You’ll Know You’re Ready To Change Your Life When These 9 Soft Things Start Happening
If you've been feeling restless lately, it might be because life's preparing you for something new.
Deliris | Shutterstock How do you really know when you're ready to change your life? Sometimes it hits you all at once, and other times it creeps in quietly—a dull restlessness, a new curiosity, or the sense that the life you've been living just doesn't fit anymore. Whether the change you want is big or small, knowing how to recognize the signs that you're ready is the first step toward growth. Change can feel scary or exciting (usually both), but either way, it's your signal that something inside you is ready to expand.
Maybe you've been dreaming about a new job, moving somewhere new, or finally letting go of what's been holding you back. When you start noticing certain shifts in how you think, feel, and respond to the world around you, that's how you know the change is already happening. These moments don't scream for attention; they show up softly, gently guiding you toward a version of your life that feels more like you.
You'll know you're ready to change your life when these 9 soft things start happening:
1. You start feeling uncomfortable in your current life
Perfect Wave / Shutterstock
This is probably one of the most obvious signs you're ready for a change. You might even feel like you’re not physically or mentally there yet, but if you’re noticing you aren’t happy with how your life is going or what you’re experiencing, then you’re ready for change.
If you know deep down that you’re not happy with where you are, then it's time to listen to yourself, because only you know what you need.
2. Your dreams suddenly feel too big for your current reality
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock
If you know you can't achieve your dreams without change and you’re scared, that’s the only thing holding you back. Making a change to achieve your dreams is essential, so don't be scared or assume that your dreams are "too big." Taking a risk sometimes and making a change can feel overwhelming, but remember: not all change is bad, even if it is daunting.
According to Hilary DeCesare, Founder and CEO of The ReLaunch Co., your belief in your dream can be the antidote for the doubts that hold you back, no matter how far-fetched it may seem. She emphasizes that when you encounter those "what if" questions about failure or regret, the answer is simple: you can always pivot and relaunch again, learning more about yourself in the process, regardless of the outcome.
3. You feel like something — or someone — is pulling you forward
Zivica Kerkez / Shutterstock
When the universe is telling you to do something or encouraging what you want deep down, you'd best listen to it. If you don’t, you're cheating yourself of happiness and out of the future that will leave you fulfilled and at peace.
If you notice that you're consistently drawn to a place, a job, a person, or a concept, pay attention and determine the path you need to take to achieve it.
4. You feel stuck and can't ignore it anymore
VH-studio / Shutterstock
If you're at the end of the rope and feeling like you have nowhere to go, then you're well on your way to being ready for change. You don’t want to live a miserable life where you question all the time — leaving yourself with “what ifs” will only drive you mad.
If you feel that you're at a dead-end, listen to what your soul is begging you to do to make change happen. To be happy, you have to take risks and take a chance on change, for the better.
When you find yourself trapped in apathy and emotional withdrawal, the hard truth is that giving up in the face of adversity will leave you feeling like half a person. According to Dr. Kate Siner, the answer to changing your life when you feel stuck lies within you, requiring you to harness love, truth, and compassion to move forward with positive action.
5. You start looking for signs that it's time to change
MAYA LAB / Shutterstock
If you’re reading this advice now, that means you already know you want to make a change. You realize you're ready for it, but you don't know how to overcome your fear and take the necessary steps to begin.
By searching for ways to get ready for change, or if you just came across this article by sheer coincidence, it's time.
According to spiritual coach Polly Wirum, "The pull to change your life might start small, but the feeling grows stronger and stronger until it cannot be denied." Wirum explains that when you feel the pull toward joy and happiness, it often stays hidden until something awakens it, and that's when you know it's time to say yes to whatever opens your heart and propels you forward into your potential.
6. You realize that change is unavoidable
Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock
Life is full of surprises, changes, and challenges. You must know that when preparing yourself for a change, the outcome is always unexpected. But that doesn't mean you should let fear of the unknown stop you.
Don't overthink things. Identify the constants in your life that will always bring you security. Trust yourself and the people in your life who want you to succeed and support you. Know that even if the change brings temporary craziness, you'll still have those trustworthy things to rely on.
7. You give yourself time — but not forever
ViDI Studio / Shutterstock
Make sure to give yourself all the time you need to make this change, but be sure to set some boundaries for yourself. Don’t spend so much time thinking and planning that you end up wasting your chance, but also trust your intuition. Don't do something that doesn't feel like it's in your best interest.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Judith Orloff, when you deviate from your inner voice, your energy inevitably wanes, and this gut-centered voice is essential for your happiness, health, and survival. She emphasizes that intuition serves as your master guide for reading the vibes around you, allowing you to make smarter life choices by tuning in to these crucial signals.
8. You prepare yourself for things to get messy
Rido / Shutterstock
This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but sometimes preparing for the worst is the best; this way, you’re not let down in the end. Preparing for anything can help you learn how to navigate change gracefully.
For any situation, prepare for the worst, but assume the best. If you want to move to another city, make plans, save money, and have a backup in case something happens. Learn to roll with the punches, and then you can always land on your feet.
As certified life coach María Tomás-Keegan explains, "The more experience you have with change, the more resilient you become and the faster you come through it." By preparing for worst-case scenarios, you train your resilience and develop the adaptability needed to handle whatever comes your way.
9. You start focusing on what could go right
insta_photos / Shutterstock
This is probably the best step to keep you motivated toward the change you want to make. Remember that while consequences can be both good and bad, you're making this change for a reason.
Write down a list of "pros" to what would be fun, helpful, and life-altering if you made the change — in a realistic way. Maybe try practicing positive affirmations about change so you feel more positive and confident about it.
When you're shifting major aspects of your comfort zone and debating what you want to do with your life, preparedness will help you embrace whatever happens — and that means moving in directions that you may or may not be comfortable with just yet.
When you feel that stirring in your soul, when you know that something needs to change to get you where you need to be in life, you can either jump in with both feet or fight it.
Only you can decide what's best for you, but know this: You’re ready for change, and you will succeed. Be confident and strong! You got this.
Megan Hatch is a writer at YourTango who covers news and entertainment, love and relationships, and internet culture.
