Reinvention can happen at any age. Sometimes, we are forced into it however, there are many moments in life that force you to reevaluate to know you simply need a different direction to go. However, if the decision to change paths comes to you, the importance of knowing when to follow your gut and move on is important to recognize.           

In my work with clients, I start with, “Does this align with your core values?”

We will do a deep dive into their top three values. As we weave through why they are the priority to their being, we can then begin to evaluate if the changes that are pushing them forward are indeed changes worth taking a risk on. Do these changes move them towards or away from their goals?

Goals can be anything. This isn’t just about your career. This is about marriage, raising a family, saving for that dream vacation, or even rescuing a pet from a local shelter. The point is that we need to do what is in our best interest to move closer to the values that we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Understanding your boundaries and the ability to stand up for them also works best when choosing which path to take. Boundaries are actions and emotional conditions in which you are controlling within yourself. Boundaries are not to hold other people accountable; they are to hold yourself accountable. For example, I have a personal boundary that people will not shout at me. This doesn’t mean people don’t yell at me. This means that when people do yell at me, I have the right to simply walk away and come back to the conversation when the person is no longer heated.

In a healthy relationship, boundaries are discussed and understood before you “just walk out of the room.” It takes practice, but over time, the people who love you will always respect your boundaries.

As we tie the two together, boundaries and values, there is no such thing as living a life that doesn’t disappoint someone. No matter which decision you are going to make, someone is going to be unhappy with it. However, it is important that YOU are the hero of your own story. Stop disappointing yourself! Choose the path that is right for you.

This was written by our contributing writer, Tiffani Bourriague.