Are You a Transition Person?

Every day in my practice, I help and I am inspired by people who have the qualities of a “Transition Person”. The expression “Transition Person” has been defined as:

“A person who breaks unhealthy, harmful, abusive or unfortunate learned behaviours and replaces them with proactive, helpful, effective behaviours. This person models positive behaviours and passes on effective habits that strengthen and build others in positive ways.” ~ Stephen Covey

In my experience, “Transition People” experience a deep desire stand up and be a positive example to others in their family, peer group, work place or other community group. Something within them says “enough of this, there is a better, more productive, more fulfilling way to live life.” Often it is not obvious to them where this desire comes from and how it has evolved.

I see Transition People as having developed the ability to listen to the authentic voice that comes from deeper within rather than just the “normal” little voice we hear chattering away all the time. Our little voice is very good at convincing us to ignore the authentic voice, telling us that we will cause trouble, look bad etc. if we listen to our authentic voice.

Transition People see un-resourceful patterns in themselves, their families/group that are repeated generation after generation. One woman I see described it as like observing a pattern passed from her grandparents, to her parents and on to her siblings of repeatedly walking down a road, falling down a hole, struggling out of the hole, only to walk down the road again and fall into the same hole.

The life of a Transition Person can be very challenging because changing deep seated patterns requires a lot of energy. In my experience many Transition People experience significant health challenges in themselves. The courage they display in continually working towards creating positive change, despite set-backs along the way, is inspiring to me and others who observe their lives.

Being a Transition Person requires hard work, humility, trustworthiness and a long term vision. Often their stand may not be appreciated by other people especially their immediate family or siblings. In fact it often seems to be the case that the siblings cause the most difficulty. Despite this, it may be the daughter or son of a sibling, who grows up observing and interacting with the “crazy aunt” or “eccentric uncle”, and thus is inspired to express a better and more fulfilling life.

From a practice perspective pretty much everyone who comes to see me is in a stage of becoming Transition Person. They know (or have an inkling) that there is a part of them that is ready and wanting to change. As their Care progresses from initially the relief of symptoms to building up energy for change, this part of them is saying “Enough of this, things are going to change, it’s my responsibility and I have a plan to make it happen!” Click on the link for information about the Levels of Network care.

Stephen Covey also asserts that:

“Transition persons transcend their own needs and tap into the deepest, most noble impulses of human nature.
In times of darkness, they are lights, not judges; models, not critics.
In periods of discord, they are change catalysts, not victims; healers, not carriers.
Today’s world needs more transition persons. Trust yourself to become one of the best, and watch your influence grow.”

Mahatma Gandhi suggested that people should focus first on improving themselves and then allow others to be inspired by their example, their determination, and their integrity to values. These days we need as many uplifting and positive role models as possible to lean on, learn from, and emulate. By following Gandhi’s mantra: