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What Are You Waiting For?
Have you been in a situation when you know something needs to change, but you’re not ready, and then the change comes anyway, but now with way more drama? This has happened to me at several pivotal times in my life. I accepted an unacceptable status quo until finally the universe gave a nudge and pulled the rug out from under me. The results were painful, though it always led me to a better place. And so I ask you, what are you waiting to be ready to do?
(If that happens to be related to work, check out my latest on changing careers.)
Illustration by Lee Crutchley
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16 comments for “What Are You Waiting For?”
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Wendy: This post is so timely for me. It has nudged me to act now! I have been thinking lately of reconnecting with my younger self who was passionate about travel and learning. I was getting into that way of thinking that I’ll take a class next year or travel in the fall. But this post jarred me in to the realization that I could do it now! Thank you! Now off to plan my travels!
Yay, Dee. Go for it. Keep us updated about your plans.
I took the first step today and requested time off work! This post was literally an “aha” for me!
Good job, Dee. I’m thrilled!
I did it! Trip to DC booked! I’m going to immerse myself in the museums. Thanks for the push!
That was fast. It took barely a nudge.
I was ‘nudged’ last week. At 50, I knew I needed to start making exercise a part of my life, and those pounds I took off 1 1/2 years ago (with diet) have crept back on. But mostly, as I watch older people struggling with their aging bodies, it becomes less about looking a certain way, and more about helping my body be comfortable; the stiffness and aches and pains are already popping up. A friend joined a gym last week, and I joined as well – we’ve decided to strive to motivate each other to go. And as I find myself wanting to ‘put off’ going, I get home from work, and just put on the work-out clothes, and then figure, well, might as well just do it now. I am still waiting for the ‘I love exercise’ attitude to kick in, but so far, so good.
Last month, I wrote about Betty, the 88-year old in my ballet class. http://bit.ly/1TF00E6 She’s proof positive that with a commitment to exercise, you can fend off an aging body. I’m so glad to hear you’re taking this on now. If you stay with it, I’m confident that it will become an essential (and fun) part of your life.
Such truth in that statement! I tend to feel like I need to have everything mapped out before taking the first step. Which means I’m never quite ready.
Is there something specific you’ve been getting ready to do?
Most pressing lately is work related. I know my job isn’t totally right for me and it causes me stupid amounts of anxiety. I have put in applications for two jobs I *ought* to get offers in. Jobs that would suit me much better (one I’ve already done before in a different organization). If neither comes through I’ll be seeking your counsel. So tempted to quit and take an extended long trip but I’ve always been too “responsible” to do something like that.
Extended *road trip.
Where would you like to go on your extended road trip?
Are either of these 2 jobs ones that you’d really like to have?
Yes! They are both public service type jobs. One I did the exact job pretty much for a few years before I moved and I miss it a lot. The other I haven’t done the exact type of work but it covers issues that interest me a lot and work environment should be similar to my old job that I miss. I miss the client interaction and a more congenial social work atmosphere.
I want to travel the western US. I drove from Atlanta to LA – through TX, NM, and NV – with a friend about 12 years ago. We only had a week because she was moving. Ever since I’ve wanted to do it again but take weeks or months.
Let me know how things go with those jobs. I’ve been sketching out a new blog post for my career coaching site. And it’s about the 3 p’s needed for career change – passion, persistence and persuasion. Stay at it, and you’ll find success. Now that you’ve laid out your road trip, what do you need to do to make it happen?