Transitions

Did you have a chance to check out Danielle Berman’s Tackle What’s Next? She’s helping athletes transition from the world of sports to the world of what’s next – all while using their unique skills, interests, and passions.

For athletes making that transition – it’s got to be both exciting and scary.

Leaving behind what you know and jumping into something new…

I know for me, making the transition from professional organizer with my own successful business to coaching and establishing a new business was both of those things – exciting and scary – and much more.

There were many times that I thought, “What the heck am I doing? Why did I leave behind what I know and where I’ve experienced success for the land of the unknown?” Only soon to be followed by, “Man, this is so incredibly exhilarating! There’s something so empowering about taking such a big step!”

My emotions during the transition could go from elation to angst with the quick flip of a switch.

And, you probably had the same thoughts when you took the leap to start your own business. (After all, birds of a feather…well, you know the adage.)

The thing about a transition is that it’s not permanent – it’s just a step along the way.

It’s another learning opportunity – just like failure is.

So, what did the transition teach me?

The list is long, but here are a few of the most important things:

I learned that I needed to stay in the moment.
I learned that sometimes you need to just laugh – especially when things aren’t going as planned.
I learned my strengths – and my weaknesses.
I learned to reach out to others who could support me as I made this transition.
I learned I could count on my “tribe” to help me through stressful times.
I learned to build a new community of like-minded people.
I learned to take small steps before I tried to run.
I learned that I can only control me – and not others – no matter how much we may try.
I learned to appreciate change – and to embrace it.
I learned that often I know more than I give myself credit for.

And the learning continues – even though the transition is complete.

Of course, all this talk about transitions got me thinking about a quote I read – so I went and looked it up – and here it is:

“Light precedes transition. Whether at the end of a tunnel, through a crack in the door or the flash of an idea, it is always there, heralding a new beginning.” – Teresa Tsalaky, author, The Transition Witness

Keep that in mind as you go through transitions…and know that you can always reach out to me to talk. I’m happy to support you, be a part of your “tribe” during stressful moments, or be a member of that new community that you’re building – because none of us have to do this alone.