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Starting something new is wonderful, but no one wants to find themselves in a situation where the only thing that is different is the locality, or things are worse than it was before you decided to change. No matter how exciting a new opportunity seems, a thorough comparison of pros and cons needs to be prepared. Due to the inconvenience and unknown of any kind of change, it definitely needs to be worth it. This is especially for those of us who happen to be quite comfortable where we are, but know it should not be our last stop.
It’s not always easy trying to figure out the best time to leave, whether it’s a relationship, a job, or even a project. And, it feels good knowing that you have done all you can to make something work so that you can stay. Such as being proactive with resolving disputes, taking on more responsibility to show leadership potential, being accountable for your own shortcomings and working to change them. This also helps to alleviate any guilt you may have felt if you instead left abruptly or only because things became stale, too predictable, and lacked obvious opportunity.
Contrary to some beliefs, things don’t have to be bad for it to be time for a change. Actually, if possible that is always the best way to leave. Just because it’s time to move on to the next phase in your life, doesn’t mean you have to run from a building screaming bloody murder. You don’t have to have hard feelings or cut people off that are apart of your last or current chapter. You can have a special place for them in your heart while being open to embracing the future.
Although every part of you may be saying that it is time to begin a new season, it will not always be without opposition. There will be times when we have to decide not to be our own worst enemy and settle for the easiest route. There will be times that in order to move ten steps a head we strategically take one or two steps back. There will be times when we are met with challenges that we have to face head on before we can get to the good part of the change, which means we could experience some discomfort. And, yes there will even be sometimes when we have to revisit our past mistakes and correct them in order to fully make the change.
Moving on to better may cause some to resent your progress and others to celebrate it. But you will certainly inspire more than those you leave bitter. The only thing that matters is that you know stepping in this direction is opening the door to endless possibilities, and staying where you are closes all of them.
Rachel Bryant Lundy
