It’s normal to have a really bad day

Did you know that every time we go through a change, we all experience similar emotions?

That’s right. Whether it’s a new job or a new relationship, each of us coasts along a change curve. This change curve, basically a slippery dip of positive and negative emotions happens to every single one of us, in every single change. 

So, no matter what the change, it’s important to remember a few a few things. Firstly, the range of emotions we feel during a new change are completely normal – yep, even the bad ones. Secondly, while we all cruise through the curve, some go through it quickly while others it takes a bit longer. 

The best news about the change curve, is that when we know what stage we’re at, it’s easier to cope with how we feel.

Here’s the stages: Where are you? 

1. Shock: “I got the job?” You can’t believe your leaving school and starting an apprenticeship.

2. Denial: You’ve started work, and hear your mates talking about school. You still can’t believe this is you. It’s too good to be true.

3. Anger: “I can’t believe I have to work all Saturday”. This is when we start cruising down the curve and into a bit of a dip. Usually at this point you feel stressed, angry, irritable and start questioning whether this is right for you. At this point, those without mental toughness usually chuck it in.

4. Resignation: You’re ready to through your towel in. You’ve just found out you have to work another weekend and you’ve missed your best mates 18^th. This sucks.

5. Acceptance: Your boss tells you, you do a good job. Suddenly you start to see that this isn’t as bad as you thought and come to accept your new way of life.

6. Commitment: Things are getting even better, you still have to work some weekends but can see the big picture and know if you work hard now you’ll get rewarded later.