(ThyBlackMan.com) There are few things more frustrating that remaining stuck in the old when it’s time to embrace something new. Sometimes the new thing is an inevitable change or transition, whether it was something you wanted or something that was thrust upon you. At other times, your new season is a goal you’ve been working towards, but have 
somehow failed to notice that the thing you wished for is here. And it requires you to shift your thinking so you can enjoy the vision that has finally come to fruition. Whether your new season is related to your career, relationships, finances or health, consider these five ways to successfully step into a new phase of your life:
1. Say good-bye to the last season.
In order to fully embrace what’s new, mark your passage from one season into the next. If a child is about to head off to college, plan for a celebration to mark the milestone. If you are moving from one place to another, acknowledge it in a meaningful way. If you have lost someone or something important to you, grieve your loss so that you can move forward in a healthy way.
2. Embrace the new season.
Once you’ve said good-bye, say “hello” to what’s new. Dive in. Consider the things you are able to do now that you couldn’t before. If you’re entering a difficult season, identify and embrace the help you will need to give you strength and perseverance. Acknowledge your challenges, but also be sure to open your eyes and notice the blessings, too.
3. Ask, “What new habits do I need in this new season?”
What worked in the last season, may not work in this new season. It’s like using your old house key to try to open the door to your new home. What got you in the door there won’t work here. Be flexible and adopt the new habits that will empower you to thrive in this new season.
4. Ask, “Who do I need to connect with in this new season?”
Relationships matter. Don’t go it alone. Reach out and connect with those who can help you and whom you can help. When facing a major change, it’s the right people who can make the difference between a smooth transition and a bumpy one.
5. Ask, “What vision am I moving towards in my new season?”
Often a new season means a new identity in some way. Perhaps your role has changed, relationships have been severed, a job was lost or a move has put you in a totally new environment. You may have had a vision – and even achieved it – in the previous season of your life, but now it’s time for something different. Your old vision may not work in this new place. What’s your new vision now?
Written By Valorie Burton
