Transitions, by their very nature, are times when we experience resistance. Yes, we know, at least intellectually, that this period of change is temporary and that there is an end to the upheaval. But it just doesn’t feel that way while we’re in the throes of it.
If you’re dealing with this right now, here are a few ideas to help you work through it towards a successful outcome.
- Identify the transition and write it on a sheet of paper. For example: “I am transitioning from my work life to my next chapter.” It’s important that you actually use a pen/pencil and paper, not a computer.
- Write, with as much clarity as you can, how you feel and where you feel it, being as specific as possible. For example: “I am feeling anxious that I will be bored. It shows up as a queasiness in my stomach and it’s impacting my sleep and my relationships.”
- Put the paper away for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, take the page and write all the transitions you can recall having experienced in your life. For example, going to college, getting married, getting a first job, opening a business, divorce, etc.
- Next to each experience, record the outcome. For example: Going to college—after a few days, I got to know a few guys, I figured out where all my classes were located and things became a lot easier.
- Examine the resistance points in each transition and how they were resolved.
You see, you’ve been training for this transition for decades.
You’ve got this!
