How “change” and “transition” are related and distinctly different
We often use the words “change” and “transition” interchangeably. Although they are related concepts, they have distinct meanings. So let’s talk about the difference between the two.
Change refers to a specific event or situation that is different than what came before it and is often tangible making it easy to recognize. Change can be planned or unplanned and it can be by choice or as a result of external factors. For example, a planned change is choosing to change careers, move across the country or plan for retirement. An example of an unplanned change due to external factors is an unexpected layoff where you are suddenly in the position to find a new job or career or possibly retire.
Both planned and unplanned changes will be challenging. The unplanned change might be more so as there is an additional emotional element based on the unexpected event. Lots of questions may arise. You may question your abilities even if the lay-off effected others as well and had nothing to do with your performance. Why is this happening to me? Am I not meeting expectations? The stress of the lay-off can lead to other questions. Now what? What about my finances? How will I pay my rent or mortgage? Will I have to move? How will I find another job? Should I change careers? Can I retire?
Transition, on the other hand, is the psychological and emotional process that one experiences in response to change. It involves a number of things - slowly accepting your new reality, grieving and letting go of what used to be, and adapting to your new world.
Although most people process transition in similar ways, it is subjective. It involves your feelings and perceptions based on your personal experience, and will be somewhat different for each individual. Where change often happens as a result of a one time event or a series of events, transition occurs over a period of time as one learns to adjust. You begin to formulate plans and attempt to answer all of the questions that transpired once the change happened. In essence, the change becomes real and regardless of how it happened, you move forward.
Think of change as an external, recognizable event or situation and transition as the internal psychological and emotional response to change. Let’s face it, change and transition are facts of life and it is important to acknowledge that we need support for both.
If you have experienced a planned or unplanned change and want support in processing that change and resulting transition, feel free to schedule a consultation.