Ep. 14 | Navigating Change and Transition

Written By Sarah Bettman

Today, we delve deeper into navigating life's inevitable changes and transitions. Moving houses, shifting careers, or undergoing organizational restructuring, we are all familiar with change. But what do we really know about the personal transition that accompanies these external shifts?

The Energy of Transition

My personal transition of moving from Michigan to California gives more than a glimpse into my life; it provides a framework to decode our trajectories. Moving into our long-term home, surrounded by a mix of packed boxes and potential, I want to share the distinction between change—an external event—and transition, an internal psychological process. Transition is not a one-time leap but a steady journey with various emotional stages that we all pass through in our bid to adapt.

The Three Stages of Transition

William Bridges' seminal work, which has been illuminating for myself and many others, separates transition into three distinct stages: letting go, the neutral zone, and new beginnings. These stages aren't linear; they can be iterative, sometimes making us feel like we're taking two steps back for every step forward.

Letting Go

The first stage involves reconciling with what we leave behind. As I mentioned in the episode, the physical act of moving homes is immediate, but leaving behind routines and memories is much less so. It isn't a mere shedding of skin; it's sometimes a painful detachment from parts of our identity that are no longer relevant to our current narrative.

The Neutral Zone

Then comes the 'neutral zone,' a liminal space where we hover between the old and the new. It's a fertile ground for creativity, but equally a phase filled with confusion. I personally relate to this phase right now as our boxes remain unpacked, memories stay unlabeled, and the prospect of creating new routines feels both exhilarating and daunting.

New Beginnings

However, the chaos eventually subsides, leading us to 'new beginnings.' Here, we find ourselves expending less emotional labor to live in the new reality. We find familiarity in the unfamiliar, and our transitions become part of our life stories—the seedlings of our decision take root, firm and fruitful.

Transition in Organizations

Similarly, organizations navigate these stages amidst acquisitions, restructures, and leadership changes. For the leader navigating organizational transitions, recognizing these stages in your team is crucial. My experience confirms that each member moves at their own pace. Some may catch the wind in their sails promptly, while others may take longer to chart the course.

As a leader, be patient and be prepared to guide your team through these emotional weathers. Embrace the homemaking process within your organization; arrange the furniture of processes, make room for innovations, and understand that making your team feel ‘at home’ is as critical as the strategies you execute.

Navigating Transition with Empathy and Understanding

The theme of this episode—navigating change and transition—is a journey across rough seas and calm waters alike. Drawing from William Bridges' words, transitioning is a personal odyssey that calls for kindness to self and others. It's a process where we have the permission to feel displaced before we find our place again.

As we continue to welcome changes and embrace transitions, let's be mindful of the psychological landscapes we traverse. Let's be kind as we collectively unpack the boxes of change, and seek solace in knowing that with each personal transition, we edge closer to living our most "stoked" lives.

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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked

Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?

You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.

I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me. 

I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all. 

My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.

Sarah Bettman
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