How do you know when it’s the end of the line for work with a teacher, coach, trainer, or other leader?  Or when it’s the end of the line for your business, career, or the path you’re on?  I’m sure you can name several signals and markers.  Let’s start with these:

The obvious:  the class is complete, the tests are graded, the coaching process with the agreed upon results is achieved, the baby is born, the divorce is final, etc.

The not always obvious:
The arc is complete.  I have clients where we are going gangbusters, and then we hit a few sessions where the energy is less, the edginess is gone.  We look and poke and ask questions, and sometimes choose to end the relationship.  It’s time for a different mentor.

Your coach’s or trainer’s blessing is complete.  As a life purpose coach, I teach that each of us has a unique purpose that is expressed as an essence (like radiating love or peace or truth); a blessing which is the thing you do in the world (like find a problem and fix it; or nurture new beginnings, or help people find their path), as well as a mission and message.  Your coach has a blessing – the thing they are best designed to do.  When you have received your coach’s or teacher’s blessing, it’s time to let go.  It feels over, less effective.

You’ve been hanging on for a long time without sparks or energy or good results.  You’ve gone a few quarters that are flat and it looks flat in the future.  You don’t look forward to your week, or the work on your plate.  You are making mistakes on your job- getting sloppy.  You find yourself envious of others who are doing what you desire to do or have more of – freedom, challenge, love, etc. It may be time to let go rather than time to make it work.

When you begin something, get a good idea of your exit strategy.  What are the criteria for completion?

What are your clues for finally crossing the end of the line?

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