This is a collaborative post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sometimes you get to a point where you just want a change in life, and you can’t even really say why. Especially around this time, as we reflect on the past year and consider our goals for the future. You may have clarity to realize there's something specific that needs to change, or perhaps you just have a vague sense that something is a little off and you need to get your life back on track. The change we crave may be simple and relatively easy to implement: going for regular walks to get some exercise, prioritizing date nights even if it means paying for a babysitter, or setting the alarm a little earlier to start the morning with intention. But sometimes, you need more than that. Sometimes, you need a dramatic change that will profoundly alter your life. If that's how you feel, the new year is the perfect time for a new start, a clean slate, and a fresh beginning. Here are four big ways to shake yourself out of the rut.

1. Move - Moving is a major change that shouldn't be taken lightly, as it's often expensive and stressful. You don’t want to leave on a whim, or without thinking through the logistics. You also want to make sure that you do it in a proper way that makes it worthwhile to leave, and not worse for yourself. But don't let that discourage you. Sometimes, it's mentally exhausting to think about moving, but once you get the ball rolling, the actual effort isn't as overwhelming as you'd thought. In fact, most of us move every few years at least, until we find the "right place" to settle down.  If you know that you need to get out of your current situation, changing where you live is the kind of drastic move (literally) that will instantly impact your life for the better. 

Chances are, you will be considering this move in particular because you are ready for new experiences, and you know that moving somewhere different will be open up such possibilities for you. This is generally true, and it can direct how you make your decision about where to go. Think about what experiences you feel you are missing out on, then look for places that are likely to provide such experiences for you. Chances are, there is no one perfect place in the world that will provide you with everything you need, so there is always going to be some sort of compromise.

That being said, moving where you live can be very profound, especially if you move somewhere culturally distinct from wherever you live now. If you really want to shake things up and make a BIG change in your life, you might want to think about moving abroad, as this is bound to change your life in more powerful ways than merely moving across the country.

Conversely, if you're seeking meaningful relationships more than the excitement of new experiences, then you might think about moving home to the place you grew up. There's something special about coming full circle, back to familiar people and places where you already have deep connections and roots.

2. Travel - If what you really need a change of scenery and a break from your everyday routine, that can be accomplished on a smaller scale--without moving. Traveling can change your life hugely and in some pretty amazing ways. It broadens the mind, widens your understanding of what it means to be human and alive, and can remind you to be grateful for aspects of your life that you've taken for granted. This will affect how you live and what you feel and think. If you are keen for this kind of change, choose the destinations that you are likely to enjoy, but will also challenge you. You'll get much more out of experiencing a little culture shock than you will if you just travel to places which are very much like your own home. Similarly, you will get more value out of the experience if you interact with the locals and stay awhile, rather than taking the occasional all-inclusive resort holiday. Real travel will help you to expand your horizons.

Above all, you should make sure to be safe and sensible. Do your research, and don't be naïve about which destinations you choose. You can travel to many different and amazing parts of the world without putting yourself in danger. Done right, traveling can improve your life in many profound ways, and it is something to be cherished and appreciated.

3. Forge A New Career - For many people, their career is deeply interwoven with their sense of identity, and so it is hardly surprising that changing jobs can often be a bookmark at the start of a new way of living. If you feel unsettled, or if you just feel that your skills could be put to better use elsewhere, you might want to think about whether a career change is right for you. P.S. I totally count becoming a parent as a career change that's deeply and wonderfully impacted my life. ;)

If you decide to change your career, you will want to make sure that you are going for the right one. That sounds obvious, but it’s worth reminding yourself frequently as you consider your options. The last thing you want is to merely trade out one dead-end job for another. Decide on a career that you really want, and pursuing that will likely create a genuine and positive change in your life, rather than just swapping one role for another of equal merit and value.

Once you've decided what you want, what should you do to reach that goal? First of all, obtain the relevant qualifications for whatever you are going for (for example, getting the KUO's online engineering management degree if that's the field you want to go into). Then it's a case of finding those jobs and applying as much as you can.

4. Build Confidence - It’s worth remembering that confidence is not something you either have or do not have. Instead, it is a learnable and learned skill which anybody can develop within themselves. You can develop confidence in yourself, no matter how little you might feel you have to begin with. What’s more, doing so is bound to open up your life in so many amazing way. So what should you do to get there?

Mostly, it is about stepping out of your comfort zone. The more you do that, the more you prove to yourself what you are capable of, and the more your confidence grows. Doing those things will also in themselves ensure that you are changing your life for the better in a number of ways, so this is especially a good way to live regardless.

With the start of a new year right around the corner, are you considering any major life changes? Or even some smaller "tweaks" to improve your everyday life? This time of year always gets me motivated to take some concrete steps toward my goals and desires, be they physical, spiritual, financial, or mental.

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