3 signs it’s time to redesign your life
Is it just me – or is it already starting to feel like back to school season? I don’t know how it’s happened, but it’s almost like July has rebranded itself as the swan-song of summer.
(And I don’t think I feel this way just because I’m personally craving the routine and structure of September.)
As you start to prepare for Fall, you might notice that you’ve started to “pick up” the questions and conundrums that you’d put down at the start of Summer.
Stuff you put on the back burner in June –
Feeling the Surly Sundays,
Swirling about your next career move,
Dealing with the boss that micro-manages you,
The nagging sense that you’re stuck without a gameplan –
It’s all now starting to bubble up in your brain and demand your attention.
“DEAL WITH ME,” these gremlins are starting to shout!
But here’s the tricky part:
Before you can get to HOW to deal with these questions and challenges – you need to start with an acknowledgement.
An acknowledgement that yes, NOW is time to do something about this.
See, one of the most common questions I get from people is: “Is now the time to make a change?”
If I wanted to be cheeky about my answer, I’d say: “The fact that you’re asking this question is proof enough.”
But I know how complex, nuanced, and confusing this question really is. How hard it can feel when you’re stuck in this question and don’t know how to get yourself out of it.
So today I want to offer 3 signs that prove, without doubt, that YES – now is the time to redesign your career and life:
You’re cranky (or insert your own adjective here)
We all have up and down days. But if you notice that you feel crummy a lot of the time…
… and by ‘crummy’ I’m talking specifically about feeling
Frustrated
Bitter
Angry, or
Disappointed
Then, my friend, it is most definitely time to redesign your life. That’s because these are all emotional and energetic signals that you are not aligned. Whether it’s a misalignment with your values, your priorities, your needs, or your talents… it’s all the evidence you need that it’s time to make a change. No more doubting this.
You’re wasting time, getting distracted easily, or stopping and starting (without finishing)
Listen, I’m all for slowing down, tinkering with a bunch of hobbies and projects, and letting my inspiration take me where it wants me to go. Not having a plan can be a great plan, you know?
But if you find yourself feeling distracted, unable to focus or follow through, or avoiding dealing with things – this is also a great sign that something’s not working.
Let’s face it: time is our only non-renewable resource. So if you’re not using your time on the things that really matter to you, it’s time for a redesign.
You’re jealous of or feel triggered by other people’s success
This is a sneaky one, because jealousy and envy are two emotions we’re taught to suppress or avoid. But the reality is they are actually terrific signals.
When you see someone succeeding and feel a ‘certain type of way’ about it, take that as your clue that you are also craving something more. Whether it’s a promotion, a vacation, a new business, or a new haircut…
If it triggers something in you, that’s your internal compass telling you: it’s your turn.
Try This Out
Today, get curious about these three signs and consider which one(s) might be trying to signal to you that now’s the right time for you to make a change.
Reflect on these questions:
What signs or signals tell me that now is the time to make a change in my life?
What’s hard or confusing for me about making this change? Where am I feeling stuck?
What’s the impact of not making a change – on me and on the people in my life?
What to Do Next
Sometimes it’s easier to see these signs in the people we love than it is to see them in ourselves.
So, if you’re looking to be of service to someone else – and gently nudge them toward their own career or life change – forward this email to them.
Tell them Ashley made you do it (don’t worry, I’ll be your fall guy).
And if you want to go one step further, gift them their own copy of “100 Days of Designing My Life: The Reflection Journal.” A perfect companion for reflection, clarity and action as we (slowly) transition back to school!
Onward,
PS: I’m now booking guest workshops and speaking gigs for Fall and Winter. If you run a community, lead an employee resource group, or host a book club – I’d love to share my tools and resources with you. Learn more about my public speaking and let’s chat!