How to Transition Well

I come face to face with a hard fact that leaves me terrified, yet beyond excited: Life is full of transitions. There are natural transitional phenomena, such as the fascinating chemical transformation of leaves from green to yellow, orange, and red, signifying the beginning of autumn, or the metamorphosis of amphibians from tadpole to frog. Then there are the life transitions that tug at our heartstrings, threaten our wellbeing, and spark a newfound purpose for ourselves. 

We all endure these transitions—the ones that grow our mindset and set a path for self-discovery. 

The transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

The transition from student to working professional. 

The transition from dependence to independence.  

The transition from one location to another. 

Through our personal endeavors and adventures, we encounter the growth and pain that transitions bear. We undertake a seemingly impossible task of planning for the unknown future, while experiencing the full range of emotions that consume us whole. In a season of change, we may become stagnant, fearful, and lost. 

How do we embrace the inevitable transition that life offers when we have fallen hopeless and off-course? 

In my current season of transition as a recent college graduate and current job seeker, I have found some ways to make this transition less turbulent, no matter how strong the worries and feelings of powerlessness are. 

1. We transition well with a patient heart full of gratitude. 

Gratitude protects us from stirring jealousy and offers the opportunity to relish all that life already blessed us with. Practicing gratitude is just that—a craft that requires love and attention. It seems like with the latest iPhone release and the newest Tesla model rollout, we are constantly being challenged to reflect upon and express gratitude for the things that we get to call our own. We live in an imperfect world, and succumbing to it and its materialism will only leave us disappointed and unsatisfied. 

I’ve found that developing a daily habit of finding peace and gratitude in life’s daily moments has alleviated my anxious thoughts, especially during a transition period where uncertainty abounds. I have started a weekly habit of writing down at least five activities that I did or noticed that made me smile or feel warm. As a result, I am taking ownership of my well-being and mental health to be my best possible self. 

Most of the time transitioning accompanies the dreadful waiting game. With patience, the wait and transition are no longer unbearable, but rather worthwhile and pave a more hopeful, healthier, and happier path.

2. We transition well with a tribe of supporters. 

One of life’s greatest gifts is friendship. Without the stability and control of what comes next, it helps to  surround ourselves with a squad that will cheer us on. Who is your motivator? How will you seek support and encouragement? 

Recently, I attended a social event where I met a lot of new people. The most common question was are you working or are you a student? My current unemployment status was salient in my mind. I felt embarrassed to be neither working nor studying. However, in those moments, I recalled the comforting words of my dear friends who instilled in me their unconditional love regardless of my job title or financial status. Our character is far more worthy than any salary number or career promotion. Transitions are temporary, and they do not define us. 

In times of uncertainty, reach out to a trusted friend, a reassuring family member, or a reliable therapist. Find comfort through their presence and wise words. It helps to have a safe space where you’re heard and where your vulnerability can flow out. We fail to see the good progress when we have been working incessantly toward our desired goal that has yet to materialize, but a friend offers us a different perspective and a hand when we have fallen to our knees. 

3. We transition well by trying new things. 

We build confidence by doing something over and over, especially by doing new things and stepping out of the comfort zone. Our periods of transition may feel like rejections or missteps, but in reality we are being redirected so that our current challenges inspire our future growth. 

It sounds counterintuitive to try something scary and new in a time that is already daunting, but embracing every aspect of our life and choosing to extend our range of comfort allow us to prove to ourselves that we can wrestle with life and thrive in it. 

Fear and uncertainty are the prime ingredients for a recipe of despair. Inner peace, exploration of possibilities, and embracing what’s next are the antidotes to discouragement and allow you to successfully seek out contentment. Perhaps we may even learn something new about ourselves along the way. 

4. We transition well with a positive and resilient attitude. 

Transition brings with it an assortment of emotions and reactions. We can’t change the situation, but we can modify our responses. We have the power to take the time to understand and formulate a well thought-out response. Transitions are a part of our self-discovery; they help us grow and point out to us the positive in our present life. 

Throughout my job hunt, I have received more rejection letters from companies than I care to admit, but I refuse to give up. Personally, building and sustaining positivity and resilience has reminded me of the strengths I possess and how I continue to persevere in times of distress. Transitioning well means letting go of others’ perception, appreciating every moment for what it is, and treating yourself with kind words and lots of love. 

We will discover that each transition was planned and had a specific purpose because we are the authors of our narrative. 

Are you in a transition period right now? Where do you envision yourself? How will you get there?