4 Ways to Manage Personal Transitions

4 Ways to Manage Personal Transitions

Posted on 14. Jun, 2011 by in 1 Leadership

If your circle of friends and colleagues are anything like mine, there are many people going through personal and professional transitions.  And the scale is from significant to minor.  Seemingly, though, more on the side of significant.

In the mix of all this change, I, too, find myself going through significant transitions that are redefining both my business and me.

To hold at bay the ambiguous, clichéd advice like, “Just keep your head up.” Or “Make sure you have a plan,” I want to share four ways I’m managing this time of major transition.

Plan for time to be social. Depending on how you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually navigate major changes in your life, some of us desire to turn inwards.  On the whole there is nothing wrong with this. Human beings are hard-wired to be social. If at work, interaction with others during meetings, at lunch, even at break get us out of our heads, even if for a little while.  Perspective on how to work through the changes tend to break lose when I plan time to be social.  This is a choice – to leverage social interaction as a break away from the preoccupation often associated with transition.

Talk about it. Times of transition are fueled by many types of emotions. When I talk about what I’m experiencing and thinking with trusted friends and peers, I establish a support structure. I’m reminded that I’m not alone.  I’ve even gained new insights from my trusted sources.  And my friendships grow deeper.  I value this tremendously.

Pause lecture by ptitmousse 150x150 4 Ways to Manage Personal Transitions

Photo by ptitmousse

Plan for the near future. For me I find imagining what the near future will look like once I’m through the season of change to be a release.  It reminds me of my purpose.  It keeps me focused on what I value. It’s also great conversation for those social interactions.

Reflection time. This year I’ve deepened my practice of meditation and journaling.  Both help me see when I’m believing a story I’ve made up that’s untrue. They help me see connections that move me forward as I work through my own life changes.  Reflection time also helps me laugh at myself.

When I take time to push the pause button, I can see more clearly the pieces the details, the actions needed to keep moving forward.  There are different insights in the stillness not obvious in the business of transition.

“Pause” photo courtesy of Maravillla

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4 Responses to “4 Ways to Manage Personal Transitions”

  1. Denise

    14. Jun, 2011

    Re-grouping is always part of an excellent action plan. I think sometimes it is the piece we neglect feeling that it is too passive, when it is actually extremely active! The catch is not to stay in re-group mode too long…opportunity is always knocking. Don’t miss the opportunity to open the door and let it in!

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      14. Jun, 2011

      Denise,
      Regrouping can be easily dismissed in our uber-connected 24hr/7 days a week world. Regrouping actually lets us stay “in it” longer, fresher, with great endurance. As a friend said last night, we are in this life for the long haul. Treat as a marathon.

      And totally unrelated, your gravatar reminds me of my childhood. Love the picture.

      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  2. AsianAmDivDad

    14. Jun, 2011

    Thanks so much for this post, Shawn.

    You’ve hit on a few things that have helped me wade through difficult times of transition in my life. I’ve resorted and listed in an outline form my support techniques (in no particular order):

    1) Not being shy about asking for help
    a) Talking to friends
    b) Talking to strangers
    c) Talking to family
    d) Talking with professional therapists/doctors

    2) Drugs
    a) legal, mind you-prescribed by aforementioned doctors
    b) perhaps not yet legal in some states-varieties, plus letting loose over a few drinks with TRUSTED friends

    3) Meditation/prayer/reflection etc. Primary thing is focused quiet reflection. Be it temple, church, synagogue, edge of bed…

    4) Physical rejuvenation
    a) Running
    b) getting to a beach, the hills–outside is the main thing here

    5) Support of those who love you–my parents and close friends are amazing at this.

    6) Reading
    a) especially helpful have been the works of Eastern philosophers and new thinkers. From this, learning how to accept the damage, soak it in, let it hit you in the face, and allow for time to take you to the next phase.

    Best,
    @AsianAmDivDad

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      14. Jun, 2011

      What stands out from your response is the various ways in which you support yourself through your transition. It’s a mix of solo-introspection and support from trusted others.
      I hope you give yourself credit for sharing your journey via a blog. Instead of withdrawing you are seeking to connect with others and to share experiences.

      We are stronger together than by ourselves.

      In this season of your transition, I wish you an honest journey. And be sure to take time to laugh with your friends and with your children.

      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

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