3 Easy Ways to Make a Life Transition

November 15, 2019

Make Change the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You

At some point in life, we all have to deal with the "big C," change. Whether you’re getting older, looking to excel in your career, beginning or ending a relationship… change is coming one way or the other. And with change, comes his delightful cousin, transition. That little space in between the where we are now and where we are looking to be.

Transition means many things to different people, it can be a reflection of uncomfortable life event for some or for others, an excuse for not really making decisions in life. But the good part is, depending on how you view things, transition can also be your best friend. Here are a few steps to help you use your transition, to put you EXACTLY where you want to be.

Step 1: Deal With and Accept Transition

Whether you are a super driven professional or someone who is love with their cushy comfort zone, a sudden change in plans can really throw you for a loop. For some, instead of dealing with whatever is happening head on, we tend to fight it or pretend that change is not even happening at all. We’re able to do this by immediately projecting ourselves into our “ideal” future where everything is “fixed” and we are “where we want to be” in life.

Now, this often does a great job of making us feel better about facing a job, relationship, or career change however, it removes us from the overall experience of change and robs us of our ability to see ourselves navigate a crucial stage of our life. The best way to deal with change is to ACCEPT it. If you hate your job and you quit and now you’re faced with something new. Own it. If the relationship went bad and now you’re dealing with unexpected loss. Accept that. If your job is relocating you after 15 years, okay. Because yes, this is where you are.

Take a moment, take a deep breath, and choose to “be okay” with where you are. Own it. Feel it. See it. Because where you are now, is actually the first step in getting where you want to be. You just have to trust yourself enough to get you from there.

Step 2: Choose a Positive Mindset

Enjoy the ride! Yes, you have the option. After all, you’re in the transition anyway, so why not make the most of it? When in transition it can be easy for our minds to play tricks on us and compare our current situation to where we were or where we think we should have been. Especially if the change is unexpected. The truth is, being dislodged from your comfort zone and being in transition gives you a freedom to explore and do what you really want in life.

Once you release yourself from the past and negative thoughts and expectations, you’re really free to do what you want. While inside a transition, you have an opportunity to assess and adjust your life in the direction that you want it to go. When you view things this way, you give yourself the chance of choosing to have a positive mindset about the next steps in your life.

Rather than dwell on the past, identify the positives in your current situation and assess how they can help you create the life you want. Take time and think about how your current situation can be the starting point of getting what you want in life and build from there.

Step 3: Be Open

If you’re in transition, to a new city, a new job, or a new environment try making a conscious decision to be open to your new life. When we experience change, sometimes the first thing we want to do is retract back to what we know or what we are comfortable with. But this can actually leave you feeling “stuck” in life. You are the sum total of your life experiences, so choose to be open to new things and new people.

If you’re in a new city, don’t spend all your time thinking “I’m here by myself and I don’t know anyone” Make a choice to get out there, see the city and meet new people. Meetup.com is a valuable resource for those looking to meet new people do fun things. Choose a day, look up a group that you may like and go for it! Or if you’re new to a home and have a roommate, start up a friendly conversation, offer to treat your housemates to drinks to get to know them. Experiencing new things and new people is a sure fire way to get your blood pumping, stimulate your mind, and make your transition easier.

If you're in transition, this is one of the best ways to take your life by the horns. As you meet new people and do more things you’re simultaneously adding to your life by picking up new skills, more connections, support, resources, friends opportunities, and experiences.

Isn’t that what life is all about?

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