By Dr. Lisa Hoover
Growth is an inevitable part of life, but recognizing when you’re ready to elevate to your next level can be challenging. Whether it’s advancing in your career, expanding your business, or pursuing a personal passion, certain signs indicate that you’re poised for transformation. Here are five key indicators that it’s time to step into your next level—and practical strategies to help you get there.
1. You Feel a Sense of Restlessness
When you begin to feel restless in your current situation, it’s often a sign that you’re ready for growth. This restlessness might manifest as boredom, frustration, or a yearning for more. Psychologists refer to this as a “growth edge”—the point at which you’ve outgrown your current circumstances and are ready to expand your capabilities.
✅ How to Get There:
- Reflect on what’s causing your restlessness. Is it a lack of challenge, limited opportunities, or a desire for more purpose?
- Identify one area of your life where you can stretch beyond your comfort zone. For example, if your career feels stagnant, consider taking on a new project or pursuing additional training.
2. Your Current Routine Feels Too Easy
When tasks that once challenged you become second nature, it’s a clear indicator that you’ve mastered your current level. According to the theory of flow by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, optimal performance occurs when you’re engaged in tasks that are slightly beyond your current skill level. If your routine no longer stretches your abilities, it’s time to level up. Yet, so many of us [I was there once; for than a minute] entrench ourselves deeper into situations, relationships, careers or jobs that we know no longer good for us. Not that that it may be causing harm. it may be as simple as we just “moving but going nowhere”. We used call that “keeping yourself busy”.
✅ How to Get There:
- Set goals that push you beyond your comfort zone. Aim for objectives that require you to learn new skills or think in innovative ways.
- Break down larger goals into manageable steps, celebrating each milestone along the way.
3. You Envision More for Yourself
If you frequently find yourself daydreaming about bigger goals, greater impact, or a more fulfilling life, it’s a sign that you’re ready to pursue them. Research in cognitive psychology suggests that visualization activates neural pathways associated with goal achievement, making your aspirations more attainable. I always tell my client that the hardest of “goal achievement” is NOT having a vision!
✅ How to Get There:
- Write down your vision in detail, describing what success looks and feels like.
- Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse achieving your goals, which can boost confidence and motivation.
4. You’re Seeking More Impact and Fulfillment
As you grow, your definition of success may shift from external achievements to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Studies in positive psychology show that individuals who contribute to a greater cause experience higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being.
✅ How to Get There:
- Identify how your skills and passions can benefit others. For example, if you’re a coach, focus on helping clients unlock their potential.
- Volunteer, mentor, or support causes that align with your values to create a sense of purpose.
5. Opportunities Keep Showing Up
When new opportunities align with your goals, it’s often the universe’s way of signaling that you’re ready to move forward. Research in organizational psychology highlights the importance of seizing opportunities that align with your long-term vision, as they often lead to accelerated growth.
✅ How to Get There:
- Pay attention to recurring opportunities and patterns in your life.
- Trust your instincts and take action, even if it feels uncomfortable. Growth happens when you embrace challenges and step into the unknown.
Taking the First Step Toward Your Next Level
Recognizing that you’re ready for growth is the first step, but taking action is what propels you forward. Start by identifying one small, actionable step you can take this week to move closer to your goals. Whether it’s enrolling in a course, reaching out to a mentor, or setting a bold new goal, every step counts.
💡 Remember: Growth is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and trust that each step is preparing you for the next level of success.
Ready to Unlock Your Next Level?
Explore my flagship coaching program, Parallel Path Mastery, designed to help multi-passionate professionals like you clarify their vision, master time management, and build momentum without sacrificing what matters most. Learn more here.