8 Questions To Ask Yourself When You’re Facing A Giant Life Change

If you’re anything like most people, the idea of making a substantial life decision gives you a great deal of anxiety. You’re justified in feeling that way – after all, it could change the entire course of your destiny. When it all seems like too much to handle, take the time to ask yourself a few crucial questions:

1. What do you need to do to prepare?

It’s all well and good to enjoy spontaneity, but you have to be realistic when you’re making drastic moves. Take the time to think through what you need to do in order to ease the transition. It’s not worth it to go in unprepared and risk a disappointing outcome.

2. What are the pros and cons?

Set aside space and write out a list for both. Not only will this help you visualize whether it’s the correct road for you to travel, it may bring up thoughts and issues you hadn’t yet considered. This is a great exercise, especially if you are on the fence about how you want to proceed with the change in question.

3. How will it affect your everyday quality of life?

Sometimes a shift feels exciting just because it’s something new and different. Step back, look at every facet objectively, and proceed rationally. Make sure that you know what you’re getting into before you’re already there and it’s too late.

4. What is the long term goal or effect?

You can get so wrapped up in facilitating a life transition that you lose sight of the big picture. It’s important to keep the overall results in mind when you’re going through a major change. Ensure that you’re sticking to the path you envisioned in the first place.

5. What is your gut telling you?

It’s easy to get bogged down in a mix of feelings, thoughts and worries – especially when something massive looms on the horizon. Try to separate what’s in your head and your heart from what your instincts are telling you. If you’re in tune with them, you’ll find they rarely lead you astray.

6. How can you center and ground yourself through the transition?

Don’t let the stress and chaos of a big life change knock you on your ass. Take time to listen to yourself and turn inward so that you can proceed with conviction, resolve and most of all, clarity. Do not lose yourself in the whirlwind of what’s happening around you.

7. What do you need to make it work?

Instead of thinking about what’s best for everyone else, take some time to make sure your own bases are covered. If you acknowledge your own needs, you can move forward with a clear idea of what has to happen in order to meet them. This will keep you from freaking out about inconsequential issues.

8. Do you feel fear or excitement?

Sometimes excitement can feel a bit trepidatious, but that’s not the same as dreading the outcome of a situation. Even when a life change gets overwhelming, you shouldn’t be truly afraid of what could happen. Acceptance and planning lead to positive anticipation as opposed to stress.