5 Signs You’re Ready for a Change – And How to Take the First Step
Oct 16, 2024
As a corporate speaker, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless professionals who, despite their success, felt stuck. I remember one workshop vividly. I was invited to speak to a room full of mid-level managers at a large company. The workshop was on personal growth and leadership, but as the session progressed, I noticed a recurring theme. Many of the attendees shared feelings of frustration, dissatisfaction, and even exhaustion—both personally and professionally. During the Q&A, one manager bravely stood up and asked, “How do I know if what I’m feeling means I’m ready for a change?”
It was a powerful moment because his question wasn’t just about his career; it was about his life. And I could see the resonance across the room as nods of agreement spread like a wave. People were seeking something deeper, but they weren’t sure where to start.
In this blog, I want to explore the common signs that you, too, might be ready for a change. If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or dissatisfied with where you are in life—whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth—it may be time to take that first step toward discovering your personal freedom.
1. Persistent Feelings of Frustration
One of the clearest signs that you might be ready for a change is persistent frustration. This isn’t just the occasional stress of a busy week; it’s a deeper, more consistent feeling of being annoyed, angry, or irritated. Perhaps you feel like you’re putting in all the effort but not seeing the results, or maybe the daily grind has left you exhausted and disheartened.
Psychologically, frustration can often arise when our efforts don’t align with our outcomes. According to research by Carver and Scheier (1998), frustration is a key emotional signal that our goals or aspirations aren’t being met. When this happens consistently, it’s a strong indicator that something needs to shift, whether that’s in your approach, your goals, or even your environment.
2. A Sense of Dissatisfaction
Dissatisfaction can manifest in subtle ways at first—maybe you don’t feel as excited about your job as you once did, or perhaps you’re going through the motions in your personal life without feeling fulfilled. But when dissatisfaction becomes chronic, it can weigh heavily on your mental and emotional well-being.
Research shows that dissatisfaction, especially in one’s career or personal life, is often linked to a misalignment between your values and your current situation (Kasser, 2002). When we feel disconnected from our true selves, dissatisfaction grows. If you’re feeling like this, it may be time to evaluate whether your current path aligns with your deeper desires and values.
3. Feeling Stuck
Another major sign that you’re ready for a change is the feeling of being stuck. This can feel like you’re on a treadmill—working hard but not getting anywhere. Whether it’s a lack of progress in your career, stagnation in your personal relationships, or a general feeling of being “in a rut,” feeling stuck is a sign that something isn’t working.
The concept of being “stuck” is often linked to learned helplessness, a psychological state in which individuals believe they have no control over their situation (Seligman, 1975). If you’re feeling stuck, it’s time to regain that sense of agency and control over your life by making intentional changes.
4. Burnout or Exhaustion
Burnout is an all-too-common experience for many people, especially in high-pressure careers. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to recharge—even after time off—it could be a sign that your current lifestyle or work situation isn’t sustainable.
Burnout isn’t just about being tired; it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Research by Maslach and Leiter (2016) shows that burnout is often the result of a mismatch between a person’s needs and their environment. If you’re experiencing burnout, it may be time to take a hard look at what changes are needed to restore balance and well-being in your life.
5. A Desire for Something More
This sign can be harder to identify because it often begins as a quiet, almost imperceptible whisper. But over time, the desire for something more—a more fulfilling job, deeper relationships, or greater personal growth—can grow louder. You may not know exactly what you want yet, but you know that your current life isn’t fully satisfying you.
Abraham Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs explains that once our basic needs are met, we seek self-actualization, the desire to become the best version of ourselves. If you find yourself dreaming of a different future or longing for something more meaningful, you’re likely ready to pursue a new direction that better aligns with your personal growth.
How to Take the First Step Toward Change
Recognizing that you’re ready for a change is the first, and often hardest, step. But what comes next? Here are some practical strategies to help you start moving forward:
- Reflect on What’s Not Working
Take time to reflect on which aspects of your life are causing frustration, dissatisfaction, or a sense of being stuck. Journaling can be a helpful tool for identifying patterns and gaining clarity. - Set New, Clear Goals
Once you’ve identified the areas that need change, set new, specific goals that align with your values and aspirations. Research by Locke and Latham (2006) shows that setting specific, challenging goals leads to higher performance and personal satisfaction. - Reframe Limiting Beliefs
Often, what holds us back from making changes are limiting beliefs—thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t succeed.” Start by identifying these beliefs and reframing them into empowering statements. For example, change “I’m not good enough” to “I am capable and worthy of success.” - Seek Support
Whether it’s through therapy, coaching, or a supportive community, seeking help can be a powerful step toward change. Talking through your feelings with a professional or someone you trust can provide perspective and guidance. This is one of the reasons I am starting the Soul Shift: The Path to Personal Freedom Group, to create a community of support to help people chart a new path. - Take Action, One Step at a Time
Change doesn’t have to be dramatic or immediate. Start by taking small, intentional steps toward your new goals. Each small action builds momentum, helping you move closer to the life you want to create.
Common Barriers to Change and How to Overcome Them
Change isn’t always easy, and it’s normal to encounter obstacles along the way. Here are a few common barriers to change and how you can overcome them:
- Fear of the Unknown
Change often feels scary because it involves stepping into the unknown. Try to reframe this fear as excitement—an opportunity to grow and explore new possibilities. - Perfectionism
Perfectionism can stop you from making changes because you’re afraid of failing or not doing things “right.” Remember, progress is more important than perfection. Celebrate each small step forward. - Self-Doubt
It’s natural to doubt yourself when making big changes, but don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Remind yourself of past successes and trust that you have the strength and resilience to handle whatever comes next.
Take the First Step Toward Personal Freedom
If you’ve been feeling frustrated, stuck, or burned out, it may be time for a change. Recognizing the signs is the first step, and now it’s time to take action. To help you get started, I’ve created a “Discover Your Personal Freedom” worksheet that can guide you through the process of identifying what’s holding you back and how to move forward.
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, but each small step brings you closer to the life you truly want.
Click HERE to download the Discover Your Personal Freedom worksheet, or complete it online HERE to start your journey today.
References
Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (1998). On the self-regulation of behavior. Cambridge University Press.
Kasser, T. (2002). The high price of materialism. MIT Press.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2006). New directions in goal-setting theory. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(5), 265–268.
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout: A critical review of theory and research. Psychology Press.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Helplessness: On depression, development, and death. W.H. Freeman.
Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (1998). On the self-regulation of behavior. Cambridge University Press.
Kasser, T. (2002). The high price of materialism. MIT Press.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2006). New directions in goal-setting theory. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(5), 265–268.
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout: A critical review of theory and research. Psychology Press.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Helplessness: On depression, development, and death. W.H. Freeman.
