Change is synonymous with living. It may come into your life out of the blue and take you by surprise. Other times you know it’s coming and you have time to prepare.
Yet even though change may be your choice, it still may feel scary and overwhelming. You may find yourself wondering: should I make the change or not?
To help you out, we put together a list of five questions to determine if a situation is something you can change. These questions are designed to make you feel more in control of your life. They can help you decide which situations you should change, and which aren’t worth your time or effort.
Let’s get started.
- Will it Make Me Happy?
The first question you have to ask yourself before committing to any type of change is: will this change give my life meaning? Will it make me feel happy?
To answer that question, you have to know what it is you want from life. One way to do that is to create a vision board for your life.
You can include your beliefs and your core values. Don’t forget to add those dreams you had for your life when you were younger but forgot about when you got older.
Even if some seem too outlandish, at least you have a reminder of all the things that bring joy into your life. Plus, seeing your dreams in living color will help you focus your energy on what matters.
- Can it Help Me Reach My Goals?
Now that you know what makes you happy, it’s time to take a look at your life goals. Start by making a list of all the realistic goals you want to achieve in life. Then, divide them into three categories: short-term, medium, and long-term goals.
The final step is to take action. This may force you to step out of your comfort zone, but if that’s what it takes to make a change for the better, why not? All it takes is a positive attitude, a bit of patience, and a whole lot of self-love.
Also, remember that your goals themselves may change. So, it’s important to stay flexible, especially when you’re setting new goals.
- Is This Something I Want?
We’re programmed to try and always please as many people as we can. It can be exhausting. Plus, it takes up a large portion of your day wondering if this person likes what you’re doing or that person is satisfied with your work.
If you’re going to change any aspect of your life, make sure it’s for you and not to please other people. After all, it’s your life. No one is going to live it for you.
Another thing you should remember is that the only person you should compare yourself to is you. There’ll always be someone who’s better than you or is more successful than you.
The best thing to do is to focus on your progress. Be proud of how much you’ve achieved and concentrate your energy on where you’re going next.
- Will It Improve My Life?
Maybe you’re thinking of moving to a smaller house or changing your job. Change can also come on a smaller scale. You could be thinking of upgrading your security system, planting a garden, or buying new linens.
Whatever it is, think about all the ways it can improve the quality of your life. Any type of change you pursue must make your life easier, less stressful, and a whole more fun.
- Am I Letting Fear Hold Me Back?
Being afraid is natural, but letting fear control you isn’t. We’re all afraid of failing, of uncertainty, and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Yet, there’s one thing that successful people; they don’t let their fears take over their lives. They learn how to face whatever it is that’s giving those butterflies in their stomachs. Then, they take a deep breath and jump in.
Whether it’s fear of public speaking or fear of heights, you have to muster some courage and go through with it, no matter what the outcome is. Once you’re done, you’ll come out the other side a stronger, more experienced individual.
Conclusion
Everyone goes through a wide array of changes in their lifetime. You can either join in and embrace all the good that change has to offer, or you can stay behind.
If you choose the latter, you’ll always be standing on the sidelines of life, always discontent, never fulfilled. It was Gail Sheehy who said it best, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.”
So, take a deep breath and take the plunge. Who knows? You might even come to enjoy the ride!
