When ‘That Could Have Been Me’ Hits—Navigating the Doubt & What Comes Next

Mar 6

3 min read

You made the bold move. You walked away from something good—something stable—because deep down, you knew you were meant for MORE.

But now, doubt creeps in. The “what ifs” whisper in your ear. And suddenly, that old life—the one you intentionally left—looks really tempting.

Maybe you see old colleagues celebrating promotions. Maybe you hear about a former boss who would love to have you back. Maybe you just miss the certainty of knowing exactly what came next.

And then, that gut-punch thought hits:

“That could have been me.”

Why We Look Back—Even When We Know We Made the Right Choice

Leaving something good for something greater is rarely a clean break. You don’t just flip a switch and suddenly feel 100% sure every day.

Even when your new path is fulfilling, exciting, and aligned with your purpose, there’s a part of your brain that remembers the comfort of what once was.

Why? Because familiarity is safe. Certainty feels easy. And the human brain? It loves efficiency—so it will always nudge you toward what it already knows.

But here’s what I need you to remember:

Just because you chose change doesn’t mean it’ll be easy—but that doesn’t mean it was the wrong choice.

Growth stretches you. And stretching? It’s uncomfortable.

But that discomfort is the price of stepping into your next level.

When ‘That Could Have Been Me’ Hits Hard—Here’s What to Do

So, what happens when you see someone thriving in a life you could have stayed in? When the thought of going back feels so easy and so tempting?

1. Acknowledge It Without Letting It Take Over

It’s okay to have those thoughts. It’s normal. The key is not letting them spiral into self-doubt. Instead, recognize them for what they are: a moment of nostalgia, not a signal that you made a mistake.

2. Shift from “That Could Have Been Me” to “And, That Wasn’t My Path”

Sure, you could have stayed. You could have continued climbing that ladder. You could have kept chasing promotions, accolades, or stability.

But here’s the real question: Would that have fulfilled you in the long run?

The version of you who walked away knew something important—something your present-day self might need to be reminded of.

3. Trust That Your Next Level Is Ahead, Not Behind

You don’t grow by running back to what’s comfortable. You grow by moving toward what’s calling you forward.

That doubt you’re feeling? It’s not a sign to turn back. It’s a sign you’re stepping into something new—and the uncertainty is just proof that you’re in transition.

So, the next time you feel the pull of “That could have been me,” I want you to flip the script:

That could have been me, and yet I chose something bigger.
That could have been me, and I know I’m building something that actually aligns with my purpose.
That could have been me, and I know that my future is worth trusting.

You’re Moving Forward—And That’s What Matters

Doubt doesn’t mean you made a mistake. It just means you’re human.

So, if you’re in a season where you’re questioning, where you’re longing for the certainty of what once was, or where you’re feeling the weight of the unknown—know this:

You’re not alone. You’re not behind. And you’re not lost.

You’re just in the in-between—the space between where you were and where you’re going.

And the only way to reach your next level? Keep moving forward.

👉 If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a review or send me a message. And if you know someone who needs this reminder, send it their way.

Let’s keep stepping forward. Right foot, left foot. You’ve got this. 🚀✨

🔥 P.S. If you’re ready to step into a more confident, purpose-driven life, let’s talk! Be sure to complete the Coaching Inquiry Here and we’ll schedule your free consult call to see how coaching can serve you!

EXTRAS:

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