Embracing Cycles of Change

It’s the end of another year, almost the beginning of the next. Whether or not you’re someone who looks at the end of the year as a moment for reflection and intention-setting, one thing is for sure: It’s a transitional time. Winter is when mammals (yes, even humans) hunker down. We let go of things, we step back, we get cozy, we eat a lot, and we sleep more.

For many of my clients, this season brings up big questions like:

• Did I do what I wanted to do this year?
• Why is this (parenting, work, freelancing, life) so hard?
• What do I really want for next year?
• How can I get clarity on where I’m headed?
• What does it mean to be more in control of my life?
• What is my body telling me, that I’ve been ignoring?

In response to those questions — which I think we all have, time and time again about our businesses and lives — I want to offer a metaphor. Usually I share a client story as an example but today I’m going to talk about myself.

Here’s the key concept: We move through change constantly. And the cycle of change can be broken down into four distinct stages. (Thanks to IPEC, my coach training program, for this framework). We move through the cycle of change in all areas of our lives, all the time. Each…