Mindset Shift: The Hardest Part of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life – Insights from a Former Service Member

Leah Kilpatrick shares that the transition from the military to the civilian sector can be challenging, particularly with regards to mindset (Military Times, 2023). Kilpatrick admits to getting “institutionalized” over her 20-year tenure in the Army, and noted the differences between the military and civilian cultures. While Kilpatrick’s transition has been largely successful and she has landed a job after completing the Transition Assistance Program, she notes the importance of addressing mindset and emotional challenges during the process.

Kilpatrick’s mindset shift began when she attended a three-day seminar hosted by Annie Brock and her organization, the Leader Transition Institute (Military Times, 2023). Brock’s seminar helped transitioning service members define their purpose in life and understand their motivations, goals, and dreams. Kilpatrick also learned about the lies that hold us back from achieving our dreams, which caused her to break down and face her own debilitating fear of failure (Military Times, 2023).

The seminar encouraged service members to be honest with themselves and each other, and to do the work of discovering who they are and what they want. Kilpatrick believes that this honesty and self-discovery is crucial to overcoming the mindset barriers that can hinder a successful transition (Military Times, 2023).

In conclusion, Kilpatrick highlights the importance of addressing mindset during the transition from military to civilian life, and acknowledges that the emotional and psychological challenges can be the most difficult to overcome. Through the work of self-discovery and honesty, service members can shift their mindset and set themselves up for success in their new civilian careers (Military Times, 2023).

Reference: Military Times. (2023, February 16). Leah Kilpatrick: Mindset shift can be hardest part of transition. https://www.militarytimes.com/education-transition/2023/02/16/leah-kilpatrick-mindset-shift-can-be-hardest-part-of-transition/