7 Common Myths About Transitions (And the Truth You Need to Know)
Change is hard. Whether it’s divorce, career shifts, empty nesting, or any major life transition, the process can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and sometimes downright scary.
And to make things worse? There are so many myths about transitions that keep people stuck.
If you've ever felt like you "should" be handling change differently, like you're doing it wrong, or like you're falling behind—you're not alone.
Let’s bust some of the biggest transition myths so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Myth #1: “You Should Have It All Figured Out”
The truth: Transitions are messy. You don’t need to have all the answers right away.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that when a big change happens, you should immediately know what to do next.
In reality? Uncertainty is part of the process.
Think about a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. During metamorphosis, there’s a stage where it’s neither caterpillar nor butterfly—it’s just goo inside a cocoon.
That goo phase—that’s where transformation happens. And that’s where most of us get uncomfortable.
Instead of trying to rush to the next step, allow yourself time to figure things out. Clarity comes with action, not before it.
Myth #2: “Starting Over Means You Failed”
The truth: Starting fresh doesn’t mean failure—it means growth.
There’s often this fear that moving on means everything that came before was a waste.
But let’s reframe that.
Did you gain experience?
Did you learn about yourself?
Did you develop resilience?
If so, then you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience.
Every past chapter was part of your evolution. It prepared you for what’s next.
Myth #3: “There’s a Right and Wrong Way to Do This”
The truth: There is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for change.
People will have opinions about how you should handle your transition. Friends, family, even well-meaning strangers will chime in:
"You should be over this by now."
"You need to do X, Y, and Z to move forward."
"If I were you, I would..."
But here’s the thing: No one else is you.
The way you navigate change is personal. Your timeline is yours. Your journey is yours. What works for one person may not work for another.
So instead of asking, “What’s the right way to do this?”, ask:
“What’s the right way for me?”
Myth #4: “You Have to Be Strong All the Time”
The truth: Strength isn’t about never struggling—it’s about allowing yourself to feel and still move forward.
Somewhere along the way, we picked up the idea that being strong means pushing through without showing emotion.
But real strength? It’s about being honest with yourself.
It’s okay to cry.
It’s okay to feel lost.
It’s okay to have days where you don’t feel strong at all.
Emotions aren’t barriers to moving forward—they’re part of the process. Honor them, process them, and keep going.
Myth #5: “Once You Move Forward, You Won’t Struggle Anymore”
The truth: Progress isn’t linear—there will be ups and downs.
We often picture transitions as a straight path from struggle to success.
But in reality? Healing, growth, and change look more like a messy spiral.
You’ll have good days where you feel unstoppable and days where old doubts creep in. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.
Instead of expecting a perfect journey, focus on progress over perfection. Each step forward—even a small one—matters.
Myth #6: “You Should Wait Until You Feel Ready”
The truth: Readiness comes from action, not the other way around.
A lot of people get stuck waiting for the perfect moment to start fresh.
“I’ll start dating again when I feel more confident.”
“I’ll make a career change when I feel 100% sure.”
“I’ll take that first step when I’m ready.”
But here’s what I’ve learned: The first step creates readiness. Not the other way around.
If you wait until you feel completely confident, certain, and fearless… you’ll be waiting forever.
Instead, take one small action today. Because momentum builds with movement.
Myth #7: “You Have to Do It Alone”
The truth: Asking for support isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
Too many people believe that if they were “strong enough,” they wouldn’t need help.
But life transitions aren’t meant to be solo missions.
Seeking therapy, coaching, or community isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of self-awareness.
Leaning on trusted friends doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.
Getting support helps you move forward faster and with more clarity.
No one expects an athlete to train without a coach. No one judges a student for having a teacher. Why should navigating life’s biggest changes be any different?
You don’t have to do this alone. And in fact, you shouldn’t.
Every big life change comes with uncertainty. That’s normal. But don’t let these myths hold you back from moving forward.
So, what’s your next step?
Whatever transition you’re facing, know this: You are not stuck. You are in motion.
And if you need a little guidance along the way, I’m here to help.
👉 Book a free call with me here
Let’s make this transition one that leads to something even better.