Change or transition? In “Change: external, visible, tangible events occur before transitions” and “Transitions: slow emotional adjustments after change” I discussed the difference between change and transitions. Part of a successful transition is recognizing a change has occurred and a period of transition must follow.
Are you up to the task? Look at these scenarios and decide: change or transition? Note: some of these can be both. For one person, the statement signals change. For another, it may be what happens after a change has occurred. You decide based on your experience.
1. Being promoted/demoted
2. Blending families
3. Changing jobs or recareering
4. Creating structure in your day
5. Deciding where to retire
6. Facing health issues
7. Getting married
8. Going through a divorce
9. Having more free time
10. Heading back to school
11. Helping a child establish their independence
12. Learning to live without a steady paycheck
13. Losing a loved one
14. Moving
15. Starting a family
[Change: 1, 10 Transition: 4, 5, 6, 9, 11 Both: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15]
To transition successfully after any change, you need to let go of what was “normal” for you, explore options that are now available to you after this change, and then make a fresh start by creating a new beginning.
By learning the difference between a change and a transition—and then acting on what you have learned—you can navigate both the change and the transition successfully at any stage of life.
Still not sure if you are experiencing a change or transition? Contact me if you need help. You can face change and successfully navigate the transition that follows to a new normal, a new beginning.