At one point in a person’s life, they reflect on their lives and realize they’re ready for a big change. These changes can happen on a whim, or they can be carefully planned.
Sometimes, people simply aren’t sure. Are they ready? Is it the right time? Should they do it? These are just a few questions that they could be asking themselves. Even then, doubts are only normal when they are going through a crucial time in their lives.
You could be going through these emotions at the moment, and that’s completely valid. In these times, you might need help figuring out how to face the looming change. Here are three steps that will help you cope as you face major changes in your life:
1. Do Some Introspection
Introspection is important in decision-making, especially for major life changes. Your life can be carefully planned out, and everything is already in place. However, people tend to forget to stop and think about themselves. This kind of self-evaluation prepares you for the consequences of this new era of your life.
This is a good opportunity to evaluate your doubts and other factors affecting your decision. An example is social pressure. There can also be external factors that contribute to your decision, though you’re personally not ready.
On the other hand, it’s a moment to be thankful for being in a position to push through a major change in your life. This can be something you’ve always wanted since you were young. This change can give you the peace of mind you’ve always needed.
Take a quiet time to be with yourself and with your thoughts. Consider it as a time to listen to yourself. Maybe ask yourself questions and entertain those nagging thoughts about the big change.
2. Consider the Practicalities
People like to think that big changes are fancy. They’ve seen it in movies and TV, and it’s pretty thrilling. In movies, they start a new life, go to a local coffee shop, and meet the love of their life. But that’s really not how it works in real life.
Depending on what you’re doing, big changes are accompanied by some of the most excruciating tasks there are. It can be documents, taxes, and massive price tags. It can also be physically taxing, like carrying heavy boxes or being on your feet from one office to the next.
Most of all, before making the decision, be sure that you’ve accepted these practicalities. Weigh the pros and cons of the change. For example, a new career has the potential of being more fulfilling, but it can mean going back to the starting line. Once you’re aware of the consequences, you can manage your expectations and avoid having regrets.
3. One Step at a Time
Going through a big change can be overwhelming. There are so many shifts in the waves happening or so many boxes to check off the to-do list. To avoid feeling weighed down by all these factors, take it one step at a time.
Breaking down a large task into smaller ones tricks your mind into thinking that everything is manageable. Take, for example, moving out. This single change alone involves many steps: finding a new place, packing, decorating, traveling, etc. If you see it as one big task, it might take a long time before checking that box in your to-do list.
Instead, if you use the steps as part of your to-do list, you check them off one-by-one. Your new list could look like this:
- Find a new place
- Process documents
- Pack
- Move
- Decorate
- Unpack
This new to-do list gives you a visual of your progress and other things you still have to do. After you check out different apartments, houses, and condominium units for sale, you can already check one task off the list. When you decide you’re going for the one in Makati, for example, you already start doing the next item on your list. As a result, the big task becomes more and more of a reality as you finish the steps.
Enjoy the Changes and Be Proud of Yourself
It’s not easy to go through major changes, so you deserve a pat on the back. Changes can be terrifying, but that’s just how life works. Along the way, you’ll face a few hurdles–whether they are personal or practical. It might also feel like something too huge to tackle or a task too difficult to complete. The important part is overcoming them and being ready for yourself.
