In a youth dialogue last week, I heard the presentation made by Mr. David Hoe of how he transitioned from someone who did badly in his Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to an aspiring teacher studying Economics. You can read about this story here.
Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar
Today, I read about Mr. Ang Kim Song, someone I know, tell his story of how he transitioned from a habitual offender to someone who aspires to graduate with a Math degree. He is now a Project Director at Aestiwood, a woodwork company that hires marginalised individuals and ex-offenders.
Both David and Kim Song successfully transitioned, and moved on to not only become productive individuals, but also change makers who are giving back to society and inspiring others.
Their transition did not come easy, or immediately. It was a series of events that prompted them to reflect on their lives and make a determined shift in mindset to alter their trajectory in life.
- So what can we learn from these stories?
- How can we use these stories to think about change and transitions in our lives and careers?
Perhaps a good way to start the journey of change and transition is to ask yourself some fundamental questions. I have put together 5 crucial questions you should ask yourself if you are seeking to make a transition, be it in your career or life in general.
1. Why do you want to change and what are your compelling reasons?
Successful transitions start with compelling reasons. Compelling reasons usually evolve out of cathartic, inspiring, or even simple events that prompt deep introspection. The stiff sentence meted out on Kim Song was the cathartic event that prompted his re-evaluation. Turning 40 was my "cathartic" event that prompted me to re-evaluate my station in life.
Take some time to think through your circumstances.
- Was there an event or an inspiration that is prompting you to re-evaluate your life or career?
- If so, what might that be?
- How important is it that it requires you to make a change from your current trajectory?
2. Do you have a network of support?
No man is an island as the saying goes.
If you are seeking a change or transition, find good friends or family members you can trust to be a network of support you can count on when the going gets tough. Good support networks not only prop you up during periods you are down, but they can also provide guidance and help when you need it. Make a list of friends and family members you can trust, who will not judge you or your decisions. Connect with them and share your vision and hopes of transition and ask them for their support.
3. Where Must I Start?
As a rule, I would say start at the basics. If your dream is to be a photographer, start by first learning the basics of how a camera functions, understand the different mechanics, and master them. From there, you move on to other aspects. When I entered the logistics industry, my mentor and colleague told me the first thing I needed to learn were the Incoterms. Identify your start point.
4. What Will My Roadmap Look Like?
Think of your transition as a "project". Like all projects, there are milestones with defined timelines for you to meet. Pen down what your change roadmap will look like. Identify the milestones you need to cross. Set realistic and practical timelines and place this roadmap someplace visible so that you are always reminded of it.
5. Are You Prepared To Take the "Pain" of Transition?
Finally, are you ready for the "pain" that will come with the change? Invariably, you have to accept that every transition will come with roadblocks, doubts, and insecurities, all of which can become obstacles that you need to cross. There might be a period you need to suffer the change.
Evaluate how mentally ready you are for your transition. A good way to know how mentally ready you are is to look back at turning points in your life and how you coped with it. These turning points and your reactions to them reveal a lot about your tenacity, courage, and determination, which will be critical during times of change and transition.
I hope these 5 crucial questions will help ease your journey towards change and transition.
SHARE THIS POST with someone you know of who is going through a period of change or transition.
Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar
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