When One Door Closes...

Does another door really open? When is it considered giving up and when is it moving on?
To me, the answer lies in one's perspective. If you want the end game to be something better, something more hopeful, then it is never about giving up.

Firstly, let's see how the two differentiate: giving up is a negative response and goes hand-in-hand with a defeatist mindset. Conversely, moving on suggests progression, and a healthy refocussing of one's priorities.   

In the midst of challenges and difficulties, we often confuse the two responses, and this can lead to a build-up of anxiousness and insecurities that may spill into other aspects of daily life. 

Having been through my share of trials and tribulations, I want to share four tips to help navigate the thought process when one is deciding whether to move on (personally or professionally):

1. Trust Your Intuition

When it comes to knowing what to do, your intuition is usually never wrong. Chances are if you feel it is time to move on, then doing so is probably the best course of action. That said, this is not something you think about only when times are rough, this sort of intuition is like a nagging feeling, an invisible warning that only you can discern. It is a safe bet that if you explore the reasons for moving on, you'll find that it amplifies the longer you ignore your intuitions. 

2. Recognize Red Flags

If you ignore your intuition, or perhaps you lack self-trust, then maybe honing the ability to recognize red flags can serve as a more tangible way for deciding to move on. Warning though; this skill takes a lot of self-awareness. It is not easy to see red flags in situations or in people, especially when it does not exhibit obvious signs of abuse. 

Some examples of lowkey red flags include: compromised mental or physical health, toxic language, emotional manipulation, constant negativity, inconsistency, lack of acknowledgement and recognition, no reciprocity. 

If you read this and some of these red flags struck a chord with you, then maybe it's a good time to evaluate if you should really continue to remain in that situation, or just move on. 

3. Discern Your Priorities

Ask yourself, are you in a position where you can afford to overlook the red flags because of your priorities? And how are they affecting your long-term goals and personal values. If you find yourself in a high-paying but all-consuming job that eats away at your well-being, then you must sincerely reflect on whether your current situation aligns with the things you value most. In the end, the easiest way to know what to choose, is the option that will bring you peace.

4. Reflect On Your Happiness

Finally, evaluate your happiness. Are you satisfied with the situation you are in, or do you think you deserve better? And more importantly, are you willing to do better? Basically, if you consistently feel unfulfilled, stressed, or unhappy, it may be a clear signal that it is time for significant change. That said, people often overlook the fact that moving on requires ten times more effort than just giving up. Exploring new opportunities and putting yourself out there again all boils down to taking that leap of faith. So, bet on yourself, be your own cheerleader, and embrace the change with a positive mindset. Because with that, happiness usually follows no matter what you choose to do.