Are you ready to make a (small or big) change?
Recognizing the signs signaling the need for change in our lives is often the easy part. It is the decision to move forward that requires commitment. Whether it’s a change in diet, healthier habits, changing a relationship, or organizing your space, taking the next steps for change requires commitment and tenacity. Others are quick to offer multiple ideas and lots of advice on how to make a change. We often feel like “it only was that easy.” What does it mean when you are ready for change? How do you know you are ready for change?
How do you know you are NOT ready for change?
Recognizing when you’re not ready for change is just as important as acknowledging when you are. Here are some signs that may indicate you’re not quite ready.
- You are not ready to change when others are coercing you. You are being pushed in a direction to make change. You’re using the word “should” or “ought to” to describe the change.
- You have a sense of fear or dread about the change you are thinking of making. There may be underlying issues that need resolution first.
- You know in your mind that change is good, but you are procrastinating on getting started. The procrastination is lengthy.
- You don’t have a great reason why to change. Your lack of “why” keeps you from having the determination you need.
- You may be unclear about the steps to make that change. With a lack of clarity, you are unsure of
- You are already at full capacity with your work, home, and life. There is no bandwidth, time or energy to do the work needed.
It is important to listen to these signs for readiness.
You are ready for change when…
Readiness for change is a deeply personal process that involves reflection and self-awareness. Trusting your instincts, listening to your inner voice, and recognizing the signs that indicate readiness can help you navigate change with confidence and clarity.
- You feel that you are stuck in a rut. You feel dissatisfied with something in your life, your work or your relationships.
- There is a strong desire for personal or professional growth and you feel motivated to learn new skills, take on new challenges, or pursue opportunities for self-improvement.
- You have deeper self-awareness and understanding of yourself. You are ready to take steps to make change happen because you have identified areas of your life that do not align with your goals.
- More than just acknowledging that life is not going smoothly, you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. You remember the definition of insanity, “doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome,” and know what that means. Despite how difficult it might be, you are ready to do something different.
- There are feelings of excitement, anticipation, and enthusiasm for the prospect of change and new opportunities. These positive emotions are a driving force for motivation.
- You are researching how to get help to make the change and hone in on who can help. It may take time to know who is the best to help and you are ready to talk to that person, start that program, or attend a group meeting.
- You are energized to create something or be something new. You have time, energy and focus to break out of what’s holding you back and start on a new path.
- You have a compelling reason to create a new habit.
How do I know when I am ready for change?
I wanted to share how I know I am ready to make a change myself. I think about a compelling reason for the change that is deeply related to a core value. Some of my biggest changes have come from what I think are outstanding reasons to make a change. From there I break that into a baby step of baby steps. Those are baby steps that I can do each day. I am ready for change because I find a small way to get started on a big thing.
The path to change is not easy. It can be moved forward with inspiration and tenacity. I am here to help you in person or virtually to accomplish the changes you want to make.
Great post Ellen! I love how you broke down the concept of change by knowing whether you are ready or not. Too many times we think we have to change when we’re really not ready for it and that usually leads to disaster. By understanding when we are truly ready for change can we better embrace it and succeed!
I find it’s important to start at this step. If you are not ready, it’s important to wait.
This really resonated with me. I am always more successful when I make a change because I just can’t take it anymore than because I think I *should*.
Thanks @Janet! A compelling reason makes all the difference!
Too often we try to get our motivation from what is popular or what others are doing. Each person must determine their own unique why–and then they can celebrate their own special victory! Thanks for posting to POBC!
Thanks for sharing Olive! It’s about knowing what’s best for ourselves too!
Making a change takes time, commitment, energy, and resources. In addition, we often need help to make a change. So, identifying when you are and aren’t ready for change is essential. There are times in life when we don’t have the emotional capacity or energy to make a change. It’s not that we can’t try during those times. It will probably be frustrating and take a much longer time. Sometimes, change is thrust upon us. We don’t have a choice and need to find ways to adapt. That can be challenging, too.
But whether you are ready or not, what you choose to do next affects the outcome. Attitude and mindset also play an integral part.
For me, I sort of get “in the mood” to make a change. It’s like all of the sudden, I’m just ready. Often, it is to do something I have been thinking about or wanting for a long time, but the excuses have just been louder than the reasons to proceed. And then I’ll be ready.
What’s interesting is that there isn’t always a circumstantial reason, it seems to come from within. Like my soul has gotten to a point of peace about the need for the change being greater than the reasons to avoid it.
This sounds a bit rambling, but that is often how it works with me. And then, I start taking those steps you talk about and the ball gets rolling.
Thanks @Seana – that is so interesting! You may in some way desire change for the sake of interest. I love that you know this about yourself.