By now the year has settled into full swing but I’ve found “normal” looks different. Each year, and with each new step I take, I have another chance to fine tune, to look at what I’m doing, and how I’m doing it, and to tweak it to work better for me and for those in my world. The transition is awkward, time-consuming and frustrating and how I deal with it makes a big difference to the outcome.
This week I’ve had time and technology challenges. The old Me would have struggled on alone, striving to appear in control, the stress hidden behind a smile and building up until it erupted, usually in a not very elegant way. The new me is embracing the changes, instigating them and working in collaboration with a variety of people. The new Me is giving myself permission to be not perfect, to say “I’m overwhelmed”, “This is frustrating” or “I don’t get it”.
Although still a work in progress I’ve come through the week:
- By staying in action.
- By remembering why the transition is happening – the irony is that it’s what I want!
- Seeking help from others and staying vulnerable as I do so.
- Working with team, sharing ideas and allowing natural leadership to shine through.
As a result
- Advice is being sought.
- Ideas and concerns are being heard and addressed.
- Help is being offered.
- Instruction is being given.
- Others are growing as they too step up and share their gifts, skills, and knowledge.
Words I hear now are “Thank you for doing that, it was really helpful”. The giving and receiving of these words have made a big difference to reducing stress levels and to the ultimate success of the projects. The comments and connections are reassuring -things are okay, even if it doesn’t feel like it just now.
Transition, even when it’s planned, can be fraught with frustration, setbacks, and disappointment. Keep being in action. Remember the reason for the transition. Be gentle with the process and the different reactions. And things are definitely easier when it’s a team effort.
Struggling with transition? Having a supportive team around you can make a difference. Contact me if it’s time to add a life coach to your team.