When You Fall off the Bus: Design Your Transition
Jim Collins famously said, “Good is the enemy of great,” warning against complacency in business and life. He also argued that “the Who” — getting the right people on the bus — is more important than “the What” (strategy or direction). The right people make it easier to adapt to inevitable change.
But who are these “right people,” and how do they help us navigate life’s curves and detours?
We often hear the rallying cry, “Get back up!” after a setback. But when life knocks us down, we may find ourselves asking, “How could this happen to me after all my hard work?” The answer: it happened because life happens, rarely does it go as planned. We all encounter unexpected detours, and in those moments, we can feel lost, stuck, or even defeated. Research shows we spend over half our adult life in transition, some taking years to navigate.
When we learn to intentionally navigate our transitions, with attention to the present, we don’t just cope with change, we harness it to create new opportunities. Without intention, we are swept along by the swift current of change, and it can be easy to fall into despair and comparison when things don’t go as planned.
But what if you could design your way out of these disruptions, just as companies use design thinking to innovate and adapt?
Change is inevitable, but transition doesn’t have to be passive. We don’t have to stay stuck. It’s not just possible; the good news is transition is a skill that anyone can master with intention and attention. The truth is the universe offers countless alternative paths forward.
Sometimes, we must let go of our idea of “best” to create something even better. In transition, you can reinvent your "best" — but it starts where you are. The good news? You can successfully design your transition and turn disruption into opportunity.
In my work with Leaders in Engineering, Sciences, and Operations, I’ve learned the value of applying Design Thinking to problem solving and decision making. It works equally well in navigating Life’s Transitions. When life shifts unexpectedly, we can draw on our creativity and resilience to forge new possibilities. Here are three key design thinking principles that can help you transition with intention and attention:
1. Get Unstuck: Ideate and Generate Options
Begin by asking yourself: “How many possible versions of a successful life can I create?” Make this process deliberate. Reflect, brainstorm, and explore. Your answers will reveal hidden possibilities for your next chapter. Reflect on childhood dreams, forgotten passions, and aspirations that were once put aside. Brainstorm at least three potential paths forward. Most people are surprised by how many fulfilling versions of their life are still available to them. The “business of life” has many untapped opportunities. Bring those forgotten dreams into your future plan — they may be the key to your next big breakthrough.
2. Experiment: Build Your Prototype
Whether you love a detailed plan or prefer to jump in, experimentation is crucial. Ask: “What if I tried this?” Exploring assumptions and taking small risks can reveal new insights about what you want (or don’t want). Start with small steps, no matter how small, and test your ideas. These little experiments will provide the feedback needed to adjust your course.
Don’t be afraid to test your ideas. For example, if you’ve always wanted to return to school, audit a class. If you’re drawn to running a nonprofit, volunteer. These small actions let you prototype your dream, gaining clarity and learning through experience. In design thinking, the first version of your plan is never perfect. Start with small, manageable experiments, and adjust based on what you learn along the way.
3. Avoid Choice Overload: Simplify Decision Making
In a world full of options, it’s easy to become paralyzed by choice. Psychologists call this “choice overload.” With too many options, we often end up doing nothing. To combat this, commit to a decision. Don’t get paralyzed by too many options. Simplify the process and trust your instincts to guide you once you take action.
Try this simple exercise: make a list of five options and cross out all but one. Commit that decision and watch how your instincts help guide you forward. Once you act, your body’s “gut feeling” will provide feedback, helping you refine your path. This is a crucial step in designing your transition.
In Conclusion: Take Control of Your Transition
When life throws you off the bus, though it is easy to feel overwhelmed, you don’t have to stay stranded. You have the power to design your transition and make it work for you. With curiosity, resilience, and small experiments, you can turn unexpected changes into opportunities for growth. Embrace your journey. Begin where you are, let go of ‘perfect,’ trust the process, and build your unique path forward. The next chapter of your life can be more meaningful, better, and far more exciting than anything you imagined before. Start today.
©Lesia Stone, Coaching Transition December 5, 2024.
Lesia Stone is a Transition Mindset Coach specializing in personal growth through transitions. With a passion for helping people navigate change, she empowers clients to find clarity, purpose, and resilience.