Reset: When It's Time to Change What's Not Working

We've all been there – stuck in the quicksand of comfortable misery. Whether it's a draining job, a stagnant relationship, or a habit that no longer serves us, we humans have an remarkable ability to cling to the familiar, even when it's slowly drowning us. But how do we recognize when it's truly time for a reset, and more importantly, how do we find the courage to hit that metaphorical restart button?

The High Cost of Standing Still

Change is expensive, but staying stuck costs even more. Think about your smartphone that hasn't been updated in years. It gets slower, apps start crashing, and eventually, it becomes more frustrating than functional. Our lives work the same way. When we resist necessary updates, the system begins to break down.

The signs are usually there long before we're ready to acknowledge them. The Sunday evening dread that creeps in earlier and earlier. The conversations that feel like rehearsed scripts. The goals that haven't moved from your vision board in three years. These aren't just inconveniences they're your life's operating system begging for an upgrade.

The Myth of "Pushing Through"

Our culture celebrates persistence, often at the expense of wisdom. "Never give up" makes for an inspiring poster, but it's an oversimplified mantra that can keep us trapped in situations we've outgrown. There's profound wisdom in knowing when to persist and when to pivot.

Consider the story of Instagram, which began as Burbn – a check-in app similar to Foursquare. The founders noticed users weren't engaging with most features but loved sharing photos. Instead of pushing harder on their original vision, they pivoted. That reset led to one of the most successful social platforms in history.

Recognizing the Reset Signals

Before any major operating system update, your device gives you warnings. Your life does the same. Here are the key signals that it might be time for a reset:

1. The joy-to-effort ratio is consistently imbalanced. When the energy you're investing regularly exceeds the satisfaction you're receiving, it's time to reassess.

2. Your growth feels stagnant. Learning and development should be natural byproducts of where you invest your time. If you can't remember the last time you felt challenged or excited about what you're learning, you might be in a growth dead zone.

3. Your values and current reality are misaligned. Perhaps you value creativity, but your work offers no outlet for innovation. Or you believe in work-life balance, but your schedule leaves you depleted.

4. Physical and emotional signals are impossible to ignore. Chronic stress, sleep issues, and persistent anxiety aren't just inconveniences – they're your body's way of filing a formal complaint about your current situation.

The Art of the Reset

Resetting isn't about impulsive decisions or burning bridges. It's a thoughtful process that requires both courage and strategy. Here's how to approach it:

First, get clear about what's not working. Write it down. Be specific. Instead of "I hate my job," identify exactly what aspects aren't aligned with your goals and values. This clarity helps you avoid recreating the same situations in a new context.

Next, envision your ideal scenario. What would "working" look like? This isn't about fantasy – it's about creating a clear target for your reset. Without this vision, you risk jumping from one misaligned situation to another.

Then, create a reset runway. Major changes require preparation. This might mean building an emergency fund, updating your skills, or strengthening your support network. The goal isn't to wait until everything is perfect, it's to ensure you have a foundation for your leap.

The Power of Small Resets

Not every reset needs to be dramatic. Sometimes, small incremental changes can create significant shifts. Before quitting your job, could you reset your role or responsibilities? Before ending a relationship, could you reset the patterns of communication? These smaller resets can either solve the core issue or clarify whether a bigger change is truly necessary.

Embracing the Uncertainty

The hardest part of any reset isn't the planning – it's managing the uncertainty that follows. That moment when you've left the familiar shore but can't yet see your destination is both terrifying and exhilarating. This is where most people panic and retreat to their comfort zone.

Remember: uncertainty is not your enemy. It's the price of admission for any meaningful change. The key is to embrace it as part of the process rather than fighting it.

The After: Life Post-Reset

A reset isn't just about ending something – it's about creating space for what's next. Nature abhors a vacuum, and life has a way of filling empty spaces with new opportunities, relationships, and possibilities. But here's the crucial part: you get to be intentional about what you allow into that space.

Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is admit that something isn't working and take action to change it. Your reset will look different from mine, but the principle remains the same: life is too short for outdated operating systems. When the signs are there, when the cost of staying the same outweighs the risk of change, it's time to take a deep breath and press that reset button.

After all, every significant breakthrough in history started with someone being brave enough to admit that the current way wasn't working. Your reset might just be the beginning of your breakthrough.

Ready to Make Your Reset Count?

Don't navigate this transformation alone. As a life coach, I've guided other professionals through successful resets. Book your complimentary 30-minute Reset Strategy Session and let's create your personalized roadmap to change. Limited spots are available for January 2025.

Schedule Your Reset Strategy Session Now → Reserve your spot at joudieweekes.com/work-with-me