Change Vs Transition
In this blog post, I will explore the difference between change and transition.
A common theme that comes up in many of the workshops I run is that people often mix up the terms "change" and "transition."
Consider Jamie, who recently made a monumental decision: "I’ve done it! I quit my job—I’m starting my own business!" At first glance, it was a classic bold leap, the kind that often garners applause on social media, complete with heart emojis and "Go get 'em!" comments. Jamie felt liberated at first, like she was finally taking control of her destiny by handing in her notice and stepping into what she believed was freedom.
However, Jamie soon faced the reality that quitting her job was just the beginning. As the initial excitement waned, she realized that setting up an office and starting a business involved more than just physical preparations. The true challenge lay in the psychological transition—the need to adapt internally to her new role as a business owner, managing her expectations, and establishing a new daily rhythm that truly supported her aspirations.
This was the moment—the crucial misconception many face. Change feels like a new beginning, a clean slate. However, the true challenge isn't in the act of changing itself but in what comes after.
Change is more than just a new beginning
When we think of change, it often brings to mind dramatic shifts—a new job title, a "Sold" sign in front of a new house, or a plane ticket to a new destination. These symbols effectively represent change because they're visible milestones marking a clear before and after. It’s exciting, right?
But here’s something important to understand: change is situational. It’s the act of altering your external circumstances. Whether it’s Jamie quitting her corporate job to start her own business, someone moving to a new city for a fresh start, or even the life-altering event of becoming a mother, change involves decisions that redirect parts of your life. This external shift is usually quick—sometimes as swift as signing a paper or clicking 'submit.
However, while change can happen quickly, its impacts aren’t always immediate or fulfilling. Change is the setup, not the conclusion. It creates the scenario for a new story but doesn’t automatically resolve everything. When Jamie decided to quit her job, she changed her professional status, but the harder part—adapting her daily life, mindset, and habits to align with her new role—was just beginning. Similarly, becoming a mother changes your role and responsibilities in an instant, but the real work lies in adjusting to the new identity and daily routines that come with parenthood.
Change provides the opportunity. But making something out of that opportunity requires effort and time. It’s not just about the excitement of starting anew; it’s about the work that follows. That’s why, although change is crucial, it’s not sufficient on its own for a successful transformation.
So, what is transition?
So, we’ve established that change is about altering our external circumstances. But what happens inside us when we make these big moves? This is where transition comes into play. Transition is the internal, psychological process we go through to adapt to new situations.
William Bridges, author of “Managing Life Transitions” puts this perfectly:
“ Change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological. It is not those events but rather the inner reorientation or self-redefinition that you have to go through in order to incorporate any of those changes into your life. Without a transition, a change is just a rearrangement of the furniture. Unless transition happens, the change won’t work.”
Let’s break this down. When Jamie quit her corporate job to start her own business, she made a significant change. But the real challenge was the transition—redefining her identity from an employee to an entrepreneur, learning to manage her time without the structure of a 9-to-5 job, and handling the pressures of running a business.
The three phases of Transition:
According to William Bridges, transition requires us to navigate three phases:
Endings: This involves letting go of the old ways and old identities. It’s often accompanied by feelings of loss or grief as we say goodbye to familiar routines and roles.
The Neutral Zone: This is the in-between period where the old is gone but the new isn’t fully operational yet. It can be a time of confusion and uncertainty, but it’s also a fertile ground for creativity and transformation.
New Beginnings: Finally, we embrace the new identity, routines, and understandings. This is where the change starts to feel integrated and we begin to thrive in our new circumstances.
Understanding and embracing these phases can helps us navigate through life’s transitions smore smoothly. You recognize that feeling lost or uncertain is a natural part of the process. It’s not just about getting through it but about growing through it. By allowing ourselves the time and space to transition, we can truly integrate the changes into our lives and make them work.
The Challenges of Life Transitions
Navigating through life transitions can be incredibly tough. When we undergo significant life changes, such as a job change, becoming a parent, or stepping into retirement, we often face unexpected emotional and psychological hurdles.
One of the biggest challenges? Emotional adjustment. Jamie quit her job and started her own business, but soon felt overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty. This emotional rollercoaster is common. We often expect change to bring instant fulfillment, but guess what? Our emotions need time to catch up.
Another challenge is the shift in identity. Becoming a mother, for instance, involves redefining who you are in this new role. The same goes for retirees who must find a sense of self beyond their careers. This shift can stir up feelings of loss and confusion as you navigate the space between who you were and who you are becoming.
Establishing new routines is also significant. After a major change, our old habits might no longer serve us, and we need to develop new ones that align with our current reality.
In Conclusion: Transition vs Change
We’ve covered a lot, so let’s wrap this up. Change is situational—it's the external shift, like Jamie quitting her job or becoming a new parent. It’s the exciting, Instagram-worthy moment.
But the real magic happens with transition—that’s the internal shift where you adapt, redefine, and truly grow. Transition isn't as immediately noticeable as change, but it's where the most significant development occurs. It involves a slower, more profound shift that gradually integrates the new situation into your life.
Remember, while change is the dramatic leap, transition is the skillful landing. It's entirely normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain during this process. Embrace these feelings as part of your growth. Allow yourself the time you need to navigate this new phase effectively. You're not just surviving; you're evolving.
Change sparks the story; transition writes the chapters that truly define who you are and who you can become. You’ve got this!
