Have you ever gone through a tough period of change? Did you wish you could transition well?

The seasons are always changing and last summer was no different for me. I moved cities and started a new role for work.

Changes, even though they might entail good things, can be naturally stressful.

Luckily I had a good supervisor who guided me.

We met in her office for our weekly meeting and she asked how I was doing. I mentioned in honesty that I had experienced a lot of change. She then asked me a question that was revolutionary for my approach to the change. She said,

“Over the past month, what brought you the most amount of joy? Then do more of that for the upcoming months.”

This answer was pretty easy. I would spend more time around Dow’s Lake. I thought about my walks around the canal and the joy I received being by nature. I get refreshed being in nature and I especially like being by the water. So the following months I decided to spend more time in nature and around Dow’s Lake. 

I also spent more time in nature by going on hiking trips in the Adirondacks and vacationing at the family cottage.This helped me transition well because I felt more joy and peace doing something I liked.

Bringing out the joy in our lives is one way we can manage ourselves well through times of change. As I look back from all the change that took place last summer, here are some other tips to help us transition well.

Familiarity is Key

Keeping something constant among the unconstant is healthy. Having some kind of familiarity is important for our nature of falling into habit and regularity. It can be surrounding ourselves with certain friends and family that give us life, or it could be meeting someone special over video if they are far away. It can also be a regular routine, for sleep, exercise, and hobbies. It can also be watching, doing, or listening to something familiar. 

Shifting to Positive Attitudes

We can sometimes use the language of “This will always be like this”, or “I can’t”, or “If only”. I find this negative thinking can come about when we are going through a tough season of change. If we adopt a positive attitude, if we encourage ourselves in the midst of negative feelings, then we can help ourselves. Language can include “I can” or “I will”. Alternatively, we can use the thinking, “This too shall pass.” I have often used that truth when I have experienced overwhelming emotions. Leaders focus on the positive and are encouragers.

Freedom to Say “No”

Leaders cannot do everything. In fact, we focus only on a few things rather than spread ourselves too thin. In a time of change, I think it’s especially important for us to say “no” to some things so we can give a greater “yes” to others. For example, when I moved to Ottawa, I had the chance to play in a soccer league. I love playing soccer in the summertime, but I had to pass on the opportunity because I felt that I had too much on my plate. I said no to soccer but I said yes to family time and quality time with others.

Change affects everyone. It can wear on us and cause much stress. As leaders, we can transition poorly and make it worse. Or we can transition well and experience more joy and peace.

For example, do what gives you joy in a season of change. What brought you the most amount of joy last month? Then do more of that this upcoming month.