Three relatable truths about entering a new phase

Nobody said entering a new phase will be easy.

Angela Ouyang

Published: 15 November 2016, 2:51 AM

Entering a new phase is definitely not the best feeling on earth.

Be it changing into a new school, graduating, or entering a new workplace, the shift to a new environment never fails to leave us feeling nervous and fidgety.

Here are three (out of the 101) thoughts that flood our minds when we are about to enter a new phase in life.

 

1. You don't feel like doing anything, though you feel terrible about being unproductive

This usually happens when you have a long break in between transition periods, say, starting a new school semester. You know you should be doing something with your life during this free time…but you end up doing nothing.

YOUR TO-DO LIST IS FULL BUT YOUR “HAVE DONE” LIST IS EMPTY.

Your plans about going for a fruitful holiday goes down the drain, and all you do is lie on your bed all day and think about how unproductive your day has been.

How to deal with it: Tell yourself that it’s okay! You have been working hard for a long time. Don’t feel guilty about catching a little breather – you deserve it.

2. You have no idea what you are going to do for your next phase in life

Before you enter a new phase in life, you are usually involved in a confusing phase, that is decision making. As intimidating as it sounds, these decisions may determine a huge part of your future.

It feels as though you are at the end of the path you are on. All of a sudden, you see a thousand other paths branching out, leaving you helpless on which to step foot on. Or worse, you’ve hit the dead end.

DECISION MAKING IS TOUGH.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHOICES

How to deal with it: You may feel lost, but you really are not. Consult your heart on what it desires, and ask someone who has been through the same phase as you are for options and advice. Stay calm. Remind yourself that in the end, everything will work out for good.

Not able to enter the school of your desires? It’s not the end of the world. If you really hit the dead end, you can always dig a tunnel!

3. You get worried that you're not worried

This is a ridiculously real concern. All your friends are talking about their upcoming plans. When they finally ask about yours, you plainly shrug, naming a few possibilities before arriving at the same conclusion you’ve been at for months: “I don’t know.”

WE ALL HAVE THAT ONE FRIEND WHO PROBABLY
ALREADY HAS HIS OR HER RETIREMENT PLANS LAID OUT.

Then, you find yourself questioning: “Am I supposed to be worried?”

You know the answer, but you cannot bring yourself to be worried because you try as hard as possible not to even think about the matter.

How to deal with it: With the exception of a few people who got their whole lives planned out (if that’s you, good for you), the rest of the population are still struggling with the same emotions as you do. Just keep in mind that you are not alone!

It is normal to feel lost momentarily, because that is when you make the decision to take a step out of your comfort zone.

And here’s the good news: these periods of transition don’t last long, so always keep in mind that brighter days are ahead.

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