What Do We Know About Transition? « Center for Positive Change

What Do We Know About Transition?

19 Feb, 2009 Life Transitions

From a business perspective, there is more fear in the air than we have seen in decades. As a CEO, you have likely experienced many sleepless nights already. As someone in middle management, you are likely anxious about your future. As an employee, you may be wondering when it is your turn for the dreaded pink slip. This is a horrible time for everyone…isn’t it?

Actually, this turbulent time does not need to be horrible. It may be a matter of perspective. The real issue is not whether we have transition periods facing us, it is what we do in those transition periods. I am inspired by Jon:

Jon has been working as a solo practitioner in his electrical engineering firm for over two decades. As the owner of a small boutique firm, he was able to take advantage of a niche practice which provided him a great lifestyle. Then his world changed. Jon thought his life was over when his wife died unexpectedly almost two years ago. He adjusted by keeping himself very busy in his business. The couple had no children, so he could be as much of a workaholic as he wanted to be. By all outward appearances things got worse for Jon when his specialty market began drying up because of the economy this past year. He began having difficulty making payroll and had to let external support staff go. Rather than allowing himself to go into an emotional train wreck, he began acting pro-actively. Jon found a position with an international company which has a great need for his specialized training. Though he may still be in a bit of a honeymoon phase, today, Jon reports a life filled with interest and cultural diversity.

Accepting and “blessing” our circumstances is a powerful tool for transformation. But, just what is acceptance? Acceptance is surrendering to what is: our circumstances, our feelings, our problems, our financial status, our work, our health, our relationships with other people, the delay of our dreams. Before we can change anything in our life, we have to recognize that this is the way it is RIGHT NOW. Tomorrow may be quite different. For now, however, it is imperative that we sit with ourselves and accept. Don’t rush it, transition has it’s own timing. What we have for sure is now.

As the new year has begun, we all are in a new transition. It is very important to learn from yesterday’s lessons, and then move forward. Those who are intent on being stuck in yesterday will become tomorrow’s casualties. The irony is that by taking our time and learning, we can proceed faster when that time comes.

So, what do we know about transition? We know it is certain and we know it is a time for growth and opportunity. Do have a happy new year and transition with gusto.

Here’s to Growth,

Tim



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	What Do We Know About Transition? 19 Feb, 2009 Life Transitions From a business perspective, there is more fear in the air than we have seen in decades. As a CEO, you have likely experienced many sleepless nights already. As someone in middle management, you are likely anxious about your future. As an employee, you may be wondering when it is your turn for the dreaded pink slip. This is a horrible time for everyone…isn’t it? Actually, this turbulent time does not need to be horrible. It may be a matter of perspective. The real issue is not whether we have transition periods facing us, it is what we do in those transition periods. I am inspired by Jon: Jon has been working as a solo practitioner in his electrical engineering firm for over two decades. As the owner of a small boutique firm, he was able to take advantage of a niche practice which provided him a great lifestyle. Then his world changed. Jon thought his life was over when his wife died unexpectedly almost two years ago. He adjusted by keeping himself very busy in his business. The couple had no children, so he could be as much of a workaholic as he wanted to be. By all outward appearances things got worse for Jon when his specialty market began drying up because of the economy this past year. He began having difficulty making payroll and had to let external support staff go. Rather than allowing himself to go into an emotional train wreck, he began acting pro-actively. Jon found a position with an international company which has a great need for his specialized training. Though he may still be in a bit of a honeymoon phase, today, Jon reports a life filled with interest and cultural diversity. Accepting and “blessing” our circumstances is a powerful tool for transformation. But, just what is acceptance? Acceptance is surrendering to what is: our circumstances, our feelings, our problems, our financial status, our work, our health, our relationships with other people, the delay of our dreams. Before we can change anything in our life, we have to recognize that this is the way it is RIGHT NOW. Tomorrow may be quite different. For now, however, it is imperative that we sit with ourselves and accept. Don’t rush it, transition has it’s own timing. What we have for sure is now. As the new year has begun, we all are in a new transition. It is very important to learn from yesterday’s lessons, and then move forward. Those who are intent on being stuck in yesterday will become tomorrow’s casualties. The irony is that by taking our time and learning, we can proceed faster when that time comes. So, what do we know about transition? We know it is certain and we know it is a time for growth and opportunity. Do have a happy new year and transition with gusto. Here’s to Growth, Tim Leave a Comment Name: (Required) E-mail: (Required) Website: Comment:

What Do We Know About Transition?

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