Moving Forward: Ways to be Resilient and Thrive Through Transition

Hi!

Are you going through a transition? Something that scares you? Makes you anxious? Does it take your breath away just a little bit?😳 I understand. Whew.

Transition is one of life’s most challenging experiences, but it also offers growth opportunities if you allow it. I will go as far as to say there is no learning and personal growth without transition.

A transition takes you out of your comfort zone. When you’re not comfortable, you have a choice —

Get back to comfort 😌 

OR

Keep moving forward through the discomfort while creating opportunities to learn and grow into what’s next. 👣👣 

I am a proponent of moving forward and practicing resilience because it’s given me a life full of experiences I embrace and am grateful for every day.  

Resilience allows you to adapt and thrive, whether you’re changing careers, shifting from go-go to slow-go, moving to a new location, or navigating personal changes.

During our move to Costa Rica 🇨🇷 and now as I embark on our journey of moving to Spain 🇪🇸 while continuing my freelance coaching career, I’ve learned the importance of resilience in facing uncertainty and creating new opportunities.

Keep reading, and I’ll share five ways that I practice cultivating resilience to move forward and thrive through any change.

But First…What is resilience?

Resilience is adapting and recovering in the face of challenges, change, and uncertainty.

It’s not about avoiding discomfort but embracing it and all the feelings that come with it as a natural part of growth.

*NOTE — Transition often brings physical signs of stress — like tension and tightness in your neck, butterflies or a nervous stomach, sweating or clammy hands, fatigue or low energy, restlessness or fidgeting, and being distracted. I’ve experienced all of these at one time or another. When you feel these, keep moving. Stand up, walk around, go outside, and if it’s the middle of the night, read your book, listen to white noise or instrumental music.

Resilience allows you to navigate transitions by staying flexible, maintaining a positive mindset, and continuing despite setbacks. It’s about cultivating the strength to turn obstacles into opportunities for learning and development.

Ultimately, resilience helps you move through life’s changes with grace and purpose.

Grace and purpose. 😊

#1— Embrace Change as a Catalyst for Growth

Resilience begins with accepting that change is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, see change as an opportunity to grow.

When you embrace transitions, you shift your mindset from fear to possibility. Whether starting a new freelance career or moving to a new country (or both 😉), each change is a chance to learn something new and become stronger.

• Tip: Reflect on past transitions and how they provided a path to personal growth. Reflecting will help you see what’s possible from any current transition you’re experiencing.

#2 — Focus on Your Narrative, Mindset, and Practices

You can never control an outcome, but you can control your narratives, mindset, and reactions.

Resilience comes from focusing on how you respond to changes rather than trying to control what happens next. By directing your energy toward positive practices, like mindfulness or setting daily intentions, you allow outcomes to unfold organically. This approach reduces stress and creates more peace, helping you navigate uncertainty confidently.

• Tip: Focus on cultivating practices and a mindset that supports resilience. Let the outcome emerge naturally, trusting your ability to adapt as things evolve.

*My daily practice — I do this every morning when I sit up in bed. I raise my arms to the ceiling and say aloud, “Today is Wednesday (day of the week). It’s not Tuesday, and it’s not Thursday. I only have today, and how I go through the day depends on how I react to situations and stay in the practices I know that work. I only have today.”

What stories are you telling yourself about the changes you’re facing? How might shifting your narrative create more peace?

#3 — Stay Adaptable and Open to Opportunities

Resilience also means being adaptable. Life rarely goes according to plan, but those who thrive through change are flexible and open to new opportunities.

Whether it’s exploring freelance work that gives you more freedom or finding new ways to connect in a new environment, adaptability allows you to turn challenges into opportunities.

• Tip: Remain open to learning new skills and exploring opportunities that arise during transitions, even if they aren’t part of your original plan. Listen for opportunities from people and places that you aren’t expecting. Sometimes, these are the best ones!

#4 — Build a Support System

Resilience doesn’t happen in isolation. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of people — family, friends, mentors, peers, or others who have made a similar transition can provide the encouragement and perspective you need to keep moving forward. 🤝

When facing transition, having someone to help strengthen your resolve and remind you that you don’t have to go through it alone makes a difference.

• Tip: Actively reach out to your support network or build a new one, whether to seek advice 💬, share your experiences, or stay connected during times of change.

Take a moment to think about who you can reach out to today to support you through a transition.

#5 — Celebrate Small Wins

Resilience is reinforced by recognizing progress. Celebrating small wins along the way keeps you motivated and helps you maintain a positive outlook. 🎉

Whether it’s mastering a new freelance skill, checking something off your list (my favorite 🙌🏻), seeing the fruits of your labor, or adjusting to a new environment — making new friends, being invited to something, or contributing your skills, acknowledging these victories reminds you that you are capable of thriving through change.

• Tip: Set short-term goals and reward yourself for reaching them, no matter how small the achievement.

A Final Thought

Resilience is the foundation for thriving through any transition.

By embracing change, focusing on your narrative, mindset, and practices, staying adaptable, building a strong support system, and celebrating your wins, you’ll be better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. 🛠️

As I continue my journey of moving onward with these practices, ✈️ 🚂 🚙 I encourage you to embrace these five practices and discover the power of resilience in your own life.

If you’re looking for guidance on navigating your next transition with resilience, I’d love to chat. Reach out today, and let’s discover how you can thrive through change.

You got this.

*NOTE — Now is the perfect time to act. With 15% off my freelance coaching programs until October 15th, there’s no better moment to start building resilience for your future. 🔔💡

With love and encouragement,

Jeanne ✌🏻❤️