The Real Flex of Transition: Owning Your Mindset
There’s a moment we’ve all faced at some point in our lives—a moment when things just feel... off. It's subtle, but it nags at you. You’re not quite where you want to be, and you can’t shake the feeling of being stuck. Your circumstances don’t align with your aspirations, and no matter how much you wish for a quick fix, change seems miles away.
You’re overwhelmed. Your situation feels impossible. It’s uncomfortable. It’s been like this for a while. And it seems like there’s no end in sight.
I get it. I’ve been there.
When I had my second child and returned from maternity leave, I encountered a situation that pushed me to my limits. I was welcomed back to new leadership at work, and in a single, seemingly simple change, they removed my remote work days. Suddenly, I was expected to come into the office five days a week—commuting 1.5 hours each way—with a newborn and a toddler.
At that point, I was already burned out. I hadn’t adjusted to the balancing act of work, motherhood, and self-care. And the news sent me into a spiral. The overwhelm took over, and I could already feel the weight of depression and stress creeping in.
This is the reality for many right now, especially with the rise of hybrid work models and the calls for employees to return to the office. The workplace landscape is changing, and for many, this is a huge transition. But it’s not just about the external circumstances—the real challenge, the real flex, is how we manage our mindset through it all.
The Real Flex: Owning Your Mindset
Have you ever heard the phrase, “What you focus on grows?”
It’s one of those sayings that sounds cliché but holds a lot of truth, especially when you’re navigating a tough transition. Whether you’re in a toxic work environment, going through a career shift, or feeling disconnected from your purpose, mindset can be the defining factor in how you move through the discomfort.
And here’s the thing: owning your mindset doesn’t mean ignoring the very real challenges you face. It doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Instead, it’s about finding the strength to reframe your thoughts, take responsibility for your emotional wellbeing, and choose to focus on what you want to attract into your life.
Here’s the hard truth: this isn’t easy. It's messy. It’s uncomfortable. And sometimes, it feels like you’re moving at a snail’s pace, especially when you're juggling a job search, personal responsibilities, and mental health challenges. But even small shifts, even incremental changes in how you approach your situation, can make a massive difference over time.
The Power of Micro Shifts
A lot of people are quick to offer “quick fixes” during transitions. They tell you to reframe your thoughts or visualize success. And while these things can help, the real power lies in taking small, consistent steps toward a better version of yourself and your circumstances.
It’s about making micro shifts. These are the small, actionable steps that, over time, compound into meaningful progress. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start small:
Journal your thoughts. Get them out of your head and onto paper. Clarity comes when you give yourself permission to process what you're feeling.
Create boundaries that protect your mental and emotional health. Whether it’s setting limits on your work hours or carving out time for yourself, boundaries are essential.
Practice self-care until it becomes second nature. This could be as simple as taking five minutes each day to breathe deeply, or finding an activity that helps you unwind.
Be vulnerable with those you trust. Opening up about your struggles can not only bring relief but also attract the support you need.
Cultivate relationships with people who understand your journey. Surround yourself with a network that uplifts and encourages you.
Stay true to your values and authenticity. In times of transition, it’s easy to get lost in the noise, but your values are your compass. Let them guide you.
Navigating Transitions with Mental Health in Mind
We don’t talk enough about the mental health aspect of transitions, but it’s crucial. Career changes, job searches, and life shifts can be incredibly isolating and taxing on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Your days might be consumed by resume-building, networking, and job applications—but there’s an elephant in the room: how are you taking care of yourself during this process?
Transitioning isn’t just about landing that next job or role. It’s about finding a place where you can thrive, where the work culture aligns with your values, and where your mental health is supported. But here’s the catch: you can’t attract those positive spaces until you begin to cultivate them within yourself.
As you navigate this transition, you’ll find that how you approach this process—how you care for your mental health and stay true to what you want—will have a direct impact on the opportunities and people you draw toward you.
The Long Road of Transition
For many, a job search or career pivot can take months—or even years. This is a marathon, not a sprint. And during that time, it's easy to fall into a pattern of negativity and frustration. We may feel like we’re stuck in a role we no longer enjoy, but we still need to provide for our families. The pressure is real.
But here's the good news: by owning your mindset and focusing on those micro shifts, you’ll begin to see the path ahead more clearly. You’ll start to recognize the opportunities and people who align with your goals. And while it may not happen overnight, each small step forward brings you closer to the life and career that you’re striving for.
Final Thoughts
Change is hard. Transitions are tough. But they don’t have to define you. You are not stuck. You have the power to shape your mindset, take micro steps, and cultivate the kind of environment that supports your growth—personally and professionally.
So, what’s the real flex of transition?
It’s not about changing everything at once. It’s about owning your mindset, being vulnerable with yourself and others, and committing to small actions that lead to bigger shifts.
The journey may be long, but each step matters. Keep going. You’ve got this.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on small, actionable changes in mindset to guide you through transitions.
Prioritize your mental health and well-being during difficult periods of change.
Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your journey.
Stay true to your values and authenticity as you navigate your next steps.
