On your way to the top?  With each new level of success comes a new rollercoaster of emotions associated with getting there. 

Here’s one ticket of advice for surviving the ride of your life:

Don’t forget you’re human…and so are the people around you. Humans have some natural reactions to change, especially dramatic change like the kind that success can bring. Sometimes when you experience change—even the good kind of wonderful change you’ve always wanted—you may surprise yourself by feeling kind of frantic.  Sometimes when other people see how much you are changing, they may surprise you, too, by suddenly acting as frantic as you feel. 

Don’t be alarmed. All these waves of intense emotion will settle down soon enough.  It helps to slow yourself down and take a really close look at what’s happening.  When you’re working day and night to get somewhere, believe it or not, you may get there before you realize you’ve actually arrived.  And, often, when you navigate yourself to that whole new landscape, you get there before the money you’re about to make catches up with you.  Don’t worry, things will be okay.

One universal sign that success is truly unfolding is when your success becomes visibly apparent to those around you.  Tune in and recognize the signposts that alert you to what they see. 

You’ll know you’re near when people say things like:

“Well, you must be making a lot of money.” 
 ”I guess I can say, ‘I knew you back when’.”
“You probably don’t care about this little stuff anymore.”
“How does it feel to have arrived?”
“Will you forget about us now that you’re moving in the fast lane?”
“You’ve really made it.”

These remarks may range from sharp to wistful to resentful to cheerful to proud to concerned. Remember your attitude can make or break you. It’s important at every turn to take care of your emotions. When you start hearing these kinds of remarks, it’s a good time to tap into and express your gratitude for what you’ve got, how far you’ve come, and to reflect upon and acknowledge the help you’ve received along the way.

You can begin to manage change proactively when you realize what to expect. So, expect this: the very moment when things fall perfectly in place usually feels different than you might imagine. Things falling into place often feel like things falling on your head. Who knew? Now you do, so don’t get ruffled when it happens.

In fact, get proactive.  Find out more about what to expect. As unusual as your own journey may be, others have been on the exact same road you’re on now, even if they aren’t in the same field or facing your specific obstacles. Where do you find these experienced souls? They are in your neighborhood, in your business communities, and all around you.  Connect with them.  They will welcome you as fellow travelers do.

As you go…Listen to great music. It helps to know that you aren’t alone…that you are headed in the right direction. You can hear your story sung by a hundred different voices.  So, load the iPod with great tunes and wrap yourself in the hope and warmth of the inspiring words of others. On my journey, some of my most important songs continue to be Vienna by Billy Joel, Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts, I Hope You Dance by Leann Womack, Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty, and World On Fire by Britt Nicole. You, too, will find one surprising song that absolutely resonates with you about where you are and how you feel…and it will refresh you to know that you are indeed on a timeless trail traveled by many people who have found their own way.

Just like you.