Take A Bow: How Do You Know When It’s Time to Move On?

Is It Time to Take a Bow?

I was recently surprised to learn that a friend had left her job at a particular company, especially since she had not been in her last role very long. After I congratulated her on her new position (at another employer) and expressed my surprise, she said, “It was time to move on!” I responded: “There is wisdom in knowing when to move on!”

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 (a biblical scripture), it states: there is a time and season for everything. That statement is so profound and true! Each job, friendship, and experience is not a destination, but a part of life’s journey! We need to have the wisdom to know when our work is done and when we need to move on. This is especially important as we embark upon on the new year and evaluate our goals.

Too often, people in relationships, rank-and-file employees, managers, founders, and many others don’t know when it’s time to move on to life’s next challenge, or when our assignment is complete. Such a move requires wisdom, maturity, self-awareness, discernment, and yes, courage!

Realizing when our season is finished not only positions us for growth, but also provides the opportunity for others to grow and assume their appointed roles and positions in life.

For example, staying in a relationship with someone you are not compatible with will hinder you from finding a mate who is right for you. Additionally, if you are working in a position that is not a good fit for you, it could take you longer to find a position that is fulfilling. And, you could be blocking someone else from his or her right post.

Is Your Season Over?

When our season is finished, we need to find the courage to move on to make room for others. When we fail to make bold moves, we are hurting ourselves and possible future opportunities.

So how do we know when it’s time to go? I’m glad you asked!

How do You Know When to Move On?

1.    Lack of Growth – Are you growing? Are the people around you growing? Is the relationship growing? Is there growth potential? If your answers are “no” to at least one of these questions, it’s time to move on!

2.    Not Adding Value – Is your presence causing more harm than good? Are you always frustrated? Are you constantly frustrating others? Are the people and/or the organizations better or worse off because of your presence? If you are not adding value, it may be high time to gracefully move on to a new place where your value fits in! See my recent article: Understanding Your Value and Where It Fits In!

3.    Lack of Passion – Are you unmotivated or unchallenged? Constantly thinking about something else or somebody else? Feeling under-utilized/undervalued? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the aforementioned questions, it may be high time to take a bow. Life is too short to be unhappy!

I don’t profess to have all the answers, but I’m sure that there is a time and season for people, places, and things. And there is wisdom in knowing when to take a bow.  Just because something was right in one season, doesn’t mean it will always be in every season.

Finally, don’t let fear be the reason that you don’t move on! Live life boldly and courageously!

Remember, Greatness Awaits You!

Carlos T. Carter
Founder & Chief Motivator
www.seeds2fruitmotivation.com

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