If you’re feeling like major changes seem to happen for you every couple years, you’re not alone, according to the book, Life Is In The Transitions by Bruce Feiler. He writes major “life disruptors” – both positive and negative – happen on average every 12-18 months. And, the pace of life changes are happening faster than they used to. Feiler’s main point – our lives unfold in a nonlinear way that is often not predictable. Say goodbye to the idea of controlling life! More on the book below. If your dealing with a life situation, consider my resources and coaching to support successful transitions. Contact me to set up a time to talk about what you’re looking to address or resolve.
Feiler’s Book, Life Is In The Transitions, highlights research showing that there is no basis to the “midlife crisis” happening at a certain age, as was popularized by Gail Sheehy in her 1970s book Passages (on my parent’s nightstand when I was a kid). Rather, it’s how we elect to respond to the curve balls that come our way – at any age – that determine how well we’ll get through a transition. The book’s message – we are the creators of our own destiny and have the capacity to adapt, change and thrive if we choose to do so. Based on the author’s interviews with over 50 people from all walks of life – along with research in the field, here are the book’s tips for moving forward when major disruptions happen:
- Accept It – Identify your emotions. The situation happened and the feelings are real.
- Mark It – Ritualize the disruption. Acknowledge through a ceremony or other action.
- Shred It – Give up on old mind-sets. Challenge assumptions. Reframe and rename.
- Create It – Try new things and be open to new thinking.
- Share It – Seek wisdom from others who know you and your gifts.
- Launch It – Unveil your new self – as you try on your new perspective and way of being.
- Tell It – Compose a fresh story. Take control of your own narrative.
My coaching keys in on many of these seven areas. I support clients in fully understanding the challenge/transition at hand, then provide support to re-frame, build a game plan, then successfully execute that plan.
Life Is In The Transitions encourages us to “lean in” during our challenging times. The silver lining I’ve found for myself – and with clients I serve – is that proactively taking on transitions makes us stronger and ultimately happier.
Contact me to explore how I may be able to support you in moving forward in positive and concrete ways.
