Isn’t it strange how you wake up one day, and you feel entirely different about a plan than you did before? Maybe a year ago, a month, or even a few days ago something was so clear to you. You knew exactly what you wanted to do, and you knew how to go about doing it. And on one day, there can be a 180-degree change of plans.
I know it can be frustrating. There are those of us that are planners, and nothing is more frustrating than someone changing our plans, including ourselves. But life happens, things change, we evolve. Your career path, your niche, or even your dream project can be one decision away from being the total opposite of what you wanted initially.
Reflect
What changed?
You should be able to pinpoint the reason why your plans have changed. It could be a specific moment in time or a series of events. Maybe you’re changing your ideas because you’ve personally grown in areas that require attention to be focused elsewhere.
How exactly did your plans alter?
This question should be definite. Before I wanted/believed _________ and now I want/feel _______. This change does not have to oppose your original plan. You could initially want to leave a position at the beginning of the year, and now, while you still want to leave, you may decide that you need to adjust your timeline to benefit your overall goals.
When should you act?
This one is hard because it depends on the importance and timing of the change. It could be immediate, or it could be delayed. Ultimately, it must feel right to you. Don’t rush to do anything too drastic that doesn’t leave you the opportunity to flexibility. Always remain flexible.
Once you have reflected on your changes, you are now ready for them. This reflection will allow clarity and make you more comfortable to commit to them. You are now, also, more equipped to handle the future changes that are coming.
And if you feel like changing your mind again, then change it back. Life is full of twists and turns. So, of course, naturally, your life will have the same twists and turns. It’s a fine line between being open to change and remaining dedicated to your goals. So, I know it’s hard to know when to do one or the other.
My biggest piece of advice? Just trust yourself to make the right decision. If you have put in the groundwork then, you are already in a position to make the best possible decision for success. If you mess up, you can redo it. Most importantly, you can always learn from your choices.
As abstract as it sounds, you will know when it is time to change course. Business is also what feels right so we shouldn’t always discount feelings like we are traditionally taught to do. Feelings should not lead your decision making, but it should assist in it. So go ahead, take a deep breath and make that move!
Content courtesy of Amanda Reese, Founder of Blueprint Concepts, an experience-focused marketing firm that provides growth strategy to entrepreneurs and creatives.
Contributing Author, Amanda Reese
As Blueprint Concept’s chief consultant, Amanda does more than drumming on a keyboard. With more than 6+ years of experience in marketing and branding, she’s obsessed with new innovative storytelling and curating experiences to go along with them. When she’s not empowering women and small businesses to be differentiators, she is exploring health and wellness (or watching reruns of The Office). Throughout her career, Amanda has worked with many industries including — education to entertainment, and sports to nonprofits.
Amanda also writes for the So Selfish Blog, and you can follow her @theamandacheri, @theblueprintconcepts and check her out her Facebook & Twitter.