“Change is one thing, progress another.”
— Bertrand Russell
Much of our environment champions the idea of change. A quick look at the media reveals the prevalence of articles and shows featuring before and after transformations of appearance, homes and ultimately (hopefully) lives. But there is a difference between this type of discrete, focused change and a transition.
Change is generally situational, fairly quick and focused on a specific outcome. Transition, on the other hand, is more of a process-based experience. Usually extremely personal in nature and form, transitions often occur gradually.
William Bridges, Ph.D., has dedicated his life to helping people and organizations deal more productively with change. The model he developed, The Transition Model, identifies the three-phase process of transition.
The Transition Model
Developed by William Bridges, PhD.
The Ending
This is when you say goodbye to the old world and enter the new. Sadness and loss, anxiety and fear, anger and resentment characterize endings. It’s critical to understand what is ending with you right now…and what are you losing?
The Neutral Zone
People in the Neutral Zone are often confused, lost and disconnected. Some people demonstrate it at work by showing up every day but not really working. This is a difficult time for most as there are no signposts or clarity about what you’re doing or where you’re going.
The New Beginning
In this phase, people feel settled and satisfied, energized and renewed. You have “arrived” and are on the other side of the transition.
Because transformation is an individual experience, there are no rules regarding each phase…it’s not clear how long you remain in one phase vs another nor what the impetus is for moving between phases. However, there are some tactics that can help you once you identify which phase you are in.
How to Facilitate the Ending Phase
Decide what, in your life and work, is over and what isn’t—what is it time for you to let go of and what you can hold on to.
Sort your losses, deciding what could be replaced, what could be redefined, what might be reinvented or what will simply have to be relinquished.
Actively seek all the information you need to deal effectively with the changes that are taking place in your life.
Recognize and accept the necessity of going through a time of mourning in dealing with your losses.
Find symbolic pieces of the past to take with you into the future.
Identify the continuities in your life and your work situation and take pains to strengthen them.
Use this ending as a chance to look at past endings in your life. Unpack any old baggage that you find you’re carrying.
Use symbolic boundary actions and events to mark your clean break with the past.
Navigating the Neutral Zone
The lack of clarity and confusion that characterizes this phase can be very disorienting for high achievers who are used to working toward specific goals. There are a few strategies that can help as you seek to create new meaning in your life.
First, understanding that you are in the middle of a process is helpful and allows you to articulate some of the things you’re feeling to others. Learning all you can about the transition process itself and seeking out others who are in a similar place can help you emotionally navigate this difficult time.
Create short-range goals and checkpoints for yourself in order to provide assurance that you are moving forward—even if it doesn’t feel that way sometimes. Things like a new exercise program, learning a new skill, perfecting a hobby can give you access to others and a schedule to rely on.
Seek out role models—those who have been through or are going through a transition themselves. Learn and draw comfort from their experiences—whether you know them personally or only through their writings.
Ponder your life purpose. Focusing your efforts on understanding what is most important to you personally will guide you in your transition. What are you trying to become? What is your personal mission? What brings you pleasure and meaning?
The New Beginning
It will be very clear that you’ve reached this phase…after months of seeming to wander aimlessly you’ll suddenly be in a situation where you can make decisions and act with confidence. You may not have all the answers, but suddenly it is no longer as important to have the “perfect” answer. You are energized and excited about your new beginning. Supporting yourself and your new attitudes/values/identities/understandings is critical to keep yourself on track. There’s nothing more exciting than realizing a new path generated by your hopes and desires.
Most are familiar with change and unfamiliar with transition unless they’ve personally experienced it. Understanding the differences and the reasons behind the transition phases can help you as you navigate this psychological process. Reminding yourself that a new beginning is on the horizon can help keep your spirits up during this challenging time.
Want to learn more about managing change and transition in your career? Contact Amanda Mitchell, an executive coach who specializes in working with high achievers. amitchell@theokeefegroupusa.com
