Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, looked deeply into your own eyes, and felt an overwhelming urge to press an imaginary reset button on your life?
That gnawing feeling isn't just common—it's a powerful signal that shouldn't be ignored. In this age of carefully curated social media feeds and constant pressure to "have it all figured out," the very idea of starting over can feel like admitting defeat.
But what if we've got it all wrong? What if starting over isn't a step backward, but rather the boldest step forward we can take?
What could that look like, for you?
Acknowledge the Stagnation
Stagnation creeps in silently, like fog on a cool morning. At first, it's barely noticeable—a missed opportunity here, a compromised dream there.
Soon enough, you find yourself going through the motions, living each day on repeat. The promotion you once chased feels meaningless. The relationship you're in has lost its spark. The city you live in no longer excites you.
These feelings aren't signs of failure; they're wake-up calls. They're your inner compass pointing toward the need for change.
Take a moment to inventory your life: Which areas feel like they're running on autopilot? Where do you feel the heaviest resistance to change? Understanding where you're stuck is the first crucial step toward getting unstuck.
Embrace the Idea of Starting Over
Society often frames starting over as a last resort, something you do when all else fails. This narrative couldn't be more misleading.
Starting over is an act of courage, a declaration that you value your happiness and potential more than the comfort of familiarity.
It's about recognizing that the path you're on isn't the only path available to you.
Consider this: Every great innovation, every breakthrough, every moment of triumph in human history came from someone willing to start fresh, to question the status quo.
Your personal reset button is no different. It's a tool for innovation in your own life, a chance to redesign your existence according to your current values and aspirations.
Reinventing Your Career: The Professional Reset
In today's “new normal” job market, the concept of a single, linear career path is becoming increasingly obsolete.
Many successful professionals have hit their own reset buttons multiple times, often with remarkable results.
Sara Blakely worked as a fax machine salesperson before founding Spanx. Tabitha Brown was driving for Uber and decided to ‘go vegan.’
These aren't just exceptional cases—they're examples of people who recognized that career reinvention is sometimes necessary for growth.
Signs it might be time for a career reset:
Sunday evening fills you with dread
You've stopped learning or feeling challenged
Your work no longer aligns with your values
You find yourself envying people in completely different fields
Your industry is changing in ways that don't excite you
Starting over professionally doesn't always mean dramatic changes. It might mean:
Transitioning to a different role within your industry
Learning new skills while maintaining your current position
Starting a side business to test the waters
Returning to school for additional education or certification
Taking a step back in seniority to enter a more fulfilling field
Remember: Your career experience is never wasted, even when changing directions. The skills, insights, and relationships you've built transfer in unexpected ways to new endeavors.
Let Go of Fear and Guilt
Fear and guilt are the twin anchors that keep us moored to unfulfilling situations. "What will others think?" "Am I being selfish?" "What if I fail?"
These questions can paralyze us, keeping us trapped in the familiar discomfort of our current situation.
Here's the truth: The people who truly matter in your life will support your journey to happiness. Those who criticize your choice to start over are often projecting their own fears and regrets.
As for failure? It's a natural part of any worthwhile endeavor. The only real failure is never trying at all.
To work with these emotions:
Acknowledge your fears without letting them drive your decisions
Practice self-compassion during moments of doubt
Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage growth
Remember that guilt is often a sign that you're prioritizing others' expectations over your own well-being
Focus on the Future
Starting over without direction is like setting sail without a destination. While you don't need to have everything figured out, having a vision for your future can provide crucial momentum.
This vision doesn't have to be a detailed five-year plan—it can be as simple as knowing how you want to feel in your new chapter.
Take time to:
Identify your core values and non-negotiables
Set both short-term and long-term goals
Create actionable steps toward your desired outcome
Establish markers to track your progress
Remember, your vision can evolve as you do. The important thing is having a direction that excites and motivates you.'
Embrace the Journey
Starting over isn't a single moment—it's a process of continuous growth and adaptation. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and unexpected challenges.
These aren't signs that you've made the wrong choice; they're natural parts of any significant life change.
Think of it like learning to walk: Every toddler falls countless times before mastering their balance. Each fall is a lesson, not a failure. Similarly, your journey of starting over will have its stumbles. Embrace them as part of your growth story.
Starting over isn't about erasing your past—it's about using your experiences as stepping stones toward a more authentic future.
Whether it's changing careers, ending a relationship, moving to a new city, or simply shifting your perspective, the decision to hit reset can be the most liberating choice you make.
Remember, you don't have to wait for a crisis to start over. Sometimes, the quiet whisper of discontent is all the reason you need.
Your life is a story in progress, and you hold the pen. Don't be afraid to turn the page and start a new chapter.
Yours in new beginnings goodness,
EBS
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EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
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