How to Transition Well: From Ends to New Beginnings

I grew up not really understanding how change worked.

I’d be in such a rush to make change happen that it didn’t.

- I’d be scared of loss
- I’d be worried about making a mistake
- I didn’t allow myself to play

I understand change better now.

And I’ve realised that it isn’t an efficient process.

You can’t rush it.

And there isn’t just one way to do it.

But there are some clear stages.

According to William Bridges, the author of Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes, there are three key stages to change:

- Ending, Losing, and Letting Go: it’s important to accept that you need to leave something behind in order to go somewhere new
- The Neutral Zone: this is the messy middle where it’s important to be creative and not critical
- The New Beginning: you’ve got the energy and excitement to go off in a new direction

Each of these stages requires a different mindset.

Each of these stages requires a level of self-awareness and acceptance.

Do the wrong thing at the wrong stage and you’ll get stuck… particularly when you’re in the Neutral Zone.

If you’re feeling like you’re in a transition make sure you understand what stage you’re at.

And avoid fighting against what is.

At The Happy Startup School we create safe spaces for change.

No matter what stage you’re at we’re here to give you the support to get to the next one.