I bet you have had several transitions in your life such as moving from one country to another, becoming a parent, changing career or becoming an entrepreneur, death of your loved one, retrenchment, promotion, midlife crisis, or something health related. Despite the previous experiences in change and transition, each and every transition takes you somehow out of your comfort zone to this space in-between. And the space in-between is unpleasant, isn’t it!
The pandemic has been a shock or a change to the global system. In one way or another we are all going through a transition from the time before the pandemic to the time after or should I say to the time living with the pandemic. And until we are done with the old and before the new emerge, we are in transition, in the space in-between. This space in between as uncomfortable as it is, may be a “fertile soil” as per William Bridges Transition Model.
Map of Change
My favourite transition model is Martha Beck’s Map of Change from her book Finding Your Own North Star. In this model a catalytic event (change) kick-starts a transformation journey that takes you through four phases, namely death and rebirth; dreaming and scheming; the hero’s saga; and the promised land.
The catalytic event that would kick-start the transformation journey can be a shock, an opportunity or an internal transition. We recover quickly from some catalytic events. Other catalytic events may initiate a full metamorphosis.
Catalytic shocks are major sudden, shocking events or news such as a divorce announcement; being diagnosed with an illness; or winning a lottery. Opportunities that catalyse transformation journey could include for example a dream job offer abroad or to taking over the leadership role in the organisation that you work for. Catalytic internal transition is about recognising a need to align your life with your true self.
What catalytic changes have you experienced or you are experiencing right now?
Phases of Transformation Journey
“Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis.” – Martha Beck
The first phase of the transformation journey is about “death and re-birth”. Leaving something behind. Saying goodbye to the old you. Eventually be ready and wanting to move forward towards something new.
Think about you own life. When did you last experience an end of something? Or perhaps you are in this very space as we speak.
In the second phase of “dreaming and scheming” you would have recovered from “the death” and ready to be “re-born”. You start exploring future alternatives. This phase may be confusing, because there are so many alternatives.
Think about your own past, when where you in this space of opportunities? Or perhaps, this is what you are experiencing now.
The third phase “hero’s saga” is about finding your new thing, finding your purpose to pursue. This comes after finding clarity and direction. Now you have goals clearly defined and it is all about working toward them. Well, not without hustles of-course. That’s why the name “hero’s saga”.
Think about your own past, when where you in this space of working towards your goals? Or perhaps, you are in the hero’s saga as we speak.
The fourth and last phase is “the promised land”. It describes making it and arriving to the new comfort zone. The irony here is that this is not a permanent state of affairs and shall last only until the next catalytic event.
Are you in the promised land now? Or do you remember time that you were in a promised land?
Feeling Stuck?
Feeling stuck is part of the space in-between with all kinds of uncomfortable and unpleasant emotions. Been there done that and gained a lot of insights through tears and swears! Remember that change is something external and transition is the internal shifts, which do require doing the self-work.
In any major transformation journey, it is super important to pay attention to your very basic well-being. This applies especially in the first phase of “the death and rebirth” right after the catalytic event. Pay attention to the following:
- How do you sleep?
- Do you nourish your body and mind well?
- What physical activity would suit you now?
- Are you coping with emotions?
- How about your social wellness?
As much as “feeling stuck” is part of the necessary process, please take care not to stay alone and DIY here for extended period of time. In a tough transition, it is wiser to seek support. You could reach out to a friend, a relative, a mentor, a coach or a therapist for example, depending on your situation.
Support might just be the thing to help you shift things forward!
You find my last week’s Blog, where I wrote about the different helping services here.
Pauliina Mapatha has twenty years of experience in both the government and non-profit sectors and is a certified life coach. She established her own consultancy company in 2006 and has found her passion for supporting individuals and organisations with change, transformation and wellness.
To contact coach Pauliina click here.
