Transitions

I have written about Life Cycles — how we all go through changes in careers, relationships, goals, finances, and moods. How do we get from one Life Cycle to the next? We get there through a transition period, which can last from a moment to years. How long should we expect this transition to take? While you may be headed for your next Life Cycle, the transition may not be as quick and easy as we expect or hope it to be. For example:

• Have you lost your job and it’s taking way longer than you expected to find a new one?
• Have you lost a loved one and are finding yourself surprised at how long it’s taking to move on with your life?
• Have you gone from partnered to single and still aren’t used to it?
• Have you gone from single to partnered and are wondering when you’ll get used to all of those extra dishes in the sink?
• Have you retired and are yet still searching for your Golden Years passion?
• Have you finished a summer job fully expecting to jump right back into your career but are astonished at how your actions are not following the goals and objectives?

Society expects, and most of us have bought into the idea of moving quickly from one Cycle to the next. There’s little time for transition, no time for reflection, no time for deep thought about where you want to go next. Today I realized that I’m in transition and it’s taking a lot longer than expected to arrive at the next Cycle. Yet this time of transition is important. I find myself thinking a lot, and acting a little. But that thought process is important because it’s clarifying what my next Cycle actually is going to look like. So, don’t kick yourself too hard if it’s taking you longer than expected to make those decisions or take those actions. Sometimes we just need a little more time.

On the other hand, I have always cautioned that no decision IS a decision. If you want something to happen, you have to make it happen. Delaying decisions without a real need is unproductive and will leave you in the same place you are right now. I have always believed in acting decisively, taking risks, and making bold decisions, so be careful not to use this as an excuse for not taking action when indeed, you are ready.

In a storm at sea, there is usually no time to think things through—you must act quickly and decisively. But since most of us are now land-bound, there’s no need to panic, no need to act without thought. Take a little extra time guilt-free with the knowledge that it’s okay.

With love and support for your success,

Larry Jacobson
Your Retirement Life-Style Design Coach

Larry Jacobson is America’s #1 trusted authority on non-fiscal retirement life-style planning. He is the creator of the Award-Winning “Sail Into Retirement” life-style design program; developed based on his own Retirement Transformation Experience.  He retired early and sailed around the world… in 6 years.  Larry is a two-time TEDx speaker, and a regular speaker at Retirement and Life-Style Planning events. Larry believes only in teaching what he knows, and he loves helping his clients turn their passion into their dream retirement. If you’d like to explore inviting Larry to speak at your organization’s next event; or if you’d like to be coached by Larry, Click HERE to contact him!

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