Tags: change | transition

Perhaps one of the most important first steps during a transition is to take charge of the situation.  Yes, this can be difficult, especially if the change is emotionally draining as in the case of a divorce or loss of a loved one.  Getting organized is a critical first step because it not only allows you to orient yourself, but also generates momentum – two key pieces in any transition.  The best way to go about restructuring your situation is to generate a list of actionable items.  Here, you will find a list that has some of the key items to help you on your way.  In some cases, certain items will apply and in others, perhaps not.  The point is to use this list to get started – change it any way that best fits your specific situation.

• Write down those people you can count on:  a spouse, extended family, close friends, a religious figure.  These people will help you when there’s a difficult day or pick you up when your transition is taking a little longer.  Emotional support is one of the keys to getting through any type of transition.  We shouldn’t expect to do this ourselves – those closest to you will be a tremendous asset.
• Get organized:  make a check list.  Not only does this simple task help you get organized, it starts to build momentum as you check off items on the list.  It also helps you keep track of those items that you’ve already addressed and new ones to add.  Every transition carries different tasks, but some common ones include:
  • Securing or continuing health care coverage
  • Organizing personal finances
  • Networking to find the resources for your particular transition
• Stay healthy.  Many times this is overlooked and one of the first items that falls to the bottom of a list during stressful times.  It is actually extremely important that you feel good about yourself – both emotionally and physically.  It is easy to do.  On the emotional side, surround yourself with people and environments that you find fun, enriching and supportive.  Perhaps there’s a mom’s club, Toastmaster’s club, religious group or some other forum that you really enjoy?  Tap into these – they’re good for you!  If you’re exercising, keep it up.  If a transition all of a sudden gives you more free time, take advantage to go on a daily walk, for starters.  There are so many inexpensive ways to exercise.  Look around, you may have a bike in the garage that could use a dusting?  Positive self esteem and attitude become key assets during your transition – so do as much as you can to help yourself!
• These first three items are important, but at some point you need to look ahead – a longer term horizon beyond the current transition.  Once you have regained yourself from a job loss, divorce or other major life event, consider outlining longer term goals.  A very useful tool in writing goals is something called SMART goals.  This is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely goals.  Most often, people will list an objective, if realistically unattainable, will never achieve it.  If you are searching for a job, for example, a SMART goal might be:  “update my resume with new work experience and references, and post it on three career job boards by the end of the current month.”  You can see that this simple goal is specific and measurable, attainable and realistic and conveys a time frame for accomplishing it.  As you plan your days ahead with more meaningful goals, take a moment to consider these aspects of each goal. For more information on SMART goals, visit:  http://www.topachievement.com/smart.html.

When we face one of life’s unplanned events, we may be easily consumed by the moment and easily distracted.  Try to start with these four key points – hopefully, they will begin to put you at ease that the world is not going to end, rather guide you in creating your road map for the days ahead.  Many people have weathered storms before – you can too… all it takes is for you to Find Your Footing!