Why You Should Leave on a Good Note: How to Shift Your Mindset Before Moving On

We’ve all probably known a person (or maybe are that person) who always seems to end up in the same situation, even though they know they want it to change. A bad relationship, toxic work environments, friendship breakups, it seems to happen over and over again in their lives. When we’re in a situation we don’t want to be in, we have to change our mindset before leaving, or else we bring the same energy with us into our new situation, and nothing changes.

In life, you attract what you focus on. If your focus is on what went wrong in your relationship and you’re surrounded by negative energy when you leave, you’re likely to attract the same type of partner and end up in a similar situation. The energy follows you if you don’t release it.

How to Improve Your Mindset Before Moving On

If you have the time and are in a safe situation, improving your mindset before moving on will give you an energy reset for whatever comes next. If you’re in an unsafe situation, your safety is the top priority, please disregard this advice until you are secure. This process works especially well for people who seem to attract the same types of people, relationships, and outcomes.

The goal is to feel content at the end of whatever you’re moving on from. The easiest way to do this is to avoid leaving a workplace or relationship when you’re in a negative headspace, during or right after a fight, following a bad meeting, or when you’ve just been passed over for a promotion. If you leave in those moments, you’re bound to carry that negativity into your next chapter. Instead, wait until the energy lightens, feel confident in your decision, and leave on a good note.

How to Avoid Feeling “Trapped”

It sounds easy, but it’s actually difficult because once things feel good again, we often think, Why leave? But deep down, you know the situation isn’t right for you. The best time to leave is actually when things are going well, so you can take that good energy with you. It’s much easier to leave when things are bad because you have a strong emotional push and a “good” excuse. It takes discipline and confidence in your decision to wait for the right moment and leave on a high note.

Real-Life Example

A few years ago, I was selling real estate. One day, I realized it wasn’t for me anymore, but I didn’t quit until about a year and a half later for a few reasons. During the last six months, I started feeling more resentment toward my job. I simply didn’t want to do it anymore, and I was holding onto a lot of negative energy. I knew I had to shift my mindset before leaving, or I would end up feeling the same way in my next career.

So I waited. I started focusing on the clients I loved working with, the great agents on my team, my successes, and the fun I’d had throughout my journey. I had many positive experiences and truly loved selling real estate for a time, but my chapter was closing. I also looked at it logically: I wanted to travel more, spend less time on my phone, and be fully present with people without worrying about work.

Once I focused on all the good I’d experienced and paired that with my reasons for leaving, I reached a place of true contentment and confidence that I was making the right decision.

Years later, I’m still friends with my team members and leaders. I have no regrets, and I still feel positive when I think about my time in real estate. If I had ended things on a bad note, I doubt I’d feel the same way.

If you can do this in whatever situation you’re trying to leave, I truly believe it will give you a fresh start. It just takes patience, mindset shifts, and confidence.