Transitions are very important periods in the life of a person wishing to progress and reach a certain level on the social ladder. This simple but very instructive lesson was the focus of Dr Raoul Ruben's presentation at the conference held in Lomé on 01 September 2023.

A well-prepared transition is more likely to be controlled, and the consequences for those affected will be less severe. During this buffer period, the only reason to look to the past is to learn from your mistakes, not dwell on them. This is the surest way of not moving forward and getting bogged down in a routine and comfort that does not help. 

Having control over your life also means controlling the impact of events on your mental well-being. And the best way to adapt well to a transition is to find a balance between the positive and negative experiences of the past, to better face the future.