Navigating Transition

This Week's Mindset is: TRANSITION

One thing that is certain (besides death and taxes) is that transitions are a part of everyone's lives. 
Transitions can happen as the result of life choices, unexpected events and even nature - think seasonal transitions! In fact, fall was the inspiration for our Mindset this week. Even though it isn't officially fall until September 22nd (at 10:49 EDT to be exact) there is a change in the air already. Students and teachers are back at school, the weather has begun to shift, and school supplies and Halloween candy have replaced BBQs and lawn chairs in store displays.

My husband is a teacher and he is currently transitioning back into 'work mode,' and my kids are transitioning into their new roles as a fifth grader and a first grader. Our family is experiencing transitions as we begin to take on a more active role as caregivers to our aging grandparents and parents.

Where are you experiencing transition in your life? Perhaps you have recently started a new relationship or ended one. Maybe you have moved or changed jobs. You could be a new parent or student. You could be experiencing a new role at home as your children enter a new phase in their lives.You could be dealing with the loss of someone close to you or a change in your own health.

Transition is defined simply as:

A movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change

What the definition doesn't tell us is how to navigate the many transitions in our lives. Here are a couple of tips from MyMindset to help you manage transitions in the most peaceful way... because change, expected or unexpected, is inevitable, but suffering doesn't have to be.

Step 1: Examine the Transition. Do this by asking yourself some questions (we LOVE questions at MyMindset!). What is the learning in this transition? What are the positives and negatives? What opportunities might result from this transition. Transitions are far less scary and mysterious when we approach them with curiosity rather than denial or avoidance.

Step 2: Understand Yourself. Use what you know about your unique style of coping with change. How have you managed transitions in the past? What did you learn from this? What worked? What would you like to change this time around? What resources are available to you? What do you need most right now?

Step 3: Take a Look at Your Support System.  Who is available to provide the support you need? Who are the people who will 'fill you up' and who are those who drain you? Is there information you would like or need right now? Would a coach be a helpful addition to your support team?

Step 4: Consider Your Options. You may not need or want to take any steps yet. That is OK. If you are ready to make a move, consider your options and explore possibilities. Create an action plan with the help of a coach or supportive friend. 

MyMindset's questions, quotations and coaching this week is all designed to help you manage transitions and navigate change in your life. Could you or someone you know benefit from support this week? Try a FREE TRIAL of MyMindset! Click Here to get started!

Hannah Hollett is a MyMindset Coach as well as a parenting, life and business coach. She can be reached for question, comments or a complimentary personal coaching consultation at hannah.hollett@myMindset.com.