One of the things that can make a transition difficult is when it wasn’t chosen—even more so when it follows a disappointment or perceived failure. It’s not hard to imagine that adjusting to the death of a loved one or an unexpected job loss is deeply challenging.
Which is why it can be surprising to people when a change that is voluntary, or at least comes as the result of a healthy evolution, is often very jarring too. When I was navigating the ‘emptying nest’ stage of our family (which lasted almost a decade for us—who knew??!), I remember saying to a friend, “I feel ridiculous struggling with this. It’s all good news! My kids are launching exactly as we all hoped they would—this is a happy story, not a tragic one. So why am I such a mess?”
Organizations trying to navigate their next chapter can face similar growing pains. Sometimes being highly successful can create high stress, even though it’s what you wanted to happen. One client recently joked, “We really wanted more of this. Just not more of this!”
So consider today’s message one of encouragement. If you are in the midst of a good news story that isn’t feeling very good, give yourself permission to feel it fully. Even good news can be hard.
I will be piloting a new transitions coaching program this spring and am opening a couple of heavily discounted spots for people who are willing to “work out the kinks” in it with me. If that’s you, get in touch!