You know that feeling of wanting to throw in the towel? It happens to everyone at some point.

The thing about that feeling is that it doesn’t happen when everything is rosy. It happens when times are tough.

Whether desperation comes as a result of the tough times, or it is the other way around, it can lead to some dangerous thinking. In some cases, stopping your current course of action may be the best option, however, it shouldn’t be the first one.

When times are tough, it is essential to assess the situation before taking drastic decisions that could affect the rest of your career – and your life.

There are a few things you can do to make sure you realistically reassess your path. Whether your concern is financial, or the result of waning enthusiasm, take the time to work through each of these thoughts. Not only will it prepare you for the decision you need to make, but it is also part of the process.

Realise that you cannot change the past.

No matter where you go to in the future, you can’t revert to a previous version of yourself. You start from now. Although this can be challenging when you want to go back to a time when everything was under control, this realisation can also be liberating. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, you have a unique skill set that you will take with you. Is it better to move forward on your current path? Or, will you increase your potential along another route?

Remember you cannot create change by doing the same thing.

You know what they say: you can’t expect different results by using the same methods. This means you need to do something differently if you want another outcome from your actions. But, it doesn’t mean that you need to use a totally different method. Sometimes the method you’re using isn’t quite right, so it makes the results appear wrong. Try experimenting with the way you do things before you assume that you aren’t happy.

Remind yourself to think positively.

Tough times can lead to negative impressions of yourself, and your work. Telling yourself that you are not happy is a sure way to make yourself unhappy. Spend time focused on changing the way you speak to yourself, and trying to find the positive in every situation. You may just find that you don’t want to start something new; you just want to make a few changes.

Share your experience:

There are lots of other ways to reinvigorate your passion before making extreme decisions. Let us know what has worked for you in the past.

Next steps:

In the meantime, make sure you bookmark this page so you can get back to it – just in case you find yourself having a rough time in the future.

.-:–:-

This is part of Momentum month on the Rethink Retreats blog

Check out these other great posts:

Are these 5 things holding you back?
7 ways to regain momentum
Goal making… or rather, goal breaking

and for an inspirational 5 minute video, do check out:

What if money was no object?