How to Move On Without Losing Your Mind

I should know a thing or two about How to Move On Without Losing Your Mind. I’ve had to make that choice when I transitioned from the military after serving for seven years and enjoying a successful naval career. I thought I’d finally found my sweet spot after that by serving another seven years as a full-time missionary because it fulfilled my intrinsic drive for deeper fulfillment and contribution. That calling allowed me to impact thousands of people in the US and around the world, especially in Africa. It still functions as a compass for what I do and keeps me tethered to my true purpose and big WHY. But that didn’t stop me either from moving on (yet again) to follow God’s new calling on my life to inspire lives as an author, speaker, pastor, and lifestyle coach.

In our last blog post on the 7 Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Job or Ministry and It’s Time to Move On, I shared with you that if you’ve experienced any of the following, especially for prolonged periods over the past few weeks or months, then it’s time plan your exit. Let’s review those signs before I show you how to move on without losing your mind.

Face your new reality. Make up your mind. If you’ve concluded and decided that most of the 7 Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Job or Ministry clearly confirm it’s time for you to move on, then plan now to do so. Before you make The Leap, consider these practical steps that will help you make the shift without losing your mind. Of course, you can take stress management classes or squeeze stress balls all day, but we’ll let you do that for other occasions. These are my seven best practices on:

1. Take a Break. Maybe go on a vacation or take a sabbatical. Whatever you do, step back for a few days or weeks to reflect on your past and present. How did you get to this point? What lessons can you take from this job or ministry into your next? What negative influences will you leave behind? What is God saying to you now? Journal your thoughts as they can give you hints for your next move.

2. Seek Wisdom and Guidance. In times like these, don’t be hasty to jump to the next thing. After you have had some time to reflect, pray about what you believe is the next best move for you and your family. Review my 7 Benefits of Prayer for tips on how to pray powerful prayers that move heaven.

3. Reevaluate Your Skills and Calling. If you want to transition with confidence, then sharpen your skills for your new calling. Upgrade your giftings. Get some training or more education if necessary. Take a few career assessment and gift-based tests like Strength Finders 2.0, Kolbe, and Career Direct.

4. Thoroughly Research Your New Career or Ministry. Do your homework but don’t suffer from paralysis of analysis. Especially if you have a family, you should take calculated risks without letting fear stop you. Look critically at the new business or ministry. Ask the tough questions. Does it match your skills and giftings? Will it give you the flexibility and freedom to live life more on your terms? Will it fulfill your inner desires for contribution and significance? Is this the best and right move for me at this time?

5.Set a Deadline. Write the specific date when you leave the old behind and embrace your new calling. Plan a going-away party or a launch party if you’re starting your own business or ministry. Make it memorable and leave on the best terms possible.

6. Leap and Grow Your Wings. No matter how much you plan and calculate, at some point, you will have to step out in faith believing in God and yourself. Decide, commit and don’t look back. Keep a steady eye on your new adventure and give it all you’ve got. Enroll in that course. Start that new job elsewhere. Launch that business. Register that unique ministry. Enjoy the ride.

7. Be Faithful and Do Your Best. God has called us to faithfulness, not to be like everyone else. If you’re faithful in the little, you will be faithful with much also. Therefore, don’t despise the humble or small beginnings. According to Dr. Eric Thomas, “Execution is Worshipped.” Don’t get caught up with Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) nor keep checking the score. Trust the process and keep grinding. Focus on sowing seeds and you’ll be sure to reap a harvest. Do your best and leave the results with God — they will come in due time.

Now that you have some strategic secrets on How to Move On Without Losing Your Mind, please share your tips and comments below. Signup also to be notified of my upcoming new book/course: Monetize Your Skills. It’s a timely production where I get six and seven-figure entrepreneurs to reveal their secrets and show you exactly how to monetize your unique education, expertise, and experiences into a 6-figure+ income. Get on the notification list now at Monetizeyourskills.com.