8 Steps to a Great Transition

Coming in 2007: an introductory Tele-course on how to make a Great Transition.

"It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear...It's like being in between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold onto."
-- Marilyn Ferguson

To change is to make different. When we adjust to change, we replace or shift from one circumstance to another. The adjustment is our "way" of dealing with the change, it is the transition -- the internal response to change -- and how we come to terms with it and how we reorient ourselves.

There are many situations in life that can put us into the way of transitioning. For instance, the loss of a job, wanting to make a career change, reorganizing a business, graduating from school, retirement, getting married, having a child, loss of a loved one, and so on.

Basically there are three phases to the way of transitioning. William Bridges, in his book "The way of transition, embracing life's most difficult moments," builds upon these three phases with his uplifting story of his journey from darkness to light. He provides compelling insights into those unexpected passages that forever shape our lives. The three phases described by Bridges are:

Ending of the old -- Endings are transformative experiences and they are often where we start from. What's difficult is to know what exactly is over and what isn't. At this phase it is important to let go of what you need to. Start by relinquishing old habits and expectations, saying good bye, and celebrating.

The neutral zone -- Between the ending and the beginning you always find yourself in a strange place. The neutral zone is not on a map. Rather it can be found inside a mirror, down a rabbit hole, under your bed, light-years away, and sometimes no further than your thumb. It's really not even a place. It's probably best looked at as a whole new dimension to experience. It's the space to reorient yourself, grow personally, find your authentic self, and to be freely creative.

Beginning the new -- The new thing always carries the day. Much like the seasons of the year, spring supplants the winter and a new year sends the old one packing. There is no antagonism in the new, just succession. As long as our transitions continue, we are full of success. In new beginnings it is important to choose a direction, live in the moment, and plan and dream of your future.

What changes do you see coming? In what way do you want to make the transition? What will you do?

It's important to keep in mind that adjusting to change brings on the need to make decisions. Sometimes those decisions are made quickly and naturally, and other times they can be slow and wrought with pain or agony. Nevertheless, the choice of what we want and where we want to be at the end of our transition is always ours to make.

Through my own experiences I have discovered there are eight common steps for making a great transition. Taken within the three transition phases, these steps provide a greater ability to assess the situation, view the choices, sketch out a plan, and move forward.

Would you like some assistance on how to get started and create a plan for moving on?

In 2007, I will offer an introductory Tele-course (as in an over-the-phone classroom) on the 8 Steps to a Great Transition. The call-setting will be informative, interactive, and conducted in the comfort of your home. The course will be 1 hour in length, and free!

Interested? For more information, call or email Martha Hahn at The Sage Project (toll-free 888-433-0686, or thesageproject@msn.com).