Re-Creating your Life
By Ginny Williams
From the Fall 2007
Issue of Applaud Magazine

Is your life telling you that it’s time to make a change? Let’s face it, the only true constant in life is change, which happens whether you invite it or not. Sometimes life gives you a logical milestone, such as graduating from college, offering you the opportunity to evaluate your life and where you want to go next. Sometimes the catalyst is unexpected and maybe even knocks you off your feet, such as going through a divorce or getting laid off. Or you may just have an inner knowing that it’s time to recreate your life, that the path you are on is no longer the right path for you, and that you need to shift your life in a different direction. Maybe you’re considering a new career after raising a family, or maybe you have career burnout after decades of doing the same thing every day. No matter what the catalyst is for your transition, how you respond is critical to your ultimate success. Chances are you may feel uncertain about how to move forward. Of all the fears that come with a major life change, especially a professional transition, fear of the unknown can be the most frustrating to experience. The late Danaan Parry authored an essay called The Parable of the Trapeze about the unsettling experience of growth, change and stepping into the unknown. He compares the sometimes, scary stages of a transition, to a trapeze. In order to reach for the trapeze bar coming towards you, you have to let go of the one that you are holding on to. Parry calls this “…turning the fear of transformation into the transformation of fear.” Here are some success formulas that will guide you through the initial stages of a professional transition and maybe even transform some of your fears: Partner with a trusted friend, colleague or professional coach to help you gain clarity around your situation, create an action plan for moving forward, and keep you motivated and on track. It’s important to partner with someone whom you genuinely trust, who believes in you unconditionally, and who will listen objectively. Gather data. If you truly don’t know what direction you want to go, or what steps to take next, then the good news is that anything is possible, so enjoy the discovery process! Try new hobbies, take a class, join a group, and talk to people. Become your own science project by experimenting to discover your preferences and passions. During this time don’t put any pressure on yourself to make a choice if you’re not ready; keep it light and playful. Take baby steps. When you know you’re ready to stop thinking and start taking action, it may feel uncomfortable at first, like wearing a new pair of shoes. By taking baby steps you will create momentum and gain confidence that will keep you going when you need it most. Action also gives you valuable experience, which can be a powerful fire hose to douse your fears. Finally, the most important step you can take during the early stages of any transition process is to get out of your head and into your heart. Your heart always intuitively knows what’s best for you, but your head will debate you at every turn. Even though a transition can be an unsettling place to be, it is temporary. It can also be an enlightening and exciting time as you shape your life on your own terms. Ginny Williams is a professional life coach based in North Andover, MA. She has helped her clients start and manage their own successful businesses, transition into rewarding careers, and make positive changes towards more fulfilling lives. Ginny can be reached at (978) 685-4447, or at www.coachginny.com.