A Roadmap through Transition

Transitions can be difficult. Navigating through the gray areas can be overwhelming and depressing. Some transitions are by choice, some are expected such as graduations, and others are unexpected like a layoff. Business leaders are interested in athletes for several reasons but one that stands out is resilience. Athletes know how to bounce back from a loss and perform at an elite level again. However when the loss is more permanent, such as retirement or a career ending injury, an athlete will be tested like never before.

I spoke to Harvey Catchings, former NBA player from 1974-1985, a few months ago about how elite college and professional athletes handle the transition after their playing days end. Harvey is a successful businessman who has made the transition and I wanted to explore general academic thinking on the psychology of transition with Harvey’s personal experience.

The following Transition Roadmap was developed comparing notes from academic thinking and my conversations with Harvey.

It is Natural to feel depressed and anxious. And, if the change is unexpected, the shock and depression are greater. Athletes leaving their career behind are more susceptible to depression as many feel they have not only lost a career but their identity. They are out of their comfort zone and are facing an unknown future. They are vulnerable and need to be careful with their next steps.

Harvey Catchings, “Many athletes that have made it to an elite level have been flying without a net. They have no fallback position and may fall prey to the first group that approaches them telling them how and where to invest for the future. There are far too many broke ex-professional athletes out there. They need guidance from people they can trust.”

Acknowledge your loss but don’t dwell on it. Academics agree, “Acknowledging that a door has closed is psychologically healthy; spending time starring at it is not!” Your next step is a new beginning and keeping this in mind can give you a sense of purpose again.

Once again, Harvey Catchings, “Many athletes don’t realize they have experienced significant transitions before and have developed new skills along the way. For some athletes the transition from high school to college sports was an enormous step. Not only were they exposed to a higher level of competition, for many it was their first time away from home! For the few making it to the professional level, life was totally turned upside down, and many were not prepared.”

Explore Opportunities. One critical error we all tend to make after going through a loss is to jump at the first opportunity presented. After a loss you are vulnerable and, unfortunately there are people that make a living off vulnerable individuals. They prey on people on the rebound.

Harvey, “We have all heard it; let me hook you up with my friend so and so, or…I know a guy who knows a guy. One of the biggest mistakes athletes make after they are done playing is not seeking out qualified professional help.”

So what type of help should you look for?

Harvey, “Professional athletes have spent years becoming elite performers in their sport. In fairness, they haven’t had the time to explore other career options because to get to the level they are at is all time consuming.”

The solution is an accelerated process to find out what skills you have and how to transfer those skills to another career opportunity. The quickest and easiest way to do this is through the use of personal assessment tools.

Get out there! This is a critical time. You developed practice routines and discipline during your playing days, now you must channel that same energy towards a new career. Momentum is important! Don’t lose it by getting into a bad routine. Put together your plan (Roadmap) and get moving!

Get help! Just like your coach helped you succeed in sports, so can a partner help you succeed in your next career search. It is tough to do this on your own. Don’t be afraid to lean on someone for help. But remember Harvey’s advice, make sure it is someone that is qualified and is a partner not a predator.

Put together your Personal Roadmap and stick to it! Set realistic milestones and review your progress often. Use your partner to help develop and review the process and keep you on track.

Transitions are a unique time to step back and really evaluate what you want to do next. Approaching a transition period with a positive attitude, patience, determination and persistence will allow you to step into a career you will enjoy and begin a new and exciting phase of your life.