According to the Collins Dictionary, a transition is "the process in which something changes from one state to another." While this technically describes what happens when you do something as simple as changing your shirt, transitions are generally seen as significant changes.

First-time parents certainly face a big transition when their child is born. They could seek advice from their parents and others, but they are in for big changes. Career retirement, home buying, and losing someone close to you are other life transitions. They can be promising, scary, wonderful, and terrible.

Managing these demanding times can be difficult at best. Remember these four tips for smoothing the process the next time you experience a challenging change.

Be Your Own Biggest Fan

Think good thoughts. You can do this. You have proof. There have no doubt been times you made it through some difficult change in your past. Remind yourself of the successes you've had. The experience may have been a little rough, but you made it. Use that memory as motivational fuel for the current change you're facing.

Don't Sit Idly By and Do Nothing

Inactivity can make you feel powerless. When you are doing something, even something small, you feel more in control. When life gets chaotic, focus on the things you can control. Take actions that make things more manageable.

Lean on Routines

Daily routines are comforting. This is true whether your habitual actions relate to your transition. They require no thoughts and no emotional investment. Lean on them when you face uncertainty. They create predictable outcomes. That may not be something you can say about your current transition.

Don't Go It Alone

Get some help. Lean on a strong shoulder. Find a sympathetic ear and talk through the process. Don't try to weather the storm alone if things get difficult. Even if your transition is happy, involving others might speed up the process or, in some other way, make it more positive.

Transitions can be challenging, whether planned or coming at you with little warning. Whether your change is welcome or regrettable but unavoidable, these tips can make the experience a little easier to handle.