more about transitions

Well I guess this is one of the biggest transitions for most people - I'm speaking about the Credit Crunch and the general collapse of the invented money pyramid system. My guess is that the main sufferers will not be the people who caused the catastrophe; that's life, I guess.

But whoever is to blame, and whoever takes the worst hit, it is an opportunity to review what we've been taking for granted, our dearest assumptions, and start over. What can we take to be the case? Where can we start with a new foundation? Is anything safe or firm? It feels like there isn't much, not in careers or income anyway.

Which brings us round to key things in our lives such as relationships and values. In times of worse disasters and deeper depressions, people have survived, and it has often been not only through perseverance and courage, but having a clear sense of values to hang on to. It's worth having a look at our own in times like these. Time spent working through your values is time well-spent. Choose something you really care about, and then ask yourself "Why particularly does that matter to me?" Write down your answer. Then ask yourself again "And what is it about that, that matters to me?" This technique is called laddering and comes from a theory about how we understand our lives and ourselves. It's not an easy process: it's worth exploring, though, because it can take you to a level where you are really clear about your deep-down priorities.

If your current transition is at work, you might enjoy the New Managers site

There is some good practical advice by Doug Picirillo at employaid