One of the most complex aspects of life is change or transition. It is complex in that change or transitions will occur within our lives whether we are prepared or not. It is complex in the way that it can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. The first part of change or transition is identifying when life is ready for a change or transition. Here are 3 ways to better identify when life can be asking for a change or transition.

  1. Repeated patterns with negative outcomes (discontent or dissatisfaction)
    1. Every person has a little voice in their head that tells them that something is not right, it is generally one of the first things we ignore. The inner voice that every person has is your biggest supporter and ally and when other things are taking up too much space in our head or other voices are louder than our own, it can be quite confusing and damaging. If we learn tools and schemes to help us quiet down the noise around us it becomes easier to understand and hear what needs to be changed or reconfigured. The problem is, we tend to ignore these things that are most able to help us better understand what we are missing to live a more fulfilled and purposeful life. If you find yourself continuously trying to fit the triangle in the square space it is time to humble yourself and ask your inner voice what needs to change. If you have found yourself in a perpetuating cycle or pattern that continues to produce negative outcomes or feelings, it is time to question if what we are doing is best for us. If your continued patterns continue to produce negative outcomes, discontent, and dissatisfaction your life may be asking for a new transitional phase which should be embraced and pursued.
  2. Lack of personal growth or fulfillment
    1. The treadmill of life just as the treadmill in the gym will go nowhere. Very much like the hamster on the wheel. A simple way of looking at this process is by evaluating our situation. If we notice feelings of being stuck or in a repeated rut, life can be seeking a change of some kind. We as people thrive on the process of growing, learning, connecting, and experiencing. If this is how you are feeling just remember you can stop the treadmill and try a jog outside.  
  3. Misalignment with values and passions
    1. Within every person is a set of core beliefs and values. Individuals all have an inherent core set of values that create drive, passion, and behaviors that guide us through life. If you are feeling a sense of emptiness and unhappiness, life can be seeking a change. It is important to listen to our inner voice, our inner voice knows what makes us most happy and fulfilled. If you are struggling with feelings of emptiness and unhappiness try sitting down and writing down your core values, beliefs, and pillars. If you are not meeting your core values, beliefs, and pillars a transition in life could be needed.

These 3 basic points are just a start in the change or transition process. In all cases and situations, these 3 points are multilayered and multifaceted. If you are struggling with the process or understanding of life transition or change therapy can be beneficial in helping to better understand and plan for change or transition. As the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, stated that the only constant in life is change. If we take this idea and believe it then it will help transition change from something to fear to something to embrace.

Luis Miguel Amador
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