12 Ideas to live your IDEAL Life: #8 Time for a Change

I have experienced a couple of really significant changes in my life. After I left the military, I worked for a church in Virginia. I was a part of the church for 17 years and a part of the staff for more than ten years. I grew up, got married, and started a family during my time there. My journey with the people in that congregation started when I was a single, 23-year-old and ended with me being a married 40-year-old father of two. It was a great ride. But one day I woke up and realized that it was time for me to make a change. I had changed. My family situation had changed. My dreams had changed.

I wasn’t bitter or unhappy, but I realized that I had reached the pinnacle of who I was there. In my ministry role, I went from youth pastor to part of the executive leadership team overseeing staff and many of the church operations. There was nothing left for me to do but be the senior pastor, a role that was not about to open up and a role that I didn’t feel called pursue.

To continue growing and advancing towards my IDEAL life, I packed up my family and moved to Texas. I accepted a new role, and I hoped to God that I would not fail. I didn’t. Change, though hard and scary, allowed me to spread my wings and fly, much like an eagle getting kicked out of the nest. It was only after leaving the safety of a 10-year career that I began to realize my potential and to believe in myself.

Are you ready for a change in your life? Here are a few signs that will tell you it is time to make a change in your life:

1. You continue to romanticize the past and are unable to focus on your present situation.
2. You turn down good opportunities out of fear or guilt.
3. You’ve lost passion for your current situation or are just going through the motions.
4. You become bitter or angry in your current situation.
5. You are unable to perform in your current role or relationship.
6. Your relationships feel superficial or are unhealthy.
7. You have a strong sense that your life or daily routines have no significance.
8. You sense you are compromising your values.
9. Your hobbies and side interests begin to consume more and more of your time.

Take some time to ponder the questions above and see if you need a change to begin living your IDEAL life.

This holiday season I am sharing 12 short holiday posts to help you and yours get through this season with a little bit of joy and happiness intact. Many find the holiday season warm and inviting, but others get caught up in the hype of the season and even fall into the envy trap of comparing our lives to the lives of others. I would encourage you to create your own traditions and norms this time of the year. Don’t worry if the activities of your family or friends don’t match those of others. Be happy and define what works for you and yours.

Want more? Order a copy of my book on Amazon. It makes a great stocking stuffer, and it may just help someone you love or care for start living their IDEAL life.