Are you at a crossroads in life? Do you feel that you have to face choices about which direction you should take next? Crossroads moments like this happen frequently and provide a great opportunity to explore options for change.
Life is a journey. As you have travelled, the scenery may well have been pleasant. You have probably passed many junctions already and haven’t really noticed them as you have been content to keep going along that path. However, you have now reached that crossroads. Things look different and choices need to be made.
You want to keep moving in the direction that it is right for you otherwise there is a risk that other people will move you in theirs. If you know where you are heading and have everything mapped out then it is easy to be decisive and know which path is going to get you to where you want to go.
Sometimes it is not that simple and you’ll have to make important decisions which could have long term consequences. It is easy to end up stuck at that crossroads, unable to move forward through anxiety, fear, overwhelm or indecision.
So what can you do? It really helps to have some tools to navigate your journey.
- Make (and take) time to think. Few of us would set out on a car journey without a reason, a planned destination, satnav or map. So why set out on a life or work journey with no idea of where you are going? If you do not know where you are going or why, then how will you know when you get there? Here are some questions to help you work out your reasons and your destination:
- What do you really want and why?
- What is most important to you now and in the future?
- What is going well?
- What needs to change?
- What does your success look like to you?
- What do you need to do to achieve it?
- Consider your options. Consider each path – this can help you to refine your destination and map your route.
- What do you need to know?
- What research do you need to do?
- What are the opportunities presented?
- What is the best that could happen?
- What is the worst that could happen?
- Where can you compromise?
- Will it help to achieve your desired destination?
- What will be the impact on others?
- What are you afraid of and why?
- What excites you and why?
- Map out your route
- Which is the best path for you to take?
- What is the first step you can take?
- Stay focused on your destination.
- Be prepared to re-evaluate and make changes if new barriers emerge or opportunities present themselves.
You don’t have to go it alone. So who can help? Talk with someone – If you can, have an honest discussion with friends and family. However, sometimes when we talk with those closest to us, we might hold back our deeper thoughts. If we do open up, there is a natural tendency for people to offer advice and guidance. That is great but you need to be wary of simply following their journey; this might blur the vision of what you really want.
- Could working with a coach be the answer?
- Working with a coach is different. It is not about what the coach would do in your situation or about offering direction.
- Talking with someone different may help you to gain a fresh perspective.
- A coach will provide a completely independent, non-judgmental and safe environment, a process and time for you to think more clearly, figure out your goals and how to achieve them – you are in control.
- A coach will help you to consider the opportunities that your crossroads present and will help you to explore options and develop your navigation plan. They will support you and keep you on track on your journey so that you can move forward with confidence that you are heading in the direction that is right for you.
- Considering working with a coach is the first step of your journey.
- Deciding to work with a coach is a major step in your journey.
I offer coaching while walking sessions in South Hampshire and West Sussex and, if you are at a crossroads in life, I would love to help you to explore your options and navigate the next steps of your journey. If walking is not for you, I can also offer face to face coaching or via Skype. Please contact me if you would like more information without obligation.
