Use self-management strategies to overcome the personal challenges of transition

Take stock of how you’re feeling about your transition
Perform a self-assessment by asking these questions: How do you feel so far about your transition? Are you excited/confident/in control? If not, why? Of all that you’ve seen or heard, what has bothered you the most? Which interactions have gone well/poorly? Which of your decisions has turned out well/not too well? Take some time to self-reflect and be honest with yourself.

Develop ruthless personal routines
Identify the specific routines that are the highest priority for you. For example, devote time daily and weekly to plan and evaluate the work you’ve accomplished as well as your future goals. Devote time each day to the most important work rather than getting distracted by calls, emails, meetings, etc. When someone asks you to commit to something, ask them to give you time to think before saying yes. Find time at the end of each day to reflect on and write down your emotions and thoughts. Consider reducing your workload if you‘re at a point where excessive stress is lowering your performance.

Build support systems for yourself and your family
Move quickly to set up your new office and assemble resources to tide you over until things calm down. If you’re relocating, accelerate the family transition as well. Talk to your spouse and kids about the move so that you can work through the sense of loss together. You can ask the company to help your spouse get a new job in case they have to quit their old one. Move quickly to find new babysitters, tutors, coaches, and doctors for your kids. If possible, wait until the end of the school year before moving your family. Maintain familiar family rituals throughout the transition even as you embed yourself into a new home.

Create a network of trusted advisers to avoid isolation and stress
Find technical, cultural, and political counselors from within and outside the organization to help you cope with your transition. Technical advisers will help you handle the analysis of technologies and markets. Political advisers can help you deal with the internal politics of the organization. Cultural advisers can help you understand the new culture, both professionally and socially.