7 Signs You Need a Major Life Change—And How to Make It Happen!

“If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.” - Jim Rohn

A few years ago, when I got tired of being underpaid as a sales professional in Nigeria, I found myself stuck in a frustrating cycle.

No matter how hard I worked, hitting my sales quota just barely kept me afloat.

So, I was still trapped in a debt cycle, and the stress was almost unbearable.

I started considering a switch to a different industry to improve my earning potential, thinking that maybe a change in scenery would help.

Then, everything shifted when I broke into international sales, as this transition opened my eyes to what I was truly capable of as a full-stack sales professional.

Suddenly, I was not only earning a better salary but also gaining a sense of fulfillment that had been missing from my previous roles.

My journey taught me that sometimes a significant life change is necessary to realize your true worth and potential.

As Tony Robbins once said, “Change is inevitable. Progress is optional.” If you’ve ever felt stuck in a similar situation, you’re not alone.

Here are seven signs you might need a major life change—and how to make it happen!

1. You’re Always Tired, Even After Sleeping

If you’re feeling exhausted day after day, it could be more than a need for a nap, as this constant fatigue could be a sign that something’s off in your life.

Maybe you’re not doing things that excite you or spending time on activities that make you happy.

When our days feel like endless tasks and no fun, our energy drains fast.

If this is you, start by exploring what energizes you. Maybe it’s a hobby, more time with friends, or a new skill you want to learn.

2. You’re Living for the Weekend

Does the thought of Monday make you groan?

If you’re only happy when the weekend hits, you may need a bigger change than just “waiting for Friday.”

When we’re in a routine we don’t enjoy, we find ourselves longing for the end of each week.

Take a moment to reflect on what about your weekdays isn’t working. Is it your job? Your schedule?

Little adjustments like exploring other career options or setting aside time for things you love—even on weeknights—can help balance things out.

3. You Feel Like You’re Not Growing

Growth is a big part of a fulfilling life, but if you feel like you’ve been in the same spot for ages, you might be outgrowing your current situation.

Maybe you’re not challenged in your job or you’re not learning new things; this feeling could be your sign that it’s time for a new experience.

You don’t have to make huge changes all at once. So, start small: sign up for a class, read something inspiring, or take on a new project.

Little by little, you’ll open doors to new possibilities.

4. You Daydream About a Different Life

Sometimes, we catch ourselves imagining a life where things look very different—new job, new city, or even just a new daily routine.

If this daydream feels more satisfying than your real life, it may be a signal that you want something more.

Daydreams can help guide you toward the life you truly want.

Start by listing the things you’re longing for. Is it a different location? A new activity?

Then, take small steps to make that daydream a reality, like researching that new place or planning for that activity.

5. You’re Stuck in a Comfort Zone

Comfort zones are cozy, but staying there can hold us back.

If you haven’t felt that little bit of fear that comes with doing something new, you might be playing it too safe.

Growth usually happens outside of what feels familiar. So, start by stepping a little bit outside of your comfort zone.

If it’s a social event you’d normally skip, try going. Or maybe take on a challenge that feels a little intimidating because small steps lead to bigger confidence—and often, bigger opportunities.

6. You’re Not Excited About Anything

A sense of excitement in life can keep us moving forward, but if you can’t remember the last time you felt genuinely excited, it’s time to change things up.

When there’s nothing that gets you motivated, it might mean you need new activities or connections.

Try adding something fresh to your schedule, like a new hobby, joining a club, or planning a trip, because new experiences often bring excitement back into our lives.

7. You Feel Lost or Unsure of Your Purpose

Purpose is like a guide that keeps us motivated and clear about our path.

But sometimes we feel lost and unsure about what we’re meant to be doing.

This feeling can often mean that it’s time to re-evaluate. So, start by thinking about the things that matter most to you.

Are you helping others? Building things? Creating?

Understanding what brings you purpose can help you realign and feel more grounded in your life.

As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Let me share the inspiring journey of Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. His story really illustrates the signs that it’s time for a major life change and how to take action when you feel stuck.

Howard grew up in a poor neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, and his family faced a lot of financial struggles. His father lost his job when Howard was just a kid, which made a huge impact on him. Watching his family struggle made him determined to create a better life for himself. If you’ve ever felt like you’re in a tough spot and need to break free, you can probably relate to how he felt.

After graduating from college, Howard started his career selling copy machines. Eventually, he landed a job at Starbucks as the director of retail operations and marketing. At that time, Starbucks was only selling coffee beans and equipment—not the coffee shop we all know today.

But everything changed for him after a trip to Italy, where he experienced the coffee culture in full swing. He saw how coffee wasn’t just about the drink; it was about the experience. He had a vision of transforming Starbucks into a coffeehouse where people could gather, relax, and enjoy high-quality coffee.

When Howard pitched this idea to the original Starbucks owners, they weren’t on board. They wanted to stick to their traditional model. That’s when Howard faced a critical moment in his life.

He realized he was stuck in a situation that didn’t align with his dreams. Instead of giving up, he took a leap of faith and left Starbucks. He started his own coffee shop to test out his ideas. This part of his journey shows how sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to pursue what you really want.

After successfully running his coffee shop, Howard returned to Starbucks, and the rest is history. He turned Starbucks into the global brand we know today, emphasizing not just great coffee but an incredible customer experience. His willingness to take risks and believe in his vision highlights how important it is to recognize when you need to change and to have the courage to pursue your dreams.

Even later in his career, when Starbucks faced challenges during the 2008 economic crisis, Howard stepped back into the CEO role to guide the company through tough times. He wasn’t afraid to adapt and pivot when necessary. He also focused on social responsibility, pushing for ethical sourcing and community engagement, showing that finding a deeper purpose can really fuel personal and professional growth.

Howard Schultz’s story is a powerful reminder that recognizing the signs of needing a change can lead to incredible opportunities. His journey teaches us that even when you feel stuck or face resistance, it’s possible to break free and pursue the life you’ve always wanted.

So, if you ever find yourself in a situation that doesn’t feel right, remember Howard’s story. Change can be scary, but it can also lead to amazing things. Trust yourself, take that leap, and who knows where it might take you!

5 Tips and Takeaways to Reimagine Change In Your Life

• Recognize Signs of Stagnation: Feeling tired, living for weekends, or lacking growth indicate a need for change.
• Use Daydreams as Guides: Daydreams about a different life can reveal your true desires; list them and take small steps to pursue them.
• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Growth happens outside your comfort zone; try new things to build confidence and open opportunities.
• Find Excitement and Purpose: Lack of excitement signals a need for new activities; engage in hobbies and reflect on what gives your life purpose.
• Take Action with Small Steps: Change doesn’t need to be drastic; set achievable goals to gradually work towards the life you want.

In conclusion, making a major life change doesn’t mean you have to do it all at once. Start by setting small goals. If you want a new job, make a list of places to apply. If you want a new hobby, sign up for a class. If you’re ready for a new city, start researching and planning. Bit by bit, you’ll get closer to the life you’re dreaming of.

Remember, change is possible. And while it can be scary, it’s also one of the best ways to keep growing and finding happiness. Listen to the signs. Trust yourself. And remember, small steps lead to big changes.

Have you experienced any of these signs yourself?

If yes, I hope this is helpful to your day!

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