A life change is a moment in time, a life event. You move house, you leave a job, you relocate, you welcome your child into the world. The magnitude of the change is still unknown but the choice to go for it has begun.

A transition is what you experience before, during, and after the actual change occurs. It’s the transition process that has the greatest impact on you, physically, emotionally, psychologically and financially.

Transitions happen over time, generally cannot be rushed, probably won’t go to plan and most certainly will have ups and downs. Let your resilience be your superpower.

Common challenges with transition
  • Uncertainty and unfamiliarity: Fear of the unknown and leaving your comfort zone
  • Loss and Grief: Even the most positive of transitions can involve a sense of loss, as you leave something behind.
  • Adjustment Period: Time to adapt
  • Lack of Control: Reliant on external factors making decisions
  • External Pressure: Societal expectations, peer pressure, family obligations, cultural norms
  • Multiple Changes: Complex changes happening simultaneously

So, how do you remain the best version of yourself as you navigate through a life change?

Tap into your inner resilience and feel empowered
  1. Decide what ‘Support System’ you need to surround yourself with. Seek out friends, family members, colleagues, resources and communities.
  2. Write 2 lists, first, write everything that is in ‘your control’, which you can influence. Secondly, everything that is ‘out of your control’. This list can include people, even the weather! Make the decision that the ‘out of your control’ list is one you acknowledge but don’t focus your energy on.
  3. Foster a Growth Mindset, be open to change, willing to modify if necessary, and see failure as part of the learning process.
  4. Clarify what values you hold close to your heart and won’t compromise on. This can help to align your choices with what truly matters to you.
  5. Remind yourself, what was your motivation to make this change, what are your aspirations?
  6. Set boundaries, selfcare, be able to say ‘NO’ to things or people, make healthy choices.
  7. Mindfulness, stay present, remind yourself that change takes time, cultivate a positive mindset and clear your mind of clutter.
  8. Reflection, see challenges as new opportunities. Acknowledge what, who, when are your triggers and avoid negative self talk.
  9. Celebrate achievements and small wins along the way. Each success is a reminder of your why.
  10. Believe in yourself, your inner grit, your stubborn determination.

Anxiety, stress and overwhelm are common responses to a big change. Learning to recognise and respond to them will support your wellbeing and keep unresourceful emotions and behaviours at bay.

‘Hindsight is a wonderful thing but foresight is better’, William Blake.

Good luck and do share with me your thoughts and insights. YOU can do this!

This article was written by Chloe Coburn one of our partner coaches who supports women and helps them to connect with themselves and their values, to make the next change/transition intentional and purposeful. You can get in touch via her profile page and book a free discovery call to learn more about coaching with Chloe.

February 1, 2024