Over the last month I've been reflecting on the liminal space that exists when we change jobs or careers. This issue comes up frequently for clients I work as they shift and change from one role to another. These big changes are important times that many people rush through, moving from one environment to the next. Sometimes it's easy and natural. Other times, particularly when it is a big transition, it helps to press pause on life - just for a while - so that you can start the next thing with clarity and purpose.
Here's 4 things I noticed in my own period of transition : 1. You need time to de-compress - both for your body and your mind.
Try to create a gap between your roles so that you can let go of what has past and welcome what is to come. If you need to mourn or grieve the loss of your old job or life, create the space to allow that process in full and try not to discount it or push it away as something insignificant. 2. It's easy to look for distractions to avoid feelings.
One of the biggest challenges this past month was not knowing what was coming next. Despite many discussions with people about ways that we will work together, the process of getting there has taken far longer than expected.
Some things have worked out, others have not and it is very easy to feel lost as the identity we create around our work slowly crumbles around us. This can be a painful process or it can be a liberating process - however it feels, it's OK. There is a part of us that needs to die gracefully so that we can move on. Holding onto that identity doesn't allow us to break through to the next.
When the uncertainty arises, it takes resilience to just allow it to show up, notice it and let it go. The mind will continue to fire its old fight or flight wiring for a while. 3. Fear is a tricky beast and it can be easy to get caught up in catastrophising about what could / couldn't happen.
None of it is real - reread that... fear is not real - it's a construct of the mind and is based on the thoughts we create. I like to think of fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. When we look behind the things we are most often afraid of, they are projections of something that hasn't yet happened.
Our minds are wired for certainty and in the absence of information, the mind just makes stuff up. 4. A morning practice helps to set the day up.
A lot has been written about a great many people about the value of a morning practice that I won't repeat here.
My own practice is a combination of breath work, meditation and movement. I use breath work instead of Yoga because I am seeing much deeper results from harnessing the power of my breath to build resilience, endurance and an all-over sense of wellbeing.
My morning practice has helped me set the day with intention and gratitude. It also helps that I'm studying to become a SOMA Breath instructor to add to my coaching and retreats, but you don't have to go to that extent!
On the days that my morning practice was missing, I felt less energised and focused. My morning practice also keeps me mindful of my evening before practice and the choices I make the day before - do I really want to drink that extra glass of wine or have that late night snack? We begin our days the night before, so having a solid bedtime routine followed by a morning practice can really amplify your energy for the day.
I will soon be looking for volunteers to practice 1 hour SOMA Breath work with. If you'd like to try SOMA or can bring a small group together, let me know.
When you're ready, here's a few ways you can work with me:
1. Personal & Executive Coaching
2. Business Winning Consultancy
3. Retreats & Events
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