There comes a moment when you know it’s time to leave the comforts of the familiar and move on. You may be ready to move up to the next level; make a lateral move into a new functional area to broaden your experience base;  leap into a new industry or company where you can apply your skills, or move to something entirely different.

If you’re feeling restless, not quite satisfied, like something is missing or there’s got to be more to work and life than this, you may be ready for a change.  Here are four cues that signal it’s time for something new:

1. You feel de-energized and disinterested. Bored. Unchallenged. Stagnant. Unenthusiastic. It’s as if your engine is idling, wasting valuable energy, going nowhere.
2. You’ve stopped learning and growing. You’re not developing new skills and knowledge, yet you feel an unrelenting inner call to become more so you can do more.
3. You’re not using your strengths. You don’t feel valued.  You’re not positioned to make the quality of contribution of which you feel capable.
4. You’re not aligned with the company’s current direction. A change in direction. New business practices. A values gap. The mismatch is painfully clear.

If you feel pulled in the direction of change, begin your planning and preparation with an honest self-assessment.  Check in.  See if your mind and emotions are aligned with your decision and plans. If there is a gap between what you think and how you feel, you have work to do.  Moving ahead without attending to this inner gap inhibits progress.

To align your energy and intentions, your thoughts and emotions, put your truth down on paper – all of it.  Talk honestly with yourself about what you’re doing and why.  Listen to the voices of your inner child and the inner critic – the Border Patrol.  Interact with both.  Hear them out.  Respect and learn from their perspectives. Then, assess whether your idea feels wise to pursue.  Resolving inner conflict and facilitating congruence between your thoughts and feelings is the best route to inner peace and lasting change.

Think it through, but don’t overthink it.  When your head and heart say, “YES” go for it.  A “Yes” from your mind and emotions is a signal that your energy and intentions are aligned.  Thoughts and feelings are the power alliance you need at your back.  Then, move with no regrets.

Decide to not look back and wonder, “What if…”  Keep looking ahead and moving forward.  When you encounter bumps in the road, ask yourself, “What is this set of circumstances teaching me?  What’s my next right action?”  Listen for that inner alignment – that “Yes” from your head and heart. When you feel it, move on with no regrets.

Start your journey by aligning your energy and intentions by reading LIES That Limit: Uncover the Truth Of Who You Really Are.  It’s the essential tool for charting the right path for you.