ARE YOU IN A STAGE OF TRANSITION OR REINVENTION?
What has been your biggest challenge in transitioning to the new world we find ourselves in?
Things are different now than they were two months ago! Our interactions, our social calendar, our way of shopping, and for many of us, our jobs have all radically changed. In these interesting times, people across the globe are living in constantly changing and uncertain transitions. Many people’s lives have been turned upside down by the economic effects of the coronavirus. We are partially operating out of our former way of life and expectations, while we continue to adjust to this new world that has been thrust upon us. Times of transitions can be full of loss, confusion, insecurity, and uncertainty. It can seem scary and intimidating when still have one foot in the old world, while at the same time we know we must advance to the new unknown world and we don’t even know what that means.
The messages we tell ourselves and what we tell others during our transitions are critical to our success. Transitions can also be a time for us to reflect, re-prioritize, explore, expand, and be transformed into something even better. The period of changeover tests our emotional resilience and it is also an opportunity for reinvention! Transitions are a reality in life. However, not all of them happen smoothly. A certain mental preparation is needed for transitions so that they don’t overwhelm us.
9 ELEMENTS OF A SOLID TRANSITION MINDSET:
1. EMBRACE IT!
Change is inevitable. Transitions will happen in life with or without your consent. Decide to take ownership during this shift. Find the real value that this moment has to offer! Rather than making it more painful or difficult by resisting the changes that will take place, lean into them. Take the perspective that this change will indeed serve you in life and will become a vital part of your personal growth. How do these new circumstances actually serve you?
When things are bad, it’s the best time to reinvent yourself.
- George Lopez
2. SELF-DISCOVERY
Transitions often call for us to reinvent ourselves and that can sometimes mean completely changing the direction of your life or your career. To successfully change directions, you must go through a process of self-discovery. Take the time to reflect about what you really want to do, who do you really want to become, and how can you live your ideal life? Where do your passions and strengths lie? Make time to assess and consider how you used to spend your pre-COVID time. What would you like to do differently in this new world? What changes do you need to make to get to where you want to go? This might include learning new skills, establishing new habits and routines, and getting out of your comfort zone.
3. SACRIFICES
Reinventing yourself requires some sacrifice. You will likely have to let go of many old ways of doing things. You need to get courageous enough and be willing to try completely new things even if you will fall flat on your face. Carving out a new path will require all the courage you can come up with to take some risks, and get out of what has been comfortable for you in the past. Change requires sacrifice, mental energy, planning, and focus. You cannot become the person you want to be, by holding onto the person that you are today.
4. DEVELOP OPTIONS
When the future is completely uncertain, or when the path you thought you were on takes an unexpected turn, it can serve you well to have more than one option. Even in easier times, career change is a journey of exploration. Experiment, test, be open to, and investigate your range of options. There are more than you think!
5. OPPORTUNITY MINDSET
We find what we are looking for. When you look for opportunities and believe that they are out there, you will find them. This expectant focus on opportunity sets you up for curiosity, exploration, and allows you to be open to different prospects.
6. CREATE A VISION
Paint a clear picture of what you want in your new venture. Have a goal that you are moving toward. Even if you have not chosen the changes in your life, you don't have to take a back seat in life and guess at your destination. Focus on your values, your purpose, the future, what you can change, and what is in your control. Get very clear about what you ultimately want.
7. BE OPEN TO DETOURS
That being said, even if you have carefully planned out your life reinvention, you're bound to encounter some detours along the way. If life presents you with alternative paths, be open to explore them. Remain open to all possibilities, and check out the detours that you encounter on your journey. You may discover new partners, how your plan can be enhanced, or something even better along the way!
8. BUILD A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF
When you’re reinventing yourself, you are effectively building the new and improved you. This involves a commitment to growth and development. Reinvention requires a commitment to doing things differently and pushes the limits of what you previously thought was possible. Raise your ceiling of expectations for yourself.
9. ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
View this season as an adventure. Life is full of possibilities and you can reinvent yourself many times if you choose to. With each transition in life, you can become more of the person that you were meant to be. Be sure to take some time to acknowledge the growth and courageous steps you have taken during this season!
