Feel like quitting? Try the Power of the "Neutral Zone"

In an era where societal issues like climate change, racial inequity, pay disparities, and global health crises are reshaping our personal and professional lives, we're all looking to align our work and values. However, the process of reshaping your life can be a daunting endeavor. Where do you start?

Let's journey back to the days of philosopher William Bridges. In the 1960s, Bridges delved into why some organizations seamlessly navigate significant transitions while others crumble under the pressure. His research revealed that the most effective leaders didn't rush the process but allowed for a time of reflection and adjustment. They respected the transitional period between an old reality and a new one, a concept he termed the "neutral zone."

The neutral zone is a state of transition, a stage of evolution between the past and the future. It's a period of flux, a time of uncertainty and discomfort, and according to Bridges, it's not only inevitable but essential. This period allows individuals and organizations to develop new processes, redefine roles, and reinvent their identities.

It's tempting to sprint away from discomfort and dive headfirst into the next chapter. But rushing into the new might mean skipping the valuable insights gained from the neutral zone. It's a time to let go of past roles, make peace with the end of a chapter, and embrace a dormant period before leaping forward.

During this time, it's okay to resist new opportunities, to acknowledge the unease and maintain a routine focusing on self-care. It's a time of lowered expectations, a phase of "good enough."

While the neutral zone may sound like being stuck in a rut, it's not about idleness but reflection. It's about embracing the slow pace of change, resisting the urge to dart across the proverbial street without considering whether it's the right street in the first place. Skipping the neutral zone might lead you into repeating past mistakes or ending up somewhere you'll regret.

Your mission, should you decide to embrace it, is simple: observe yourself. Resist planning your next career move or pinpointing your ambitions. Just sit with your thoughts. Let your brain idle in neutral.

In your own time, you can start to fill in these blanks: "I would describe this moment in my life, work, or career as [blank] and [blank]. And I wish I could [blank]."

Don’t rush it. Don’t berate yourself for not starting a new job, returning to school, or figuring out what’s next.

Bask in the neutral zone. Go for walks, clean the house, play with your pets. Do something trivial, and observe yourself. Let yourself feel.

Maybe, just maybe, you'll find that this contemplative phase, one you might not have given yourself permission to experience, is secretly rewarding. Embracing the neutral zone could be the unexpected stepping stone to your personal and professional transformation.