Over the last few weeks, I have really struggled with knowing what to do with my future. There are many aspects of my job as a teacher that I love, but I couldn’t help but wonder if there was another place I fit better. This has brought a few sleepless nights and a lot of anxiety. If you’ve ever been in this kind of situation, you know what I mean. That desire to make the most perfect decision and the natural consequences of such search.
Last week I was talking with a dear friend (the one I wrote about last week actually) about my dilemma and how I continued to be unsure of whether I should stay where I am or pursue a career change. In our discussion she gave me a phrase that has stayed with me. She said, “Quit fighting to leave and start fighting to stay.” It was in that moment I realized that this wasn’t so much about a career change as it was about a perspective change.
“It was in that moment I realized that this wasn’t so much about a career change as it was about a perspective change.”
This brought the realization that I had been approaching my job, and therefore my purpose, from a very distorted view. I was looking for every reason to run away as opposed to finding every reason to make a difference to the students and coworkers I encountered every single day. I can’t help but wonder what opportunities I missed to positively impact those around me, or worse yet, what negative impact did I have due to my inattention of where I was right now.
The reality is that we have all found ourselves in such circumstances. We have gotten into a grooved mind-frame and find ourselves oblivious to what is actually happening around us. Maybe it is the mind-frame of who our child is or what they will accomplish. Maybe it’s the mind-frame that certain behaviors of our spouse, children, students, parents, etc. will never change so why bother addressing them anymore. Maybe it’s the mind-frame that we are inadequate or stuck in whatever situation is in front of you. Instead of falling into that same thought pattern that has proven less than helpful results over and over again, reevaluate what perspective shift you can make to create more beneficial opportunities for growth and impact. I’m telling you, it can make a big difference – for you and all of those around you.
Now It’s Your Turn:
In what areas of your life could you use a little perspective shift? As a parent? A spouse? A teacher? A coworker?
