The short answer is, you may not. And that’s ok. Getting comfortable with not knowing and with making decisions in ambiguity are huge change skills to develop. It is impossible to gather all of the facts – at some point, you will hit a wall and be unable to find more information or will run out of time. You will be forced to decide under ambiguous conditions where you wished you knew more.
Knowing you’re ready for change feels a little different to everyone. Some people may feel a desire for change long before they can put into words that small, persistent feeling of wanting something different. Other people don’t waste any time considering whether they are ready – they are spontaneous and make decisions seemingly without much consideration. I have a little of both of these types in me – but probably more of the first type, the one who ruminates over her decisions.
Working in claims for many years I learned there are times you need to make a decision without having all the answers. You may want to gather more details and ask further questions but you only have a limited amount of time – maybe 30 days to research and take action on a claim. There are plenty of times when you need to make the best decision you can with what you have and move forward. Another variation on progress over perfection!
Applying this same logic to knowing when you are ready to make a change could look like setting a decision timeclock for yourself. Let’s say you are trying to decide which industry education program to take next. There are lots of different programs that could be beneficial and enjoyable. Giving yourself a time limit – say 60 days – to research programs, talk to current students and colleagues, and decide on a program can help keep you on track to make a change.
Have you used this timeclock method to help you know when to make a change in your life? Share how it works for you in the comments section!