Transitioning from one place in life to another can be a little daunting. In a previous blog, I talked about retiring and taking a voluntary severance package in order to pursue my dream as a transitional coach. Well, it has been eight months and much has happened.  There has been a lot of hard work and even a few tears, but the hard work has produced progress. It has been necessary, on many occasions, to remind myself to stay on course and just trust the transition.

As with most new ventures, things start out fast and exciting. You are eager to find a name for your company, enthusiastic about researching new ideas, motivated to learn new tools to help your business run smoothly while networking to meet new people, among other things. Somewhere during the excitement and the reality of the necessary work you begin the self-doubt talk about whether or not the transition is right or whether or not it will work. You must believe in yourself even when no one else believes in you. In fact, belief will get you through the rough times. The more you believe in yourself, the easier it is to trust the transition.

In fact, one lesson I have learned during the transition is that you must remain intentional on almost everything you do.  What does that mean?  It means that you must be present and active in every decision you make.  You recognize that you must not allow failures to hinder your success. When you are intentional, you respond rather than react when things aren’t going the way you think they should go. Being intentional means that you understand that transition sometimes brings disappointments, but you remain steadfast in knowing that when one door closes another door opens.

At some point in during your transition, you will experience a setback.  Sometimes that setback can be the root or the desire for the transition. However, the setback is not what causes the problem, the problem stems from the refusal to be flexible and embrace change. Many people are afraid that if they allow themselves to be flexible it is a sign of weakness; when, in reality, it’s a sign of strength.  As I think of flexibility, I am often reminded of Yoga. On the first day of Yoga, many can barely touch their toes, but with practice, they are not only touching their toes but their bodies are stronger and more flexible. After working hard and stretching daily, some can even fold their body like a pretzel. Well, being flexible in your transition is no different.  Sometimes you have to stretch beyond your comfort zone. The more flexible you become, the more you realize that flexibility allows you to have the power over your transition and you begin to trust the process.

Often times we cannot figure out what is keeping us from reaching a successful transition. Maybe you should do a self-evaluation to find out what is impeding your transition. Is it negative self-talk, is it fear of setbacks or is its lack of flexibility? What is resonating inside of you that is driving these fears? Whatever it is, you have the power to reach any goal you desire just allow yourself to trust the transition.