We often hear a lot about “managing change” in our professional lives and have likely been involved in change management workshops and training. Generally, we’re exposed to a model that makes points something like:
- Change is challenging
- Some people embrace it right away, some people take a little time to get on board, some people never come along
- During times of intense change, productivity decreases (while anxiety increases) but – after a period of time – things get back to normal (whatever that is…)
- In managing through change, we go through a series of emotions, not unlike the seven stages of grief, during which we may be alternately excited, angry, depressed, optimistic, resistant and accepting
- It’s all normal!
Often, these models look at change like an inverted bell curve that basically says:
- First, everything is good
- Then, things get dicey
- Finally, things are good again!
Of course, I’m over-simplifying these ideas and models! There is really a lot of wisdom in this approach to learning about and dealing with change.
In my work with people in transition though, we generally talk about change – and about “productivity” in a different way. A way in which we see various transitions as seasons through which we travel (and jump back and forth between) at various times, in relation to different areas of our lives. Seeing change this way helps us (I think) better relate to where we are and approach transitions with less-judgment, and more acceptance. Here’s’ how that approach to transition works, seeing change as an evolution through the seasons.
When we are in “Spring” we are in Exploration mode – this is a time for interest, enthusiasm, possibility and great excitement…maybe with a little trepidation and fear of the unknown thrown in. We are thinking about and looking into “what’s next” for us and open to the many possibilities. In relation to career, this may be when we are looking for a new role, thinking about career possibilities, looking into what might be “blooming” next on the horizon. We can facilitate our movement through this stage of change by asking questions like:
- What do I want to explore?
- What impact do I want to have?
- What news skills or interests might I develop next?
When we are in a phase of exploration, we might define productivity by the things we are learning, the contacts we are making and the ideas we are generating.
Moving on from Spring, we move into “Summer”. Summer is a time for commitment. It’s when we have explored adequately to begin to make some decisions about what we want. What job, what hobby, what partner, where we want to live, and a variety of other commitments we make throughout our lives. Summer is a time for achievement, seeking fulfillment and really earning our way into and through whatever we are doing. We are active; we are engaged – the sun is shining! For many of us, we have spent long periods of our lives – in careers, in relationships, as parents – in Summer. To make the most of our Summers, we can ask ourselves questions like:
- Where am I experiencing the most flow and satisfaction?
- Where do I get the energy to pursue my goals?
- How is how I spend my time contributing to – myself, my family, my community, etc.?
When we are in the commitment phase, we likely define productivity by what we are achieving, recognition we are gaining and goals we are realizing.
At some point, all good things come to an end and our Summer starts to fade into “Fall.” Endings come naturally (like when the kids leave home or retirement looms) and others come unexpectedly (like the loss of a job, loved one or health status). The shadows are falling on a period of growth and achievement and we begin to let go, completing what has come before. During the “Falls” of our lives, we turn more inward and begin to disconnect. As we are completing the Summer we’ve just experienced (which may have lasted for years or even decades) we can make the most of this by asking ourselves questions like:
- What was most significant to me about what is ending?
- What do I want to take forward from that experience? Leave behind?
- What have I learned that is of value for me?
When we are letting go and completing, feeling “productive,” in the traditional sense of the word, can be difficult. Here, the value lies in what we learn, integrate and process.
Next, we tend to move into a period of “Winter,” a time of questioning and releasing. Like the Fall, this stage is also very internal and introspective. It’s a time to step back to take time and space to reflect on what has just ended. There may be grief and there may be celebration. It’s a time for fully experiencing the transition we are undergoing, in preparation for what may lie ahead…our next Spring. During our “Winters” we want to ask ourselves questions like:
- Where and how can I step out/step back to process what has transpired?
- What current commitments can I reduce or release?
- What can I celebrate? What do I want/need to grieve?
Like the season that precedes Winter, it’s often challenging to recognize what’s productive about this season. In this season of questioning and releasing, what we gain is self-recognition, an awareness of a greater meaning and appreciation.
For many of us, the more internal seasons of Fall and Winter are challenging. Our culture tends to celebrate extroversion, achievement and being “out there” with and for others. This can make it difficult to move inward and spend the quiet time we really need to process and integrate the endings of our lives. When we do however, there is much richness and wisdom. We have so much to learn from ourselves by detaching, pondering and assigning meaning, before we venture out into the world again.
Lest you think I’m suggesting a solo pilgrimage or lengthy retreat (although those things would be cool!), here are some suggestions for finding internal “me time” as you move out of Summer into the Fall and Winter seasons of your life:
- Set aside time each day for journaling and reflection – even if you are still actively involved in a job, hobby, child-rearing or whatever “Summer” you’re in the midst of (or just ending), these mini-breaks of detachment and reflection can support forward movement
- Use the weekends (or part of each weekend?) as Fall and Winter breaks. Writing, mindful movement such as yoga or dance, discussion with a close loved one or friend – these can all be ways to do the letting go of Fall and the celebrating and grieving of Winter
- Get a change of scenery. Taking a drive, a bike ride or a walk in a new place can provide a new kind of “space” for mindfulness. In coaching groups, I often give the assignment to go to an unfamiliar place, pose a question to yourself and then just walk. Upon return, write down words, images, phrases and ideas that arose. You’ll be amazed at what comes up!
Whatever season you’re in…enjoy it! This, of course, is easier said than done – especially when circumstances have placed us in a season we’re really not interested in or ready for! My hope is that, seeing your life and its transitions as “seasonal” will make those transitions smoother and more productive – however you define that – for you. Good luck!
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus
Let me know if either of these graphs work (right or left) I LIKE THE ONE ON THE RIGHT, THANKS!