In the early 90’s, I discovered a life-changing book written by Dr. William Bridges. If you have not yet read this work: Transitions, Making Sense of Life’s Changes, perhaps it’s a gift to give yourself in the New Year.
According to Dr. Bridges, transitions are composed of these three phases: 1. an ending, 2. a neutral zone, and 3. a new beginning. Today, I have been thinking about “the neutral zone.” In my work with individuals who have lost jobs, I hear them speak of getting a new job, a new place to work, a new boss, and a new health care plan. All of their emphasis is on the new beginning. While, naturally, finding a new opportunity (hopefully, the right one) as soon as possible is the goal in a job hunt, an equally important part of the transition process is that critical interval between the old and the new. Listed below are some words clients have used to describe the neutral zone – the space between losing the job and getting on down the road to the next one:
Confusing.
Frustrating.
Unknown. Uncertainty. Unsure. Uneasiness.
Messy. Problematic. Disgusting.
Cluttered.
Discombobulated.
Out of it.
Discouraging. Empty. Disturbing.
Hollow. Lonely. Sad.
Perplexing. Bewildering. Strange.
Nowhere Land.
Disorganized. Overwhelming. Disruptive.
Chaotic. Indecisive. Painful.
Clueless. Lack of focus. Directionless.
Uninspired. De-motivated.
And then one day, the phone rings. Or you see a job of interest as you peruse Indeed. You get a lead from a friend. You get an idea for a new business. You read something that inspires you. Your former co-worker calls you with an opening at his company. You get a thought and a plan. You start putting the pieces of the puzzle together – not in the old way, but in a new and different way that works for you now, at this time in your life. You start feeling more like your “old self” again with a renewed sense of energy, purpose, drive, and determination. And somehow, you know you are well on your way to…
Change.
Transformation.
Rebuilding.
Renewal.
A new direction.
A new start.
A new you.
And a new beginning.
posted by: billiesucher
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