Navigating the Phases of Transformation: Understanding Our Emotional Journey

We are currently living through one of the most significant transformations in human history. This massive shift is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before, and it’s essential to recognise that all transformations, regardless of their scale, follow a similar pattern. 

Whether you’re moving to a new home, changing careers, or, as we are now, navigating a global transformation, the process can be broken down into three distinct phases.

Phase 1: The Sadness of Letting Go

The first phase of any transformation involves dealing with sadness. This sadness stems from leaving behind the familiar—our comfort zones, routines, and often, the identities we’ve cultivated over many years. 

When we embark on a new journey, we are forced to let go of the known and venture into the unknown. This departure from the shore of familiarity naturally brings about a sense of loss and grief.

This sadness is not just a minor emotional hurdle; it is a fundamental part of the transformation process. Whether we are aware of it or not, saying goodbye to what we once knew and embraced requires an emotional reckoning. 

It’s crucial to acknowledge this sadness because it is the first step in our transformation journey.

Phase 2: The Unfamiliarity of the New World

As we leave behind the familiar, we find ourselves in a strange new world—one that is unfamiliar and for which we may feel unprepared. This phase is marked by a sense of disorientation as we navigate the flux of new experiences, ideas, and challenges. 

The world seems to be in a constant state of change, and the sheer newness of it all can be overwhelming.

This stage of transformation is not something we can simply think our way through. It is an emotional experience that demands we feel our way forward. Unfortunately, many of us have never been taught how to properly process our emotions, particularly sadness. 

When unprocessed, sadness can manifest as anger, as beautifully articulated by C.S. Lewis: “I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her name was grief.” 

Today, as we collectively move through this global transformation, many people find themselves caught between sadness and strangeness. This emotional state often leads to feelings of anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. 

Despite the abundance of information about technological advancements, such as AI, the underlying emotional journey remains largely unaddressed.

Phase 3: The Adventure Awaits

While the first two phases of transformation are challenging, they eventually lead to the third phase: adventure. This is when we begin to acquire the skills we need, catch the wind in our sails, and start to understand the demands of the new world. 

The adventure phase represents a time of growth, exploration, and renewed purpose.

However, it’s important to note that this phase doesn’t come immediately. We still have a considerable way to go before we fully enter this adventurous stage. 

The journey through transformation is long, and we must continue to navigate the emotional terrain that lies between sadness and strangeness.

Embracing the Emotional Journey

As we move forward, it’s essential to remember where we are in this process. We are currently between sadness and strangeness, and the road ahead will require us to deal with these emotions in a healthy and constructive way. 

This transformation is not merely an intellectual challenge but an emotional one that demands our attention and care.

By understanding and embracing the emotional phases of transformation, we can better prepare ourselves for the adventure that awaits. As we continue to navigate this unprecedented change, let’s not forget the importance of processing our emotions and supporting each other through this journey.

Note: This blog post is an adaptation of the transcript from the video below.

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