Transformation takes patience and trust in the process.

Recently, I was scrolling through old word documents on my IPad and came across some study notes from when I was studying for a Master in Leadership and Management. Among the screeds of notes and assignments on leadership, I came across one page that took my attention. It was Mezirow’s Ten Phases of Transformative Learning. I read through it slowly and realised that I was and am on a journey – one that many had taken before me. I’d like to share this with you because sometimes when we are a little lost, we tend to think that we’re the only ones who experience uncertainty in our career options, or relationships or in decision making. However, any amount of research proves that unless we embrace the agony that comes with personal and professional transformation, we may never realise our true potential.

Mezirow’s steps are not set in concrete but most of you will no doubt recognise some similarities in the process in what you have experienced or are experiencing in your lives. I take great comfort from the fact that I am well down the road with the transformation I have made in my own life with regard to my career and work/life balance. Sometimes, it might seem that we are making little headway but what gives me hope is that, though our external progress may not be apparent, the internal transformation cannot be stopped if we are patient, curious,willing to learn and to move forward one step at a time.

Where are you up to with your transformative learning?