High achievers often push past the early warning signs, convincing themselves it’s ‘just a phase.’ But if life feels more like a never-ending loop rather than the ride of a lifetime, it’s time to pay attention.
Spoiler alert: It’s not (‘just a a phase’).
Whether you’re at the helm of a fast-scaling business, leading teams across borders, or balancing expat life, staying stuck doesn’t align with who you are. The shift you need is staring you in the face—if you dare to look.
Here are 8 clear signs you’re overdue for a change and how to start moving forward:
1. Your Network Is Just Background Noise
Sign: You’re in rooms full of people, but none are pushing you forward anymore. It’s time to upgrade the people in your circle—surround yourself with those who challenge your thinking and light a fire under you.
Solution: Get intentional about seeking out high-calibre rooms where iron sharpens iron—think industry masterminds, CEO groups, or exclusive leadership events. You’re not made for comfort zones, so stop living in one.
2. Your Routine Is Running You
Sign: Routine is great, until it’s a straightjacket. When you’re just going through the motions, your creativity dies.
Solution: Start small—swap your daily habits around, or do something entirely out of your usual rhythm. Break out of autopilot by booking a spontaneous trip, rearranging your workspace, or delegating those meetings that aren’t serving you. Your innovation needs space to breathe.
3. You’re Present… But Only Physically
Sign: You’re showing up, but your mind is elsewhere. When your presence feels hollow, you’re not leading—you’re surviving.
Solution: Designate uninterrupted time for the people who matter. Put down the phone, close the laptop. Whether it’s for your team or your family, focus fully for an hour. Presence is about quality, not quantity—and it’ll change how you lead.
4. Time Feels Like It’s Either Crawling or Disappearing
Sign: When the clock is either dragging or racing, that’s a sign something’s off. It means you’re either caught in monotony or chaos.
Solution: Find a project that scares you just enough to jolt you out of it—start something that demands your focus, pushes your boundaries, and reconnects you with your ‘why.’ Fear and excitement are signals that you’re alive.
5. Your Passions Are M.I.A.
Sign: You once lived for the things that lit up your soul, but now they’re gathering dust. Hustle culture convinced you that joy is for later.
Solution: Carve out time for passion today. Whether it’s hitting the mountains for a hike, grabbing your paintbrush again, or planning a spontaneous weekend, don’t wait until you’ve ‘earned it.’ You’ve already paid your dues—reclaim your spark now.
6. You’re Coasting at Work
Sign: Innovation doesn’t live where safety does. If you’re handling projects the same way every time, you’re not growing.
Solution: Take risks. Enrol in a program that stretches your skills, try a new approach to your business, or pivot entirely if you need to. Comfort is the enemy of growth, and you didn’t come this far to stop evolving now.
7. Your Values Are Gathering Dust
Sign: Your values are the backbone of your success. But if you’re not living them, they’re just talk.
Solution: Reflect on how your daily actions align with your values. If they’re out of sync, recalibrate immediately. Whether it’s making time for meaningful connections, investing in personal growth, or giving back to your community, live in alignment with what you say matters most.
8. Your Vision Is Outdated
Sign: If your big goals aren’t giving you butterflies anymore, it’s time to reassess. Holding on to an old dream won’t move you forward.
Solution: Rework your vision. Allow it to grow as you do. Whether it’s expanding into a new market, changing your business model, or aiming for a new personal milestone, make sure your vision reflects who you are now, not who you were five years ago.
Change doesn’t have to mean tossing your life into chaos. In fact, the small shifts can be the most powerful—like changing your morning routine, rethinking your leadership style, or setting clearer boundaries with your team. And yes, sometimes bigger moves—like moving countries or selling your business—might be necessary to realign your life with who you’re becoming.
The status quo might feel safe, but it doesn’t get you where you want to go. If you’re serious about scaling your impact, it’s time to shake things up. The next move is yours. So—are you ready to stop playing small and start leading at your highest level?
Justine Campbell is a Solutions-Focused Coach focused on supporting Entrepreneurs, Expats, and Leaders to navigate change to thrive, not just survive. Her 30+ year career has taken her across eight countries, blending experiences as a Linguist, Marketing Exec, Business School Graduate, Entrepreneur, Master’s Qualified Therapist, and ICF-Accredited Life Coach into the work that she does with clients across the globe. Follow Justine for insights on taking control of your life and creating waves of change.
