Learn 6 lessons about managing major life transitions without losing your sh*t, including empowering others, saying the right things to inspire confidence, using a bridging tool to ease nerves, letting your child borrow important qualities from you, and embracing fear and anxiety as a healthy part of change.
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Quick takeaways
Supporting others through major transitions requires exuding confidence and providing reassurance in the face of anxiety and doubt.
Acknowledging discomfort and embracing small steps towards goals can help individuals navigate personal change and foster resilience.
Deep dives
Helping Loved Ones through Major Changes
Going through major changes, such as starting a new job or transitioning into a new school, can be emotionally challenging. Saying goodbye and dealing with new environments can trigger anxiety and distress. It is important to acknowledge and understand that these feelings are normal and part of the change process. As a friend, parent, or partner, it is vital to exude confidence and be a source of support for your loved ones. Remind them that feeling overwhelmed is a sign of growth and mentally well-being. Encourage them to embrace the discomfort and focus on taking small steps, such as reaching out to others, making plans, or engaging in activities to create a sense of stability and progress. Providing reassurance, empathy, and fostering resilience can help them navigate through the transitional period and eventually thrive.
Navigating Personal Change
Dealing with personal change can also be challenging. Whether it's starting a new grade or embarking on a major life transition, it is crucial to recognize the temporary nature of discomfort and uncertainty. Emphasize to yourself and your loved ones that the initial feelings of nervousness or doubt are common and expected during times of change. Encourage self-reflection and positive self-talk by reminding yourself or others of past successes and capabilities to handle change effectively. Narrowing one's focus and setting small achievable goals or actions can provide a sense of direction and control during the transition. By reminding yourself that discomfort is part of the process and instilling confidence, you can overcome challenges and embrace personal growth.
Being a Confident Support System
In supporting others going through change, it is essential to exude confidence and belief in their abilities. Avoid getting overwhelmed with personal emotions and remain present to provide guidance and assurance. By acknowledging their emotions and validating their experience, you help them feel understood and supported. Encourage them to stay focused on the present and create small steps towards their goals. Remind them that change is temporary and that discomfort is a natural part of the process. By being a source of strength and encouragement, you enable them to borrow your confidence and develop their own resilience.
Managing Change Mindfully
When facing major life changes, it is crucial to manage the associated emotions mindfully. Recognize that change can trigger personal reflections and anxieties, like fear of loneliness or concerns about aging. However, it is crucial to maintain focus on the positive aspects of change and remind yourself of the growth potential. Rather than getting lost in the past or hypothetical future scenarios, concentrate on the immediate actions and opportunities available. By staying present, embracing discomfort, and reiterating the transitory nature of adjustment, you can navigate change with confidence and create a fulfilling future.
In today’s episode, you are getting a relatable and hilarious guide to navigating major transitions like a pro.
Join me in a real and raw conversation with my friends and colleagues, Amy and Lynne, as we unpack the major mistakes and 6 lessons learned from "horrible" college drop-off experiences (both our own and the ones we had with our kids) and the fear that comes with any major transition in your life.
Whether you’ve got kids or not, these 6 lessons apply to you. Everyone is going through some kind of transition right now: back to school, back to work, and dropping out of college. It’s a time of saying goodbye, of saying hello to new chapters, and of helping people move into new dorms and apartments and transition to new jobs or a new grade.
That means it is the perfect time to learn the 6 lessons I learned (the hard way) about managing big life transitions without losing your sh*t.
Listen and Learn:
The RIGHT way to empower someone who is drowning in self-doubt.
The #1 thing to say to help anyone move forward with confidence.
The 4 words that will help you or your child commit to change.
A science-backed "bridging" tool to help any child feeling nervous.
The 2 most important qualities you have to let your child borrow from you.
Why feeling scared and anxious before a big change is mentally healthy.
Xo, Mel
In this episode:
2:30: Hear one mom’s mistake after dropping her child off at college.
4:30: And what this mom did differently for her second child.
7:30 The drop-off experience that I wish I’d done differently.
10:30: Say THIS to your kids to help them ride the wave of emotions.
11:30: What you think you will feel is different from reality and that’s ok.
14:30: The #1 tool you have to let your child borrow from you..
18:10: Use this preschool trick from psychologists when you leave your kids.
29:00: Remember this the next time you start to overthink.
29:20: Recapping 4 major takeaways.
31:00: A fighter pilot shares how to gain control of your emotions.
33:00: I’ve used this trick often to help others adjust to change in their lives.
35:00: Feeling sad or uncertain about change? Good; you’re normal.