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A New Beginning takes place only when people are emotionally ready to behave and think in a whole new way. People have to part with the old, and get through the chaotic Neutral Zone, before they can successfully start a New Beginning. That's why Transitions take a lot longer to complete than Changes.
And that's why a New Beginning is very different from a 'Start.' A 'Start' can happen very quickly, even on the same day that a Change is announced, but a New Beginning takes time.
For example, a new law requires African American children to be bussed to the nearest school that used to be all-white. Overnight, the school becomes racially integrated. But it will take a lot longer before the students, their parents, teachers, and school administrators, feel comfortable in their new setting. When they do start feeling comfortable, that's when a New Beginning has occurred.
How do I know I’m at a New Beginning?
- What was once new to me is becoming normal.
- When I think about the past, I don’t get as upset as I used to.
- I feel good about where I am and who I am.
- I’m not as worried about the future as I used to be..
Keep in Mind…
Beware the Marathon Effect
People leading a change have usually gone through their transitions and are ready to start their New Beginning as soon as the change is announced. They see the big picture, they get it, and they’re willing to embrace the change wholeheartedly. The people on the ground, however, often don’t have the same view of the change. They are either just entering the Neutral Zone, or have not even made it through Endings. They need time to arrive at their own New Beginning. Change leaders need to give them this time and guide them through the transition rather than wondering why it’s taking so long. more >
Celebrate your Success
In the same way that it’s important to mark your Endings, it’s important to mark your New Beginnings, the end of your transition. This celebration will help reinforce the new identity, attitudes and behaviors that people have taken on through their transition. The celebration can be a small party or a small memento of the transition that is given to everyone involved. For more ideas on how to celebrate New Beginnngs, click here.
Additional Stories about New Beginnings
You Can’t Force a New Beginning
Beware the Marathon Effect
The Difference between a Start and a Beginning
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The Difference between a Start and
a Beginning
A month after quitting smoking marijuana cold turkey, a young man who had been a chronic user, picked up the habit once again. Why did he backslide after he had been clean for a whole month? more > |
Video: Rethinking “Graduations” as New Beginnings
Click below to hear how a residential treatment home for foster youth used the Transition framework to recognize and reward a youth’s New Beginning behaviors which they might not have identified otherwise.
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Video: Celebrate New Beginnings
Don’t underestimate the power of celebrating New Beginnings. Listen to Richard Biehl, former Executive Director of Cincinnati’s Community Police Partnering Center and current Dayton Police Chief, talk about how even the most unyielding officers were spurred to address their attitudes after a community ceremony honoring police officers who had worked on improving their relationships with citizens.
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