The only constant is change. The universe is always in motion and always growing, ever since the big bang the only constant is change.

In nature, business, life and almost everywhere change happens in distinct and predictable cycles, yet when it comes to our own personal development people seem to strive for a status quo, a “balance” and it’s this desire for balance that actually unbalances us.

Throughout our lives we constantly change and transform. You are not the same person you were when you were a baby or a child or a teenager or a few years ago, or even last week.

Every experience you have leaves its mark on your mind and neurology. So the question isn’t “can we change?” the question then becomes “How do we change into who we want to become, rather than randomly stumbling from one state to the next?”

Transformation is easy when you know how it happens. It is a cycle with distinct stages.

Each stage has its own challenges and telltale signs.  When you know where you are in the cycle and what’s coming next transformation becomes easy, predictable and even fun.

1. Status Quo

There are times in your life when everything seems to be going smoothly. At this stage things will likely feel stable. You have a definite model of how you think the world should be and when things don’t fit your model or beliefs, you simply reject them. Or maybe things are running so smoothly that life’s just a a bit, well, boring! You are triggered to begin an awakening.

2. Awakening

You start to notice small signs, subtle and not so subtle signals, that things just don’t seem to fit in the boxes anymore. What you were previously happy with, no longer satisfies you. You may have vivid dreams, notice unusual patterns or strange coincidences. And you begin to ask questions, which moves you to become a seeker.

3. Seeker

As a seeker you have questions and you want answers. You actively start to seek out the answers. You might be drawn to go on courses, read books or even get coaching. You desire to move, but don’t yet know where. At some point all this seeking leads to the knowledge of exactly what you need or want to do. All you need to do is to do it. Sadly due to fear of change many people resist this and try to go back, which triggers chaos.

4. Chaos

This stage can be highly emotional, challenging and confusing. You just don’t know what to do. You may seem to have one foot in the past and one in the future. It can feel very uncomfortable and you may even have problems in areas such as relationships, finances, work and family. At some point you make a firm decision to take action, or get the help you need. When this happens things start to clear up for you and you get a vision of how you want your life to be.

5. Visionary

Once you have made a decision to move forward all the pieces start to come together. Finally with a clear vision of where you’re going all the steps become easy, the pieces start to fall into place and the way seems to become clear. Now you know where you’re going and what you want to do. As soon as you start to take action you become a pioneer.

6. Pioneer

A pioneer is anyone who is breaking new ground, even if it’s you breaking new ground in your own life. In this stage others around you might wonder what’s going on. They may try to encourage you to go back, so you need determination (or you’ll end right back in chaos again). Like all pioneers it can take a bit of courage and inner resolve. With inner faith that you are on the right path you can follow your vision through to completion.

7. Completion

This is the end of this cycle. You’ve done it. You’ve made it. Things are working. You succeeded. You’re happy with your life. Having made the change and evolved you become an inspiration to others.

But remember, completion is the same as stage 1 Status Quo, but at a higher level, so you’ll only be here until you’re ready to evolve again. Our whole lives are spent going round and round this cycle, becoming more and more evolved each time.

How to manage each stage?

1. Status Quo (and Completion)

Enjoy where you are, but don’t delude yourself that you’re “done”. When you least expect it you can be triggered into your next cycle of transformation. Many people seek balance, harmony and to strive to maintain the status quo, but this is a mistake.

2. Awakening

Pay attention to the signs that you’re ready for the next journey round the cycle. Each cycle might be in a different area of your life so if you have recently experienced a massive transformation in your relationship, perhaps it will be career next.

3. Seeker

Be open minded but not too gullible. Ask questions and use discernment with the answers. Be willing to change. Many people get tipped into chaos because they know what to do but fail to act on that knowing. Don’t become a workshop junkie looking for the next thing that will make everything perfect whilst failing to act and make changes.

4. Chaos

This can be the most challenging for people. The important thing here is to be willing to get help and support if you need it. There’s no shame in seeking out a coach or therapist to support you through this stage of the cycle.

5. Visionary

Once you get the vision, don’t be afraid to put it into action. Dream the dream then take action to make it a reality. You can’t meditate or affirm a building into existence, at some point someone has to move some bricks.

6. Pioneer

Now you’re going for it and taking action, don’t let the Nay-Sayers put you off or cause you to shrink back. As a pioneer you’re breaking new ground so people will raise their eyebrows and look surprised. That’s your cue to smile, knowing that you’re the one with the courage to break new ground, even if it’s only in your own life.

Knowing which stage you’re at in the cycle means you can handle it and you know what’s coming up next. For a free 3 minute test to discover where you are in your current cycle of evolution go to www.ceotester.com