It feels like the biggest ordeal when you come to a CROSSROADS—as if you’re the only one this is happening to.
Which direction shall you take with your life? Is it time to change jobs, move to a new city, start a family, make a shift in your relationship, or finally start your own company?
The feelings can be overwhelming at times. This is all normal for being at a crossroads—that time in your life when you need to figure out your next move in some area of your life, such as career or relationships, or feel bored by your work or are ready for something new.
This feeling will happen over and over again as long as you are creating and continuing to uncover your potential.
Yes, it’s normal.
It’s ok.
And you are on the right path.
You can find yourself at a crossroads regardless of your education, title, role, or how much money you have. It happens to all of us, including CEOs, managers, moms, athletes, musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs. It’s actually a good thing because it’s your internal watchdog telling you that something needs to change. This is where the problem rises—the dreaded change factor. On one hand, you’re telling yourself that something needs to change, while, on the other hand, honoring this feeling you have to move outside your comfort zone and experience change!
Why would we want to do this when we know that change leads to feelings of uncertainty, and, with uncertainty, there can be fear? Because it’s part of the process of growth, and there can also be excitement, learning, success, and fulfillment. Please note, you may experience some dips along the way—this is normal too!
The theme of crossroads/transitions continues to emerge with my coaching clients regardless of industry, background, specific role, money, or age. Some are considering their next move, such as starting their own company, redefining success and what the ideal environment looks like, launching a new product, deciding between two jobs, moving to a new city, and starting or ending a relationship. It’s scary, but it’s also possible. It’s challenging to leave something that is known, even if it’s not particularly fulfilling or the best role for you. It takes courage, listening to your truth, and stepping into the unknown to create something new.
Being at a crossroads is part of the process as you uncover your potential. Sometimes, the feelings are overwhelming and frustrating, but trust this is the way forward. Consider your options, do the research and learn as much as you can, define what’s important to you, and take a small step when you are ready (or not).
One piece of advice: move away from what you or others think you “should” do and honor your truth.
Do not let circumstances that you see as fixed (such as a mortgage) define what is possible as you create your ideal. And finally, move in the direction that resonates with you, not someone else.
Crossroads occur time and time again and give you the opportunity to explore your next level. Accept and embrace them!
Have you successfully moved through a recent crossroads? We’d love to hear about it.
Alissa Finerman is a Professional Business/Life Coach, motivational speaker, and author of Living in Your Top 1%. She works with individuals and organizations to help them think bigger, redefine what’s possible, and get results. Alissa has an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. She has appeared on national radio stations such as CBS and Clear Channel Radio and has worked with the Milken Institute, LA Business Journal, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and NBC Universal. To learn more about coaching with Alissa, please visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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