You wanted this change, but… what is that… crappy feeling?

A new role.

A new business.

A move to a new city.

A new season of life. Positive change, yet you may be feeling unexpectedly… alone.

No one enjoys that. After all we are Designed for connection. Before you start thinking you made a wrong decision….

Here’s the thing: When you step into greater authority, relationships will shift. The colleagues who once felt like peers will respond to you differently. The people at your new level will have established relationships. Even outside of work, friends, and even family, can have difficulty with the changes you are making, even if the changes are good for you.

That does not mean you made the wrong decision.

It means you are in the space between what was familiar and what has not yet become familiar. You are in the middle.

Here are four things you can do while you find your footing:

  1. Control your perspective.

    How you respond to feeling lonely makes all the difference on how much it will affect you mentally… and physically. Instead of feeling low and wallowing, use the time to be introspective. It may have been a while since you sat and answered questions like these: How do I describe this new version of me? What do I really want now? What talents and passions can I celebrate in this new journey?This introspective time gives you the opportunity to gain clarity on what you want (and inadvertently, what you don’t want.).

  2. Make one intentional connection

    You do not need an entire new community today. Start with one conversation. With the understanding of what you want from the answers previous,  take steps to meet people, and find your support group in your new environment. Sure, some conversations may feel awkward, but if you remain true to who you are, and what you want to create in this chapter of your business and or personal life, then it will be worth it. Truth: your biggest opportunities have come from people who at one point were strangers to you. No matter your age, it will still turn out that way moving forward!

  3. Tend to the talents and passions you listed!

    Find the time or make the time to join the gym or book club. Walk in nature. Paint, dance, ride a horse, volunteer or go to a car show.Do something that reminds you that you are more than your title, responsibilities or current uncertainty. This strengthens your sense of true self and helps resiliency in a time of constructive change.

  4. Don’t compare the new chapter to the old one.

    This season is asking you to build something new.Feeling lonely during a transition does not mean you are failing. It means you are expanding. You are building your “unbridled” life. Celebrate the now.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, the first step to clarity may be to find a mentor to help you to take a step away, and remember who you are Designed to be.