What Holds You Back From Moving Forward in Your Life?

I think at some point in midlife many of us come to a point where we just feel stuck! As if you we’re going around and around in a circle and can’t seem to move forward? This could be for several reasons: an unfulfilling job, the kids have moved out, a divorce has happened or something entirely different. And sometimes, even when we feel we are ready to move forward, we just can’t seem to do it. And sometimes the reason is that we are doing it to ourselves! Here are some scenarios to think about to see if you’re holding your own self back.

1. You’re Too Safe

If you are constantly worried about the future, and this worry keeps you from taking risks, this is probably a reason you aren’t moving forward. To move forward, you have to be willing to take a risk and do something which makes you a little uncomfortable—it will probably pay off in the end.

2. You’re Stuck In The Past

To move forward, you have to learn to let go. The past is the past for a reason. Take stock of the positives, the negatives and the lessons learned but use that knowledge to move forward.

3. You Doubt Your Abilities

I think this is true for a lot of us… at least it was for me. But if you want to make changes to better your life or move forward, you won’t be able to do it if you constantly doubt yourself. If confidence is something you struggle with, consider trying some tactics to increase your confidence before making a large change in your life. Affirmations, meditation and prayer are tools when it comes to confidence.

4. You’re Hanging With The Wrong Crowd

Are all your friends stuck in dead-end jobs? Do they complain about how miserable they are? Do you only hear about doctor’s visits and health emergencies when you get together? According to Jim Rohn, (and I’m sure you’ve heard this before) you are the combination of the five people you spend the most time with in life. And if these people aren’t going anywhere, you likely won’t either. Yes, that’s harsh… but usually true.

Be especially careful if you find yourself spending time with people who seem to talk down about your future, or your abilities. Don’t let their negative outlook become yours, as this could end up holding you back.

In many cases, moving forward is not easy, but it is much more possible if you take action to keep yourself from holding your own self back. Instead, choose to make changes to your life that will move you forward and allow you to create your best life.

5. You Keep Waiting for the “Right” Time

There’s a little poem I often see on social media:

“Stop waiting for Friday, for summer, for someone to fall in love with you, for life. Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now.”

There will never be the perfect time to begin to do something that will move you forward in life.  Just find a moment and go for it!

 

Which one of these scenarios is holding you back from moving forward in your life?
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