Change is good. Or is it? Lately, that question has been on the forefront of my mind.
A few months ago I decided it was time for change, drastic change. I decided my life wasn’t what I wanted it to be. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, in fact, it was somewhat easy. So why change it? The reason being, I didn’t want any regrets on the life I had lived. I wanted to live. I wanted to have good stories, even if they all didn’t turn out well.
Everyone likes to hear good stories. Life is about personal growth. Growth comes from change. Change comes from moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
Jump in
Living life with no regrets brought me to evaluate my current career. While I was successful, it didn’t feed who I am. Insert change. While most intelligent people look for a new career while maintaining their current one, I took a different approach.
I wanted real change. Why dip your toe in the water, when you can immerse your whole body? Jump in, I thought; so I did. I left my career to pursue something yet to be defined. Here I am forty-five days later in the midst of change, being unemployed and searching for a new adventure.
Fear and excitement
With any type of change comes two emotions: fear and excitement. On a daily basis, each of these are present fighting for center stage. However, here is what I found: successful change requires equal parts of both.
If excitement is the fuel that propels us down the road, fear is the GPS that keep us on course. Excitement revs us up, as we think about the positive results or the new environment that lays ahead. Fear gives us the “what if’s”, which helps us to think about contingencies, creating plans of actions and finding peace with worse case scenarios. Both are mission-critical. If either of these held majority control, we would end up stagnant. Fear alone will keep us from action. Excitement alone will have us directionless.
Stay on course
In the beginning, it was confusing. However the longer I am immersed in this change, the more I understand it and thus can embrace it. What I learned is that it is okay for each of these emotions to fight for center stage. It is normal. In fact, when they do, I know I am progressing towards my goal of change. My daily task now is to listen to what each emotion is saying, reflect and not allow either to push me off course. Change is good. Stay tuned.
About Chris Deanovic
Great blog Chris! I will be excited to hear where this adventure takes you. Hats off to you for having the courage to go for personal growth and change, which can be much much scarier than just sticking with what is comfortable and what you know. Good luck!
Thanks Patty!! I am glad you enjoyed the blog. There will be more to come, so stay tuned….
Great comments and insights Chris.
i look forward to hear how your journey evolves!
Jim
Nice to hear from you Jim, and thanks for finding me here. I look forward to sharing more blogs as this journey continues… in the meantime I hope all is well in your world.
Chris
Chris, I really enjoyed your blog and your courage!
Best of luck on your exciting journey.
Mary
Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed the blog:)
Hey Chris, your insight is amazing! As you know, I am going through similar changes and have found so much happiness in the adventure. I am on the edge of my seat to see how things work out for you!
I am so happy things are going well for you, and that you have found happiness. Remember life is always about the journey not the destination. Hang in there enjoy the ride and stay tuned…..
Chris – thanks for being our first “male” blogger! I appreciate your honesty and look forward to hearing more about what comes your way. I admire your courage and know you’re moving in the right direction. Congratulations.
~Peggy
Your welcome!! Thank you for all the help you have given me. You are truly amazing!!
Chris
Chris,
You are an imspiration. I respect your decision, but I’m jealous as hell! Good luck and god speed my friend.
Nice to hear from you, and thanks for tuning in!! Remember, you are just as capable of change as I am. Never forget that you always have options… Hang in there my friend.