Each time we transition to a new phase in life there is an opportunity for positive change. Life transitions develop a natural momentum and bring about positive stress, the type that stretches us but does not break us. The stress that is essential to growth and transformation. In the past few months, I have gone through several transitions and have come out stronger than ever. The reason being is that I made a conscious choice to become better as a result of these new circumstances. My recent transitions include: new house, new roommates, new job (Same company, new rotation), and beginning an MBA program. Below I will take you through my approach to hack this transition and become a better man, employee, and martial artist as a result.
Becoming a Better Man
“Action expresses priorities” Mahatma Gandhi
I took the above statement to heart when mapping out my recent transitions. Action, above all, must be what we measure and reflect on. On the road to becoming a better man, I took several actions to reflect the top priorities in my life. In regards to moving, I chose to locate closer to my Girlfriend because both of our careers are ramping up and our windows of free time are becoming tighter. Spending time together is our highest priority, we find a way no matter what obstacles are in place. To display that, I broke down our geography barrier and hanging out has been more convenient than ever.
I also recently tested for a black belt in Isshin Ryu Karate and was able to pass because I took action in the weeks leading up to the test. Instituting 5:30am workouts alongside regular attendance at karate class helped me become increasingly fit, more disciplined and well-practiced. In addition, I gave up all alcohol intake for the two weeks leading up to the test to enhance clarity, ensure hydration and get proper sleep. These sacrifices made me a better Boyfriend and Martial Artist.
Becoming a Better Employee
Know that feeling when you start a new job and are completely useless for a few weeks or even months? It is a humbling and eye-opening experience. This recent job transition spurred new perspective on education, and also on what it takes to become an expert in any field. My hunger for continuous self-improvement was reinvigorated and it resulted in me beginning an employer-sponsored MBA program. Combining the drive it takes to learn a new job with getting back into formal education felt natural; it allowed the energy to continue flowing into another activity that will make me more knowledgeable and useful as I progress in my career.
Pairing Strategy
Using the momentum that new challenges present is especially effective when you transition to another similar activity. For instance, learning how to perform a new job and learning in the classroom are both academic in nature and couple well together. Another example, using my black belt test to implement pre-work morning workouts, both are physical in nature, require discipline and benefit from each others execution.
Ebbs and Flows
Making large scale, highly important decisions can be scary. If you do not exercise this muscle day to day, week to week, or month to month it can be especially overwhelming to execute major decisions. However, if this is something that you have done recently, then your judgement, your ability to analyze pros and cons, and your emotional intelligence are operating at a high level. You do not have to restart the engines and start from scratch if you capitalize on that energy while it’s still hot. Using this technique will help you master the ebbs and flows of life and create a more effective rhythm. Not constantly stopping and starting keeps the body and mind fresh and in-tune.
Now that I have made several large-scale transitions within a few months, I will not need to work through another major transition for at least one year. Therefore, I can bring that change energy down to a more consistent level and use it for the challenges for which I have signed up for. That energy will give me what I need to follow-through with my plan day to day and finish what I have started. Once the macro is taken care of, life simplifies and can be broken into small daily assignments rather than massive life altering undertakings. Steering the ship is much easier when you know where to go.
Action Request:
Rip off the band-aid and make several broad decisions for your life path in the same time period. Make them far-reaching and bold, usually the hardest part is deciding where to go rather than executing. You will do this exercise several times throughout your life and ultimately these decisions will define you. Pick your direction while your energy is at peak levels because that is the point at which you are most confident, motivated and focused.