Sometimes, a life that is peaceful, calm and uneventful can unexpectedly end up feeling stressed. You might feel a void because you’re not accomplishing anything new. You might start feeling worried about your current situation and wonder what disaster is around the corner.
Some people are fine with the mundane. But for those craving some excitement or personal growth, certain major life changes can give you valuable lessons that create a permanent positive life shift, making you a happier person.
According to Psychology Today, the only way positive change can happen in your life is to make choices. Yes, there are always risks involved with every decision you make, but the payoff comes in the accomplishment you’ll feel during the journey. Even if the outcome isn’t exactly like you anticipated. As outlined in this article on how to conquer fear and make a change, going after something new is as much about the process as it is the result.
If you feel like you’re in a rut and are looking for a positive way to add depth to your life, here are five ideas.
1. Further Your Education
If you’ve always dreamed of getting a new degree, it may be more within your reach than you think. Online educational programs make it more manageable for professionals to study on their own schedule. Many employers will even fund at least part of a higher education if it pertains to the role.
Studying something completely new may lead to career changes that are more rewarding. You’ll also connect with potential new friends and learn subjects you may have never considered pursuing. This may lead to new discoveries or life decisions that help you attain more personal growth.
2. Go on Your Dream Vacation
Travel is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Exposure to a new places, cultures, and people make you more aware of your personal qualities and how you interact with others. This also teaches you to be thankful for your current home base and the abundance you have been blessed with.
Traveling to your dream destination doesn’t have to break the bank. You can even stay somewhere for free with a service such as Couchsurfing. Before you hit your destination, look into deals sites like Groupon to score discounts on restaurants and excursions, and research free activities, such as nature walks or festivals.
3. Face Your Fear
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is essential to achieve growth and transformation, reports Psychology Today. Facing a fear provides many benefits including:
- A sense of accomplishment
- Courage to go after new goals
- Lasting increased confidence
Some fears maybe even hindering you professionally. For example, a fear of public speaking may make you less likely to go after executive positions that require talking to groups, even if you’d excel at all other parts of that role. In such cases, try taking a public speaking course to help you conquer that fear. To push the boundaries of what you think is capable in your life, perform the activity you fear, such as skydiving or bungee jumping if you’re scared of heights.
4. Move to a New City
Whether it’s a change of climate, population size, scenery, or culture, moving away from your home helps break the monotony of daily routine.
If you have a job where you work remotely or do much of your work online, you may be able to stay with your company and make the leap. Some countries, such as Australia, have extensive work-holiday visa programs that are welcoming to new residents for up to a year.
Having an employee who works in a different country allows a company to potentially add a new exotic location to their list of “global offices.” Talking about your dreams to move somewhere else may be seen as beneficial to your job. So don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with your supervisor to see what your options are.
5. Volunteer
There are so many worthy causes to donate your time to; from working at an animal shelter with cute animals to helping disadvantaged youngsters as a tutor. A study published by the American Psychological Association found those who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop hypertension than non-volunteers.
Volunteering doesn’t just help those you’re working with — it helps you focus on a positive task, which eliminates stressful thoughts. This makes you more appreciative of what you have in your own life while giving you a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.
Ready to make a move? The American Psychological Association recommends making a plan for your change and asking for support to increase chances of fulfillment. Use these techniques when you want to do something different in your life or to set a goal for personal growth. Embrace the uncertainties you face, and have the confidence you can handle whatever comes your way.
Featured photo credit: life changes via shutterstock.com
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