Transition strategies

 
 


Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.

- Andre Gide



Letting go can be hard, and a little bit scary. One of the most valuable things to keep in mind about transition is this – when we move from one thing to another, we are leaving something behind, and going to something new. It’s not unusual to face a new beginning with a mixture of excitement and apprehension; and while often we’re ready to leave something behind, there are also times when we’re not quite ready, even in the face of the excitement that lies ahead of us.


Plan your transition by taking some time to

clearly identify the change you are making

and what you hope to achieve.


  1. Bullet    List everything you can think of that

          excites you about this change.

  1. Bullet    Identify the things that make you

          uncomfortable, and what you worry

          about when you think about the change.

  1. Bullet    Now you might more specifically

          identify what you will be ending and

          leaving behind by making this change.

  1. Bullet    Consider what from the past, if anything, might be appropriate to integrate

          into your new circumstances.


As you gain clarity about the stressful and challenging part of the change, remember to step back and consider how you have successfully navigated transitions in the past. Do you have a plan, a timetable to provide structure and pacing? Do you have a good support system?


We can experience stress both physically and mentally. Are you aware of how you respond? Do you know ways to balance your stress response? Follow this link to assess your stress style and learn relaxing strategies for your specific style.

Stress and anxiety can quickly intensify if we lose sight of, and underestimate our resources, or if we overestimate the difficulty of the task ahead. Sometimes we do both! Our resources can be external, such as friends, family, teachers, co-workers, professional support, or educational information. We also possess great internal resources - our past experiences, our self-knowledge and self-confidence, our thoughts, and our beliefs.


Whatever your resources are, use them and add to them as necessary. Most important though - stay focused on the big picture - the change you desire, that you have chosen, and how your life will be enhanced when this change is no longer a possibility, but has become your reality.











Phone 952.933-4979   Email  tfanderson@visi.com