Transitions and Choice – Finding Time to Stay on Track

Transitions and Choice

You hold the power!

Transitions are constants in our lives, and perhaps especially so for those of us in midlife and beyond.

Change is happening in every moment. Think of the movement of our planet as the base.  Right now, wherever you live, you are experiencing a transition from one part of the day (or night) to  another as you read this post.

The thing about transitions is that, while they often present challenges, they also offer opportunities.

Transitions give us opportunities to pause, reflect, and create new beginnings.

At each and every transition point, you can choose to consciously consider what you want to let go of as you move ahead.  Or maybe there’s something that you’ve learned that you’d like to integrate more fully into your life.  Those are the things that you carry with you on your journey.

Transitions are like turnings in the road. 

So, here’s an example of what you might do if you have a habit or discipline that you want to maintain as you make a transition.

You’ve had a healthy and energizing routine of getting outside for a run in the morning or the evening. But seasonal changes can make it challenging to maintain the rhythms of your day.  Maybe the arrival of fall with its shorter days jolts you out of your exercise regimen.  Or maybe it’s summer heat, spring showers, winter snows … or the start of a new school year that disrupts your schedule.

When you notice yourself losing your footing in a transitional time, this is when it’s crucial to remember that you always have the power to make your own choices. 

So take a step back and review your schedule and your priorities.

You may find it helpful to ask yourself some basic questions, like:

  • What is the impact of this transition on the routines you want to keep going for yourself?
  • Are there things that you can flex or let go of to make sure that these parts of your routine can continue?
  • Are there ways to accomplish the activity that you’ve found helpful but do it in a different way?  For example, could you go to the gym and swim, in the morning, rather than running outside?

Another thing to keep in mind is that it takes time (usually about a month) to build a new habit.  So, for several weeks, as you are engaging in your new routine, try planning your schedule on paper, even if you don’t normally do that.

Writing down your plan will reinforce the choices you are making.  You remind yourself that this is something you value, even as other aspects of your life may be in flux.  This extra affirmation of your commitment will  help you stick to your routine until it becomes familiar to you.

During transitions remember – the choice is still in your hands!

Times of transition can really throw us off track if we experience them as something that “happens to” us.  Even though changes aren’t always in our control, the more mindfully we approach them (remembering, always, that our response to change is our choice), the more likely we are to feel satisfied and empowered in our lives.

So, think of transitions as passages to be navigated, and of yourself as having the helm AND the map.  In doing that, you tap into your power, wisdom and experience to make the most of these rich times.

And to move toward your Heart-Based Time Success, sign up for our free gift, the Finding Time Success Kit, which includes “The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!”  Using a workbook format this powerful and practical time template helps you progress beyond disappointment and frustration.  Discover that 24 hours really are enough!

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