What are the best ways to build resilience during a transition?

1 Understand the purpose

One of the first steps to build resilience during a transition is to understand the purpose and the vision behind it. Why is the change happening? What are the benefits and the risks? How does it align with the organization's mission and values? How will it affect your role and responsibilities? By answering these questions, you can gain clarity, confidence, and commitment to the change, as well as identify any gaps or concerns that need to be addressed. Moreover, you can communicate the purpose to others who may be affected by the change, and help them see the bigger picture and the positive outcomes.

3 Manage the stress

A third way to build resilience during a transition is to manage the stress and the emotions that may arise from it. Change can trigger feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, frustration, or sadness, depending on how you perceive and cope with it. These feelings are normal and natural, but they can also impair your judgment, performance, and well-being if they are not managed properly. Therefore, you need to find healthy and effective ways to cope with the stress and the emotions, such as practicing relaxation techniques, exercising regularly, eating well, sleeping enough, and seeking social support. By managing the stress and the emotions, you can maintain your balance and your positivity during the transition.

4 Seek involvement

A fourth way to build resilience during a transition is to seek involvement and participation in the change process. Change can often feel imposed or dictated by others, which can reduce your sense of control and autonomy. However, you can increase your influence and ownership by seeking ways to contribute to the change, such as providing input, feedback, or suggestions, volunteering for tasks or roles, or collaborating with others who are involved in the change. By seeking involvement, you can shape the change to suit your needs and preferences, as well as demonstrate your value and your initiative to the organization.

5 Celebrate the progress

A fifth way to build resilience during a transition is to celebrate the progress and the achievements that you and others make along the way. Change can be a long and complex process, with many challenges and uncertainties. Therefore, it is important to recognize and appreciate the milestones and the results that you and others accomplish, no matter how big or small they are. By celebrating the progress, you can boost your motivation, confidence, and satisfaction, as well as acknowledge and reward the efforts and the contributions of others. Moreover, you can learn from the successes and the failures, and use them to improve your performance and your outcomes.