You reached your goal: why aren’t you happier?

Career success calls for a new career change plan…hopefully in place before you reach your goal.

Cynthia just passed the bar exam, after trying unsuccessfully a year ago. To everyone’s surprise, she’s not glowing with joy. Instead, she’s feeling a big letdown.

“Ivan” just landed a new job, after searching for months.

“Karen” just sold her business for a 7-figure sum — enough so she may never have to work again. She’s feeling lost and dazed.

What’s going on?

Any transition involves loss — even when you’re experiencing positive change. So it’s not surprising when you experience re-entry shock as soon as you’ve finished that celebratory bottle of champagne.

Here are three steps to take before you reach the finish line. Once you’re there, you won’t feel like planning. And in my experience, anticipating a reward can be a great motivator.

1. Plan a big event to celebrate.

Transitions are best marked by rituals. Society has few rituals to celebrate getting promoted or landing a dream job after a long campaign. So we have to create our own.

Plan a big party and invite everyone you know. Get a cake. Serve champagne (if it’s part of your value system)…