“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” – Steve Jobs

I think most of us are taught on some level that stability is good.  And it is, to a point.  The problem is that I think sometimes it’s seen as a non-negotiable, something that under no circumstances should you sacrifice, no matter what the situation.

I see this with leaders on a regular basis.  They are frustrated, or exhausted, or disengaged, but they don’t see change as an option because it might upend their lives or careers.  They, like nearly everyone else, view stability as a goal that, once attained, should never be given up no matter how miserable you might be.

That’s wrong.  No one was put on this planet to be miserable.  We are each here for some kind of unique purpose, and when we’re engaging in whatever that is, we’ll feel energized and fulfilled and all that other good stuff we say we want from our lives and careers.

Look in the mirror.  Are you doing what you do professionally because it’s what you really want to do?  Are you doing it because you’re passionate about it and it energizes you and you can’t imagine not having the opportunity to do it every day?

Or are you doing it because it pays well, or you feel like other people would think you’re crazy if you made a change, or you think you ought to be happy doing what you’re doing?  Hint: there’s no such thing as ‘ought to be happy’.  You can choose to have a positive attitude, but at some point, you’re either in the right place or you’re not.

You’re never stuck.  You can always choose something different.  It might be awkward.  It might be difficult.  Other people might not understand.  It might require you to live somewhere else or accept a different kind of role. 

But you can do it.  If it’s time to make a change, you’ll know it, even if you don’t want to admit it.  Be honest with yourself and follow your passion.  It won’t lead you astray.