32 - How To Successfully Navigate The Five Emotional Stages of Change

Change often comes with a rollercoaster of emotions – something I have felt this year! Whether the change was from your own making, such as accepting a new job or forced upon you such as redundancy, we typically navigate through five distinct emotional stages.

Many of you will know that in June this year I started a new role within my corporate career. I was 100% ready and excited for a change as I had been doing my existing role for two years and wanted a new opportunity to grow and learn new things, whilst also remaining within the same organisation.

I carried out a gap analysis based on where I wanted to be in 5 years’ time in my career, and wanted to ensure that my next role would give me the opportunity to close at least one of those gaps.

Now I am 5 months into my new role, and loving it. But it hasn’t always been easy. Let’s explore the emotional stages we go through during change:

Stage 1: Uninformed Optimism – "The Exciting Beginning"

At the outset, change is exciting. We're filled with hope and optimism, eager to embrace new possibilities. This stage is characterised by enthusiasm and positive expectations, even if we don't fully understand the challenges ahead. It is easy to describe this stage as “you don’t know what you don’t know”.

When I first transitioning into my new job, I was excited by the idea of fresh opportunities and experiences. Everything seemed really positive at this point.

Stage 2: Informed Pessimism – "The Reality Check"

As we move forward, reality sets in. The initial excitement gives way to awareness of challenges and obstacles, leading to a dip in enthusiasm. This stage involves doubt and a sense of cautious reflection. Here, you start to realise what you don’t know.

While settling into my new role, I realised the scope and complexity of what I was getting into. I recognised the new skills I needed, and was slightly overwhelmed with needing to adapt to different work styles and dynamics. The reality in what I had stepped into started to set in, and I felt like a novice all over again.

Stage 3: Valley of Despair – "The Emotional Low"

This is the most challenging stage, where frustration and discouragement peak. It can feel overwhelming as we grapple with the demands of change, questioning our decisions and abilities. Often, imposter syndrome creeps in at this stage too.

During this period, I found myself questioning my ability, wondering if I had taken on more than I could handle and my initial excitement had dropped massively. It was a time for some self-reflection and reaching out to some trusted work colleagues for support. BUT, I did recognise that I have been here before in my life and I knew that I would get through this stage. It is still daunting at the time!

Stage 4: Informed Optimism – "Glimpses of Hope"

Gradually, clarity begins to emerge. We gain insight and start seeing progress, finding solutions and encouragement. Confidence builds as the benefits of change come into focus.

As I continue to adapt to my new responsibilities, I am learning more about the role and the people, and my confidence and excitement is gradually returning. I am feeling more at ease with the changes, and can see that I am growing in my career as a professional and a leader.

Stage 5: Success and Fulfilment – "Embracing the Transformation"

Finally, success and fulfilment materialise! We reach a stage of contentment and pride, having overcome obstacles and achieved our goals. This stage is marked by a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Whilst today, I have not yet reached this stage, I can reflect on my journey so far and feel proud of the progress I’ve made. Change is never easy, but when you get through the first three stages, you can certainly start seeing the light.

I have found that taking a strategic approach to my career means that every decision I make is moving me forward in the right direction, it is well thought out and planned. This makes it a little easier to commit to change and stick with it.

Have you made a significant change lately that makes you feel the above emotions? If not, are you stepping out of your comfort zone enough? Change is good for growth, but only when you are ready and have stability elsewhere in your life. If you are unsure, then check out blog numbers 30 and 31.

Always with love,
Elsa x