Stop Searching...You KNOW What You Truly Want!

Change is constant, and change can be the starting point of a wonderful new direction. It can also be a terrible repeat of the past. Change for the sake of change is not enough, and many times people fall into the trap of changing something for the same thing.

I was at a point many years ago that I was looking for a change in my business life. I had become very unhappy in what I was doing....this is a clear sign it is time for change. Sometimes though, people make changes for the sake of change, but don't actually choose what makes them happy. We see this play out in relationships, when someone is chosen on the "rebound", and it doesn't work out. Very often a person that has gone through a breakup doesn't want to be alone, and jumps right into another relationship that is much like the last one and is not right for them...often choosing someone that has exactly the same traits as the person in the old relationship. Remember a very attractive person that is a jerk, will not create a happy relationship. It is important to take some time and determine what you really want in your next relationship and don't compromise. The right person will come along when you are clear on what you want.

This also happens in business. People leave the jobs they don't like, and often accept a new job, just for the pay or the benefits, only to find they don't like the job they have taken any better than the one they left.

So, how do you make sure that the change you make is what you truly want?

When I was making a change in my business life, I was very clear on all the things I DIDN'T want. I made a list of all those things. This is an important exercise because this is the time when it is most clear in your mind what is making you dissatisfied.

Once you have clarity on what you don't want, you can then gain clarity on what you DO want. I made a list of everything that was important for me in my next career move. This exercise is called "clarity through contrast"....you can clearly see what you don't want, and also what you DO want.

Don't compromise. Once you know what you want, do not give in to the distractions of "the shiny object". A higher level of pay, or benefits will not sustain your satisfaction if you don't enjoy the work, or the people you are working with. If you are looking to spread your wings and become an entrepreneur, you will never be satisfied by accepting a job for the perceived "security".

When I found my next direction, I absolutely KNEW it was what I wanted. There were fleeting moments with questions like "is the time right, how will I make this happen, can I do it, what if it doesn't work, etc." The key to making this change was my desire was far stronger than all the fears and limiting beliefs that popped up. Because of that burning desire, it gave me the strength to move forward with belief. It was something I was passionate about, and had been for over 18 years. I had never thought to combine my passion with what I did for a living up to that point, which I have learned since, is the absolute key to being happy and fulfilled in your work.

To be truly fulfilled, you must believe in what you do, who you do it with, and what it accomplishes. You must be willing to take a stand and share your belief. If you are working producing a product or service you don't believe in, you will not put the same care, heart and soul into it, as you would with something that you are excited about and truly believe in.

Choose carefully who you align yourself with. If the people you work with do not have the same ethics, integrity and values you do, there will be conflict. This applies to employed roles, as well as entrepreneurial roles.

Know what is important to you. Do you want flexible work hours, the option to work from home, advancement potential, the opportunity to learn and grow, do work that is meaningful, have the freedom of self employment? If you do not choose things that meet your needs, you will not feel satisfied and will find yourself looking again for that "right thing" down the road. It's far better to take the time now to find what will meet this criteria, so you can "hang your hat" and commit long term to your next move.

Learn to listen to your heart. The answers are there. Don't let the "voices" in your head steer you in the wrong direction because of fear and limiting beliefs. We have intuition for a reason. Have the courage to take the steps, directions,and make the decisions that lead you towards the life you truly want to be living.

Debbie Ruston has been an entrepreneur and trainer since 1986. She works with individuals, and groups interested in developing their entrepreneurial leadership mindset. Was this article of value to you? Feel free to share it on your social networks and with your contacts, join in the discussion below, and FOLLOW her on the top right corner of this page.

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