If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut with your career or, indeed, your way of living, you’re not alone. Statistics have long shown that American workers are, by and large, dissatisfied with their lot, with Forbes highlighting that over 50% of people felt this way. The rigmarole of day-to-day life can create apathy that makes it hard to change, and so its understandable that people do feel trapped. However, sticking with what you know is not the only way. The first step in making the change is identifying what the problem is, and whether you truly want to make a change.
Identifying your problems
Your first step in establishing whether or not you are fulfilled is looking at your mental and physical health. One of the top reasons that people feel the need for a change is personal and professional burnout, according to Vista College. Even if you don’t feel your job or lifestyle is particularly difficult, the same routine can create tension that then creates restlessness. The important thing to take into account is that, if you want change, you must create a plan. New Year resolutions are an example of something that can be helpful, but also can put a halt on your plans to change – you can start again at any time you like, so if you do identify that you need a change, start working to make it a reality as soon as you can.
The logistics
It’s important to make sure that you have everything in place before you start making plans to move on. For instance, you might not be able to pursue a career change for risk of losing your living accommodation – in which case, start saving, or look to downsize to somewhere where you’ll be able to work without solid income for longer. This applies to your lifestyle, too. An often changed part of a person’s daily make up is their diet – it can be easy to make drastic changes, but you should ensure your new plans will be able to supply you with everything you need to feel energetic and well.
Managing change
A huge stumbling block to many people looking to shift their way of working or their lifestyle is managing change. Humans are inherently poor at managing change, and the British Psychological Society recommends using appreciative inquiry in everyday life. This means always questioning your next move, but in a positive way – is this the right next step? If not, what would be a better alternative? This will help you to avoid stagnation if you put your plans on hold, but also ensure that what you’re doing is conducive to your onward improvement and happiness in the future.
Work, life and happiness is such an existential topic that it can be hard to challenge face-on. However, if you’re not happy, you can make a change. The key to making it work is to challenge yourself, to be positive, and to be determined in reaching your new you.