changes for a while. I pushed them off until I started to ask myself: what am I waiting for?
Over the past two years, I took on the challenge of noticing how I handle change. From morning routines, to my job, to my relationships, to diet, to home, to the country I lived in — I flipped the script and noticed what they meant to me…
As a new change can seem daunting to start, I found it was most daunting when I didn’t have a plan and structure for myself. In those times, it was like I let myself hop on a bicycle before learning where the brakes were.
I want to show you where the brakes are before you start riding.
In this post, I take a look at five questions I ask myself before incorporating a new change to my life.
Let’s start here…
Visualize you making the change and picture yourself down the road…
1. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
This is the time to get clear: why are you doing this? Is it an idea to be monetized? Who do you want to benefit? Is it a personal pleasure?
2. IF YOU DON’T DO THIS, WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH YOURSELF?
When opportunity is knocking, it can also seem quite easy to sush that little voice in your head. I have heard my own voice. For example, I made every excuse in the book when it came to leaving my job… yet that little voice was persistent.
When I asked myself this question, my answer was no. That brought me to the drawing board to figure out what was my future path and options.
So, what’s your situation and what’s your answer?
3. HOW LONG UNTIL I RE-EVALUATE MY PLAN?
A change doesn’t have to be forever. Give yourself a timeline of how much time, money and energy you will put into a project before reflecting on how it is actually going.
Upon that check-in, ask yourself: this a realistic idea to continue to act on? What do I need to change?
4. FACTORS
What is in my favor? What is against me? Nothing is going to be perfect — but it is important to take a snapshot of the world around you.
For example… if it’s an entrepreneurial endeavor, take a look at the economy, who you are targeting, who do you rely on, what knowledge needed, and how much capital / time is needed.
5. WHAT ARE THE MEASURES OF SUCCESS?
We all use marks of success in our life. What are yours? Where do they fit on your calendar? Make a list of those milestones that show you are on track and celebrate the victories!
Now go on your way, answer those questions and conquer the world.
