.png)
Change is one of life’s most powerful constants, yet navigating it can feel overwhelming, leaving us yearning for stability and a sense of purpose. The good news? By understanding the natural progression through the 3 Phases of Change, you can handle the tough times and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more focused.
Think of this as your map through transformation, a guide to help you discover where you stand right now and where you’re headed. Whether you’re facing a job loss, a significant life change, or even feeling stuck, this roadmap will show you the way.
Understanding Change and the Need for a Paradigm Shift
Change can be unsettling. It often arrives unannounced, disrupting our routines and challenging our sense of stability. Yet, behind every transition lies an opportunity for a powerful shift in perspective, known as a paradigm shift.
A paradigm shift is a fundamental change in our approach, beliefs, or understanding of a situation. It’s more than just altering daily habits—it’s transforming how we view and respond to life’s events. When we undergo a paradigm shift, we move from simply reacting to circumstances to actively choosing how we want to experience and engage with them.
Why is this shift so essential in times of change? We often approach transitions with old mindsets that no longer serve us. When life takes unexpected turns, a paradigm shift allows us to see opportunities in challenges, let go of past limitations, and redefine what’s possible. Instead of feeling like life is happening to us, we begin to feel that it’s happening for us, equipping us with the insights and growth we need to reach our potential.
Phase 1 – Survival Mode
We’ve all been there—that stage where life feels like a battle for survival, and each day is a struggle just to keep going. This is the Survival Mode of change, a time marked by chaos and confusion. Maybe you’ve experienced it during a time of personal upheaval when big dreams feel distant and just making it through the day seems like a victory. This phase is marked by tunnel vision, where energy is low and goals feel out of reach.
But here’s something crucial: survival mode is a natural response to overwhelming change. This is not the time to criticize yourself for not "doing more" or "achieving goals." Instead, it’s a time to be where you are, accepting that this phase is temporary. Give yourself grace as you focus on meeting your basic needs and building strength one small step at a time.
Phase 2 – Coping and Adapting
After the storm has settled, you may find yourself in Phase 2, a space of adaptation and coping. This is a “New Normal” when you’re adjusting to life’s shifts, maybe feeling like you’re on autopilot and just going through the motions. In this phase, dreams might feel faded, energy low, and a spark of joy missing. You’re coping, but thriving may feel a bit out of reach.
This stage often feels like being in a cage—you’re adjusting, but something essential seems lacking. Many stay here longer than necessary, unaware we’re holding ourselves back by simply “coping.” The first step to moving forward is recognizing that you’re in this stage. Identify what’s missing: Are there relationships or habits draining your energy? Do you need to set boundaries to preserve your time and vitality? The key is awareness and a desire to break free from the monotony.
Phase 3 – Empowered and Focused
Imagine a phase where you’re fueled by purpose, inspired by your goals, and laser-focused on your future. In Phase 3, you level up and become empowered, living with alignment and clarity. Your energy is renewed, and your actions are driven by a deeper understanding of who you are and where you’re headed. In this phase, challenges become opportunities, and obstacles become stepping stones toward success.
Transitioning to this phase is a choice. It’s about raising your standards, aligning with what excites you, and letting go of anything that no longer serves you. Here, we cultivate self-awareness, nurture a growth mindset, and invest in healthy habits that sustain our energy. We also build a support network and engage in meaningful connections that help us thrive.
Building Momentum through Each Phase
We move through these phases at our own pace, and that’s okay.
Self-awareness is the key to knowing where you are right now. Take time to assess your thoughts, habits, and surroundings. Reflect on what brings you joy and what holds you back. Here are some ways to make the most of each phase:
Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as stepping stones. Reframe “failure” as a chance to learn, grow, and gain new skills. Surround yourself with positive influences that encourage this mindset.
Nurture Healthy Habits: Fuel your body, mind, and spirit with routines that recharge you. Make time for exercise, good nutrition, mindfulness, and sleep so that resilience becomes your natural state.
Seek Connections and Support: Build a community of people who lift and inspire you. Coaches, mentors, and supportive friends can all be powerful sources of guidance and encouragement on your journey.
Reframe Your Thinking: Focus on abundance over scarcity and shift from a win-or-lose mindset to a win-or-learn mindset. This approach will allow you to thrive rather than just survive.
Charting Your Path Forward
When we recognize that each phase of change serves a purpose, we can let go of judgment and focus on growth. Begin by asking yourself: “Where am I right now? What steps can I take to move forward?” Whether you’re just surviving, learning to adapt, or stepping into your power, each phase is a milestone in your journey.
Finally, remember that consistent, small actions add up. Your journey toward thriving is built on choices, habits, and a mindset that says, “I can.”
Love and BIG Belief,
Terri Schafer
If you're interested in discovering how success coaching can help you achieve your goals, schedule a free discovery call today.