Going Through a Transition? Time to Seize the Opportunity

For most, these transition periods when we feel like we’re starting over are few and far between. These are opportunities to take a few deep breaths. The concrete routines and rules of our everyday lives no longer exist, and we have the rare ability to reshape our lives before it solidifies into the next chapter.

Here's how to take advantage of this time:

Separate the Rational From the Irrational

Your anxiety is going to crank up during this time. This is when to step in with your rational brain, calm those barking dogs, and separate rational concerns from irrational ones. If irrational, your anxiety takes over. This is a good time not to worry about what's causing you to stress and find ways to calm down—exercise, talk to friends, healthy distractions, medication, or meditation. If there is a real problem to fix—the loneliness, the job search, feeling overwhelmed—map out a plan to put it to rest.

Learn the Lessons of the Past

Transition periods are an excellent time to step back. Before moving forward, reflect on where you’ve been—the breakup, job, past life—so you know what to move toward. Slowing down and reflecting will help you see the lessons that are pushing you toward living a better life. Mistakes and problems always contain lessons; we become better through a process of elimination. Take time to figure out the lesson: What would you change if you did it all over again?

Imagine the Ideal

You want to move forward but must step back again and slow down. Before jumping to this next chapter, take a moment to define your ideal: If you were to rebuild your life from scratch today, what would it look like? Your relationship, your work, your overall lifestyle? Don't worry if it's impractical; you're trying to unlock what you truly need and desire in your life right now. Imagining the ideal helps you sort out what’s important to focus on.

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