Thriving during Transitions

“Any transition is easier if you believe in yourself and your talent.” - Priyanka Chopra

We all go through different transitions in our lives. If I asked you how you handle transitions, what would you say? Can you confidently say that you thrive during transitions? If your answer is no, you are not alone.
Recently, I shared my journey with a mentor. She highlighted how many transitions I have been through in my life and how I have thrived through them. Hearing someone say it had a substantial effect on me. It was important for me to share my tips with you.

Ladies in my inner circle have been going through different transitions over the last months. Some of which included:

• Starting a new Job or position
• Going back to work after having a baby
• Moving to a new city or country
• Going through divorces and change in relationships

Are you going through any of these types of transitions listed above? Please keep reading.
In this post, we will learn more about transitions, explore its characteristics and discuss ten ways to thrive as you go through life’s changes. Please note that we will use change and transitions interchangeably in this post.

What is a Transition?

• a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another (Source: Merriam Webster)
• the process of changing, or a change from one form or condition to another (Source: Cambridge Dictionary)
• A transition is a change from one thing to the next, either in action or state of being (Source: Vocabulary.com)

5 characteristics of Transitions
Although every transition is unique, there are some common characteristics.
Transitions are difficult
Let's start by acknowledging that changes require a lot of work and emotional strength. Be patient with yourself while you go through transitions. Sometimes we neglect the effect that changes have on us and forget to take care of ourselves.

Transitions are good and required
Growing and evolving are necessary for our lives. Transitions are one of the only ways we can grow. You will experience more success when you change your perspective to see how good and essential transitions are. Appreciate the changes you are going through.

Transitions require planning/managing
Preparing for an upcoming change will provide you the opportunity to anticipate some of the challenges and create solution strategies for them. Be it a career or life transition, make time to evaluate the impact it will have on you and your loved ones. When you start feeling overwhelmed, pick up your plan and take action.

Transitions are constant
Change comes in different sizes and complexities. Also, we will go through transitions repeatedly in our lives. Once we start to feel too comfortable, change knocks on our doors. Accept that it's part of your life.

Transitions mark the beginning of something new
Especially with unplanned transitions, it is hard to imagine that there is something great waiting for you on the other side. It may not look like it, but things will get better after you have gone through the process and change. This marks the start of something new.

10 keys to thriving through your transitions
Now that we know that transitions are a constant part of our lives, how can we be successful through them:

1. Accept that change is about to happen or is happening - be aware and prepare yourself.
2. Believe in your ability to come out on the other side successful - you can do this!
3. Acknowledge that there may be challenges along the way - you may face some roadblocks.
4. Plan for the transition and take action - make things more comfortable with a plan of action.
5. Surround yourself with a support system - you need great people around you through a transition.
6. Do your research and educate yourself about the new phase - empower yourself with knowledge.
7. Celebrate your achievements along the way - self-motivation is vital.
8. Keep going and pressing through - remember it's temporary.
9. Take care of yourself - there's only one you.
10. At the end of the transition reflect on your experience - document your valuable lessons learned.

Final Thoughts

• Change is part of our lives, how we handle it determines how successful we will be.
• We can take charge and thrive through life transitions by identifying our needs and what it would take to be successful.
• Remember that this too shall pass, even when you feel stuck!

Great resources

• 6 Ways to Manage and Thrive Through Transition and Change
• How to Effectively Manage and Thrive Through Transitions
• The Only Constant Is Change: Learn How To Thrive Through Corporate Transitions
• 8 Tips to Help You Thrive During Life Transitions
• Learn to Get Better at Transitions
• 10 Mistakes People Make During Life Transitions