Focus on Growth To Make A Massive Shift In Your Life

As we go through life, we are influenced by many influences that determine our steps. As children, we are taught to believe without question whatever those closest to us tell us to. Even as we grow up and form our opinions, those early foundations remain. I am not saying everything you were taught growing up is wrong, but if you want to move to the next level, you have to form new beliefs. 

You must also reconcile what you have been taught with who you are. Those lessons may have helped your parents and other influences be successful, but you are your own person. Unless you have similar personalities and circumstances, you will likely have to do things differently to achieve your goals. 

Get Clear With What Will Make You Happy

In 2020, I took a giant leap and quit my corporate job. The only person in my life who agreed with this decision was my best friend, who has been on the same personal development journey. Honestly, she also thought I was a bit nuts!

When I really looked at what I wanted, I realized I had no idea. I just knew where I was currently was making me miserable. I decided to leap to figure it out. I had several thousand in savings and a husband who wasn’t on board per se but wouldn’t let the family go into homelessness. Also, I knew I could get another job making what I made or more, so it wasn’t as big a deal as everyone made it seem. 

For the first time in my entire life, I made a decision only based on myself. It was the scariest thing I have ever done. I am so happy I had the courage to do it. 

Try Those Things You Dream About

I am a dreamer, and I had soooo many things I thought I would love and never had the chance to try. I took a year to try out most of them. Turns out, some I loved but didn’t love how you would have to make money (podcasting & coaching), some were a letdown (real estate) & others I just realized I could have an easier life and make more money in corporate (real estate, coaching, recruiting). Some I downright hated (college-level teaching). 

The knowledge I now have has helped me stop daydreaming about all these other options. After a year of exploring, I decided to go back into corporate and to recruiting. It’s what I had wanted years before, but I wasn’t committed to finding the right opportunity. 

Because I took this leap, though, I had so much clarity. I also knew I could start at the bottom and quickly move up. I knew that because I actually liked what I was doing, I would work harder and be more committed to success. 

Accept What You Learn

My exploration year taught me much about myself and my relationships. I learned so many lessons. I saw I am capable of highly challenging circumstances. I realized I am ok with making massive decisions and embracing change. I embraced my role as a challenger and focused on how I could influence those closest to me to reach their potential. 

If you don't already know them, try to find your gifts. The things that come easily to you that others struggle with.

For me, it’s conflict resolution, challenging in a loving way, and extremely high expectations. I also learned I have a very low tolerance for excuses and playing the victim. I also have an expectation that everyone can improve. The second part of the recipe is that they must also believe it. 

Most people don’t need to take the leap I did to make a change in their lives. I am blessed and cursed with my tolerance for risk and change. I am also an all-or-nothing type of personality which causes me to have quick and massive success and quick burnout. 

Maybe you are like me and need that level of a break, or perhaps you just need a couple of weeks off to figure out what you want. Whatever you need, take it without guilt. Then, trust yourself to follow what you learned. You are the writer of your story, make it one you would want to read.