Four Phases to Managing Change
Change is a steppingstone to Destiny. In fact, change is one of the most important steps that will propel us to getting to where we are meant to go. However, human beings rarely take to it like we are Tarzan swinging from one tree to another, smoothly, with a sense of power and triumph. More often, we feel like we are on a roller coaster ride, being rushed through dark tunnels at frightening speed.
Change scares us because we perceive it as a threat or a danger. When first presented with change, we tend to ’default’ into protection mode about who we are and how life is supposed to work. In many ways, life changes may be considered “little deaths” with their own grieving process required. Think about it, even a positive change like a promotion can be nerve-wracking, afterall, it is something “new.”
Be patient with your process and give yourself space to process and adjust to the “new normal.” I know when I was going through many changes all at once…..moving several times, leaving a relationship, doing some deep personal growth work, there were times when I felt over-whelmed and scared. Gratefully, I had taught others about making life changes many times before, and I expected to walk through some different phases , each with its own challenges.
Learning to accept where we are in our process is an important part of moving through with more ease and grace. I also kept at the top of my mind, that successfully managing change had always leads to a new sense of self and personal empowerment, and even closer to my greater Destiny.
Knowing the phases that humans typically go through may help you as you undergo radical change:
Phase One: Denial
This looks like a lack of reaction to the change. A “this can’t be happening” mentality that pushes against the changes. You know you are in denial if you withdraw and focus on the past.
Phase Two: Resistance
In this phase, strong feelings about the change emerge such as feeling doubt, anger, anxiety or uncertainty. With the appropriate expression methods, you can move through the emotional ups and downs much quicker by talking about it, etc You know you are in resistance if you experience anger, blame, apathy or other draining emotions.
Phase Three: Exploration
During this phase, you are drawing upon your creativity and resources to create new possibilities. When you embrace it, this can be an exciting time, especially when you choose to change with other “pioneers” leading the way. You know you are in exploration, if you are seeking new ideas, feel a bit confused about which way to go, are accessing new energy to move forward.
Phase Four: Commitment
At this point, you are ready to make long range plans and take action to move forward in a new direction. For a career change, that may look like planning your exit strategy or taking additional training. You know you are in commitment if you are taking steps to move on.
Michelle Casto, The Destiny Diva & Transformational Author
Through her practice of Transformational Coaching, Michelle Casto helps people release what’s in the way of fulfilling their greatest Destiny. Michelle combines a unique formula of spiritual guidance, mindset re-setting techniques with an empathic and intuitive heart to help her clients access the self-love, courage and confidence essential to creating life on purpose and with the highest consciousness. Michelle focuses on the heart of the matter and expertly reveals where you may be deceiving yourself and buying into illusions or outdated belief systems to set your Soul free to Succeed. A prolific author, her latest book is The Destiny Discovery: Find Your Soul’s Path to Success, available on amazon.com and audio version on audible.com