I’ve been MIA on our blog posts for a while, and for that, I apologize. Like many of us, I’ve been in a season of change over the past year. Some of it has been for the better, some for the worse. All of this change has had me reflecting many times on the anxiety-inducing question: “Am I ready?” How can you know if it’s time to switch jobs, move away from home, start a martial arts school, begin training again, or test for your next rank? In this article, I will address five of the top questions I ask myself when approaching my “next step” challenges.
- Why Do I Want to Make This Change? Start by identifying your reasons. Are you seeking growth, fulfillment, or change in your personal or professional life? Understanding your why provides clarity and direction. This ends up serving as your internal compass when you get caught up in the challenges that come with big changes.
- Am I Prepared for the Challenges? Change often brings obstacles, whether they’re external circumstances or internal doubts (Check out our post on Imposter Syndrome HERE). Ask yourself if you’re ready to face these challenges head-on. Do you have the skills, resources, or mindset to navigate potential setbacks? Being honest about the tough moments ahead will help you build resilience and avoid feeling blindsided.
- What Will I Lose, and Am I Okay With That? Every change involves some form of loss, whether it’s time, comfort, or relationships. Reflect on what you may be leaving behind and consider whether you’re willing to give it up. Sometimes, we can focus so much on the potential gain that we forget about what we’re sacrificing. Understanding what’s at stake ensures that you’re making a conscious decision.
- Am I Emotionally Ready? Emotional readiness is just as important as logistical or practical readiness. Change can trigger everything and anything from fear to anxiety to excitement. As a result, this question is usually the hardest to answer. You need to self-reflect and determine: how does the idea of this change make me feel? Are you emotionally equipped to handle the ups and downs that come with this change? It’s okay if you’re unsure, but being in tune with your emotions can give you a better sense of where you stand.
- Have I Done Enough Preparation? Invoking change in your life requires planning. Whether that is opening up your new martial arts school, or starting a new job. Ask yourself: Have I set myself up for success? Sometimes this means seeking advice, doing research, or, in the case of prepping for a test, shifting your training routine. Rushing into change without preparation can lead to unnecessary stress. Take the time to create a plan, set clear goals, and gather the tools you need to succeed.
In the end, being ready for change is not always about timing; it’s about mindset, preparation, and self-awareness. The right time isn’t always obvious, but by asking yourself these questions, you can approach change with confidence and clarity. My biggest caution is to not simply make a decision based on fear. Author Lewis Carroll famously said, “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.” Remember: change is an opportunity for growth, and taking the next step requires more than just timing—it requires a readiness to embrace what comes next.
