Tricky Transitions
by Jeanine Izzo
Even though transitions happen at least periodically, they can be overwhelming. They can also provide relief. This was certainly true when I was participating in triathlons. Swim, Bike, Run…in that order…Swim, Bike, Run. It looks like three events, but it’s really five. See, there are necessary transitions between the events: 1. Swim to bike, and 2. Bike to run. These transitions require preparation and they are both chaotic and triumphant. For each phase of a triathlon, I needed different equipment, different muscles and a different mindset. The transition zone, a central place where participants return to between events to transfer equipment (Wetsuit to bicycle, swim cap to helmet, goggles to sunglasses, bare feet to bike shoes, etc.), is a key aspect. Even though the transitions do not take much time, the manner in which you go through them can impact your performance well into the next phase.
The same goes for our many life transitions (By the way, when I use the word life, I mean personal and professional). The way you move through transitions can impact your success once the new set of circumstances becomes routine. Whether you harbor bad habits or productive ones can be the result of how you prepared and came through the transition.
Same examples of transitions:
- Season to season (Summer to Fall, Fall to Winter)
- New team members
- Working to unemployed (downsizing, retirement)
- New project /position / manager / company
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Technology changes
- Single to partnered (dating, married, co-habituating)
- Going from an apartment to a house
- Having children
- Starting up school (you or your children)
Forward Moving Tips:
- Determine which transition(s) you are in the midst of or those coming up.
- What are the probable downsides?
- And, the possible upsides?
- What required actions can you take to minimize the downsides and elevate the upsides?
Even the events you choose to enhance your life can go through rough transitions. Whereas you can’t know for sure what will happen, you can prepare and act in a way that allows you to have greater success through shifting situations. Yes, you can!
For assistance with moving forward with more focus, confidence and success along your journey, Contact Viage Partners today.
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