How Can You Master Your Transitions?

May 18, 2021

How Can You Master Your Transitions?

May 29, 2023

Bestselling author Bruce Feiler’s terrific book, “Life is in the Transitions,” came out at a fascinating time: last summer when transition defined all of our lives. One of his insights from his public surveys was the fact that all transitions can be categorized into collective vs. personal and involuntary vs. voluntary. The rarest transitions are collective involuntary, and, yet, that’s what we’ve suffered through with the Covid-19 pandemic. The most common transitions are personal voluntary ones.

As depicted in the 2x2 grid below, I believe that Covid has created the reflection time and freedom to change. A large number of us are welcoming personal voluntary transitions in our lives like never before. This might show up in your life as moving, changing careers, or taking up a meaningful, new avocation. By any definition, you’re not alone.

We’re fortunate to have Bruce as one of our guest faculty members in our MEA Online program, with our next class starting June 5. Here are a few other questions Bruce suggests you ask yourself as you pursue a successful transition:

1. Is this a voluntary or involuntary transition? Is it easier or harder because of this?
2. What is the most powerful emotion you are dealing with during this period?
3. Did you initiate, create, or have any rituals, celebrations, or formal markers of this transition?
4. Can you tell me about a habit that you have or are giving up?
5. Can you tell me three creative activities you did to rebuild the new you?

If you enjoyed Bruce's thought-provoking questions about transitions and you're curious about our upcoming MEA Online program that starts June 5th, I wanted to extend an opportunity to join me for a live Q&A session next week. Many of you have reached out with questions like these: