There comes a moment in every life and every business when you know something has to change. It might start as a quiet whisper, a feeling that you’ve outgrown where you are, or a sense that you’re meant for something more. For me, that whisper became a roar, and it led to one of the biggest, bravest moves of my life when I packed up my home, business, and life in Milton Keynes and moved to Lincoln for a fresh start.
Yes, it takes courage to make bold decisions, but it’s also about recognising when staying where you are is no longer serving your growth. Leaping into the unknown, even when fear tries to hold you back, can create amazing opportunities you haven’t even considered.
Knowing When It’s Time to Change
We all reach crossroads in our careers, relationships, or personal lives. When this happens, we have to ask ourselves, “Is this still making me happy?”
For some people, the answer shows up as burnout or frustration. For others, it’s a craving for something new, like a different pace, a new challenge, or a simpler way of living. Change can come in many forms, including a career change, a personal move, or even a mindset shift.
Are you ready to leave the safety of employment and start your own business? Then you’re ready for a career change. Does relocating to a new city or country for a better lifestyle feel right? Then you’re ready for a personal move. When you choose self-love, health, and peace over the constant hustle, you’re ready for a mindset shift.
The truth is, recognising that you need change is the easy part. Acting on it takes courage.
Taking the Risk or Staying Safe
When I decided to move to Lincoln, it wasn’t just a change of address. It was a deliberate choice to bring more joy, freedom, and possibility into my life, but it still came with risks. Is the thought of financial, emotional, or practical risks holding you back?
The reality of any significant change is that it’s uncomfortable. You leave behind the familiar and face all the “what ifs.”
- What if it doesn’t work out?
- What if I regret it?
- What if I fail?
There’s another side to that question. What if it works?
What if that new environment brings the peace, creativity, and inspiration you’ve been craving? What if that career leap leads to purpose, alignment, and freedom?
Staying safe might feel secure, but it can also keep you small. Taking the risk, even when your heart is racing and your hands are shaking, is how you grow.
What’s on the Other Side of Fear?
Fear is a natural part of growth. It’s your brain and body’s way of saying, “Whoa! We’re stepping into something new.” What we need to focus on in this situation is what’s waiting on the other side of that fear, which is where the magic happens. Confidence, clarity, and courage can be yours.
I know this first-hand, as I lived my life saying yes to opportunities that would scare most people, and proving that courage creates transformation.
My TEDx Talk came with just seven days’ notice, yet I delivered it with passion and authenticity. My Dragons’ Den pitch? I had two weeks to prepare, and the outcome was an investment and a life-changing experience.
Neither of those moments came with guarantees, but both led to extraordinary outcomes. When you say yes to growth, even before you feel ready, you give yourself permission to evolve and thrive. What will you say yes to today?
How to Start Making the Changes
If you’re standing at your own crossroads, wondering how to take that first brave step, my advice would be to start small and do your research.
- Understand what the change involves. If it’s a move, consider exploring the new area, its people, lifestyle, and cost of living. If it’s a business shift, talk to others who’ve done it.
- Gather both the likes and dislikes so you can make an informed decision.
- Connect with your why. Why do you want this change? Is it for freedom, fulfilment, or growth? Your why will become your anchor when things feel uncertain.
- Create a plan, but stay flexible.
Don’t be reckless! Courage enables you to take calculated risks by mapping out what needs to happen while staying open to surprises along the way.
Think about the support you’ll need. Change can feel isolating, so surround yourself with people who believe in you, such as mentors, friends, and communities. It reminds you you’re not alone.
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Susan JeffersThe fear won’t go away, but your confidence will grow louder than your doubts the moment you take action.
Choosing Growth Over Comfort
At 56, I chose comfort, courage, and self-love over self-doubt. I’ve spent years building my businesses, my brand, and my confidence, and now I’m gifting myself a new chapter.
That’s the real power of courage! Be willing to leap, but also believe that you deserve everything that’s waiting for you. Maybe for you, that next chapter looks like finally launching your business, writing your book, or moving somewhere new.
Courage is making the decision to move forward and then taking action.
“Jules ‘The Dragon Slayer’ White is a skilled and passionate sales professional with a unique approach that combines a human touch with a strategic mindset. I’ve witnessed and enjoyed her coaching style that inspired our team to achieve excellent results. Her drive for continuous improvement and high standards of customer service make her an asset to any organization.” Antoine Metivier – Consultant Director of Online Partnerships – Fintech
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