How to keep a healthy mindset during transition
Life’s a journey. You never standstill. With every minute and every movement, you are changing. Sometimes the winds of change blow gently, sometimes they are like a hurricane. Whether it’s a change you have wanted for a while or one that life has suddenly thrown at you, it can be a challenge to keep balanced and mentally sane during the transition period.
Karin Weiser
I left the corporate world just over three months ago. After 17 years of following someone else’s agenda, I’ve enjoyed creating my own. Each week is different. I am writing, reading, learning and reflecting. Yoga, swimming and walking are keeping me in balance. I am going to events in the middle of the day and drinking coffee with interesting people. Each encounter is like a domino effect – giving me some new valuable information for the future.
Last week I was full of doubt. Suddenly I felt afraid. What would happen in August (after my summer holiday)? There was no sign (yet) that my life would be any different. That I would be working. That I would have clients and create partnerships with companies I would like to share my expertise with.
I found myself applying for a job! I reached out to a couple of friends for advice and a listening ear. And I journaled like crazy.
This is what I learned:
Let go of the past
Transition is also about grieving. Grieving a former life, identity or even habits. It’s easy to hold on to what we know, especially when the new has not yet arrived. Allow yourself to grieve and acknowledge the things you miss.
Be patient
I hear it constantly but sometimes fail to embrace it fully. Remind yourself that Rome was not built in a day. Every step you take is a step closer to your new future. Even though that new future is still a bit fuzzy.
Carve your zen time
What keeps you balanced and sane? What do you need to do regularly to feel alive and in flow? Perhaps it’s a physical activity like running, tennis or yoga. Perhaps it’s a creative pursuit like painting or sewing. Do not neglect these activities. They are so important to keep you grounded and in touch with your inner heart. When you listen, the answers will come to you.
A problem shared, is a problem halved
Talk to a friend. Share your frustrations and feelings. They will remind you of your why and encourage you to keep going. Sometimes you might even find yourself cleaning your floors to sweep the dust of doubt away!
Where is the evidence?
External evidence is always slow to materialise. This doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. The real lighthouse is in your heart. Your intuition knows if you are in the right place. Make space for your intuition to be heard.
You are in the right place
A coaching client ended a recent session by acknowledging ‘I am in the right place’ even though she doesn’t know where she is going or what she wants. Be proud you took those hard decisions to make changes, with the future still uncertain. Celebrate your courage and trust the winds of change.
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
Karin Weiser
International Business Coach (ICF-ACC) and Writer
Transition Specialist who supports ambitious professionals in transition in their career and life with conversations that matter. I help ambitious professionals to write the next chapter of their career story. To own it, walk it and talk it. I have rewritten my story many times - moved countries, climbed the corporate ladder, zigzagged in my career. I stand for diversity, well-being and lifelong learning. In 2019 I took a life leap to self-employment. Proud to be a Psychologies Ambassador and ICF Barefoot certified coach (ACC). My WHY is to have a positive impact on people - in person, virtually and through words. British by birth, global by choice - I'm based in Copenhagen and work globally. My personal recipe for a balanced life includes a splash of optimism, yoga and dark chocolate.
