While change is an inevitable part of every person’s life, the changes that happen are sometimes completely unpredictable. Fortunately, “the process of life change itself follows a predictable course.” (Martha Beck, Finding Your Own North Star, page 243.)
Martha stumbled on this “change cycle” when she proofread one of her husband’s term papers about the change cycle all the successful businesses he studied went through as they became more successful. She found the change cycle also explained all the major transformations in her life.
Having a “map” can help you navigate change with a little less anxiety (probably not a lot less, but a little less is still good) and can help you take the time you need to get to whatever is next for you.
For me, personally, knowing that something about change is predictable is comforting. I know it’s coming, so why not learn more about how to deal with change well?
In her book Finding Your Own North Star, Martha Beck talked about the 4 different stages of change (she calls them Squares). She also defines how change comes about—through a catalytic event.
A catalytic event is the event that pushes you into a major life transition. It’s something that changes your identity, like having a baby, becoming a teacher, or moving to Niger to become a Peace Corps volunteer.
There are three types of catalytic events: Shocks, opportunities, and transitions.
Shocks are sudden changes that come from the external world. They don’t have to be negative, but they shake you up even if the event is positive. Winning big in the lottery is a catalytic shock, as is a tornado that destroys your home.
Opportunities are a chance to make a change—it’s a change that’s offered to you rather than thrust upon you, but it also involves sudden change that throws you into the change cycle. Being offered a major role in a Broadway musical after waiting table for years qualifies as a catalytic opportunity.
Transitions are catalytic events that come from inside you. They can take much longer to develop but at some point you realize you need to make a change and you are thrown into the change cycle. This is what happened to me over a period of years before I transitioned from a full-time physician to a part-time physician and part-time life coach.
Transitions can be even more difficult changes to navigate because no one can see why you are going through these changes. Questions like, “Why would you give up such a great job (partner, life, etc?)” are frequently asked of people going through a catalytic transition.
Change is an inevitable part of life and sometimes you will be forced to change by your circumstances and other times you will slowly realize you need to make a change. Either way, change is coming and there are some road maps you can follow along the way.
Next week I’ll post more about the change cycle and I’m also talking about the change cycle at Rodger’s Memorial Library on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. If you live locally, I’d love to see you there!