-Written by Traci Hart, MA, LPC

Have you recently made a change in your life? The emotional impact of any life transition can throw us off balance and we quickly learn it may necessitate exploring uncharted territory within ourselves.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” John C. Maxwell

Change and transition interrupt our routines and habits. We tend to reach into our coping toolboxes and grab the “old reliables” and it can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. However, they both can allow us an opportunity to draw upon what HAS worked for us in the past and reinforce it. They also enable us to learn new skills that will help us in the here and now, and potentially, in the future.

How do you learn to make the unfamiliar familiar? It’s the same answer to the age-old question: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice! You may be asking yourself, “What do I practice?” The answer is this: repetition of whatever it is you want to be reinforced. Remember when you first learned to drive, and you were hyper-focused on each step you needed to take to maneuver the vehicle? You checked your seat position, you checked your mirror positions, maybe you made a point to make sure the seat belt was fastened properly, checked to make sure your signal was indicating you wanted to switch lanes, maybe you even checked more than needed to see if there were any cars in the adjacent lane so you could make the switch. How about now? Do you sometimes forget how you got from Point A to Point B? Driving became an automatic response over time because it is something you have done repeatedly. The same principle can be applied to learning new and healthy coping skills.

Here are 3 important tips to keep in mind as you adapt to changes and transition in your life:

1.) Understand your basic needs during a transition.

Knowing what these needs are can give insight into what you need to be able to thrive. Check out Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for more information.

2.) Take an inventory of what has worked for you in the past and what hasn’t worked.

If you know your motivators, you can use them to your advantage. Are you energized by being alone or being around others? Are you a planner or do you take a “fly by the seat of your pants” approach? Would you rather give instructions or take them? Are you analytical, creative, or both? In other words, what does it take to make you thrive? There are a lot of online personality tests you can take. My favorite is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). If you are interested in the free version, you can take the 16 Personalities Types test.

3.) Identify negative internal dialogue and learn how to change it through cognitive restructuring.

Your self-talk has a major impact on every aspect of your life. It can affect your mood, your self-esteem, your energy level, and how you relate to others. Cognitive restructuring is a coping skill that can help you shift your thoughts from unhelpful thought patterns to more helpful patterns.

If you are going through a life transition and would like to seek guidance on your journey, reach out today to schedule an appointment.

Traci Hart LPC teaches us the key to navigating transition as we move through life. Counseling, counselor, counseling for women, grace counseling

Traci Hart, MA, LPC has a master’s degree in clinical counseling and specializes in working with those from young adulthood to seniors. Her goal is to provide you with skills and tools that will enable you to become reacquainted with yourself, care for yourself, and prioritize yourself. If you or someone you love is interested in seeking out help here in the South Denver Area, consider booking an appointment with Traci by calling 720.489.8555 or by contacting our general admin.