7 warning signs you’re headed for a wake-up call

I’d like to help you prevent a wake-up call but that might be an order too tall. Because you’ll likely talk yourself out of anything that doesn’t smack you in the face. I know because that’s what I’ve done myself.

We think we have more time. More time before we push our body past its breaking point, more time before our relationship is beyond repair, more time before the job slips through our hands or there is irreparable damage.

Part of the reason is that these changes can sneak up on you and fly under the radar before they become impossible to ignore or sweep under the carpet. Sometimes we manage the symptoms of stress or other problems without ever addressing the cause.

I believe life will give you gentle nudges to encourage you to change. But when you refuse to listen it will dial up the volume and give you a shove that is impossible to ignore. Cue ‘full-blown wake-up call’.

What’s the difference between a nudge and a wake-up call?

I’d say heart palpitations are a warning sign. Getting a heart attack is the wake-up call. Other examples of wake-up calls are a burnout, divorce or break-up, losing your job, serious illness, a bad fall or accident, and so on.

The good news is that you can learn to recognize the nudges. So I made you a checklist of warning signs to be on the lookout for, because they could be a wake-up call in the making.

I recommend you check this list right now—and not convince yourself that you’re fine or have more time. If you want to prevent the wake-up call, now is the moment to do something about it. And the earlier you catch this, the less there will be to fix.

7 signs you might be headed for a wake-up call

1. A niggling sense that something is off—whether that’s in your work, your relationship, or your body

That was the case for me in my marriage. There had been moments where I wondered whether this was all there was supposed to be in a relationship. Part of me longed for something more. But everything looked good on the surface so whenever I had a lucid moment and felt that niggling sense that something was off, I quickly repressed it.

Tip: don’t do that. It usually ends badly. Ask what it’s telling you instead.

2. Things are not in the flow

It feels like you’re wading through mud. Everything takes more time or energy than it used to. Things don’t align, and life or work might feel heavier, less joyful or more boring than before. Giving it more effort is not the solution—because effort is not the real problem.

3. You receive all sorts of pushback

From your body, the people around you, perhaps even from technology that’s failing. It’s like the world is against you. But what if it’s trying to get your attention in order to help you? Pushback is not an invitation to force your way forward but a suggestion to pause and listen. And likely course-correct.

4. Your body starts to protest

Your body is working hard and that has its effects. Perhaps you notice more tension in your body: shoulders, neck, arms or legs. Your breathing is often shallow. You feel on edge, irritable, or wired but tired. It takes longer for a cold to go away. You regularly get a headache on the weekend or get sick on vacation. Or perhaps your mind doesn’t feel as clear as it used to, and your creativity and productivity suffer as a result.

5. Nothing seems to work

It’s like no matter what you do it doesn’t have the desired effect or doesn’t make enough impact. Things that worked before no longer do. You can’t find the button to push to make sure things unfold the way you intended.

6. Rest doesn’t fix it

You take time off, go do fun things, perhaps even go away for a weekend. And you might have a good time when you can shut off your mind. But when you get back you’re not as eager to get back to work, see your partner or pick up a project as you used to. You’re not as rested as you had hoped to be.

If after you come back from vacation you’re still not feeling fully rested—physically, emotionally or mentally—that’s a sign to take seriously!

7. Some sort of close call

A near-accident, a problem that is narrowly avoided or caught just in time.

Like when I got ‘kissed’ by a car and was lucky to get away with some bruises and a scraped arm because both the driver and I swerved away at the last moment. Or you become aware of a physical problem before it does permanent damage. Maybe you do break something but it could’ve been so much worse.

I’m not saying everything that happens to you is your own fault. Sometimes bad stuff happens because you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. But these things warrant a pause. A conscious check whether what you’re doing still feels aligned or whether you’re simply sticking your head in the sand pretending nothing is wrong.

The warning signs will get bigger

The signs will get bigger or louder when you keep ignoring them. Like the physical education teacher who in his heart knew he needed to change jobs but talked himself out of it time and again. He broke his wrist and a few months later his leg—literally making it impossible to do his job well. That’s when he finally realized he had to make a change now, not later.

Did you recognize any of these signs? That’s valuable information and it allows you to take action before things get worse. I recommend you write down what stood out from this list and discuss it with someone you trust. As we say in Dutch: het is vijf voor twaalf (it’s five to twelve). Which means it becomes urgent to act before the clock strikes twelve. The good news? You’re catching it just in time to make a change.

If you’d like support with making changes and would love some clarity and a fresh perspective of what’s going on, you’re warmly welcome for a complimentary Clarity Session.

You can book your Clarity Session here.