Unlock clarity, purpose, and confidence as you navigate life’s pivotal moments with the support of a tailored Transition Coaching Programme.
Transitions are an inevitable part of life. Whether personal or professional, they shape our growth, identity, and purpose. While transitions can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and at times deeply unsettling, they are also powerful gateways to new possibilities, opportunities, and growth.
I know this firsthand. Looking back, I realize that many of my own transitions only became clear in hindsight. From a period of personal crisis in my early 20s that evolved into a spiritual awakening, to a major career shift in my 50s when I stepped out of my father’s shadow to pursue my true calling—each transition was transformative. These experiences, while challenging, became powerful turning points that shaped who I am today.
Understanding Transitions
Transitions can arise from external changes such as losing a job, business failure, or the passing of a loved one. Alternatively, they may stem from internal choices like deciding to change careers, relocate, or start a new venture.
Bruce Feiler, author of Life is in the Transitions, discovered key insights about these life shifts:
- We are likely to experience a new transition every 12-18 months.
- Most transitions take at least five years to fully unfold.
- 1 in 10 transitions is a “lifequake”—a major, disruptive change.
- 53% of these transitions are involuntary, while 47% are voluntary.
The Hero’s Journey and the Psychology of Change
Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey offers a powerful model for understanding transitions as part of our personal and professional growth. This archetypal narrative follows a pattern of human transformation that mirrors the journey we often experience during major life changes:
- Call to Adventure: The initial challenge or disruption that prompts change.
- Crossing the Threshold: Leaving behind the familiar to step into the unknown.
- Trials and Challenges: Facing obstacles, self-doubt, and moments of growth.
- The Abyss: A symbolic ‘death and rebirth’ where the old self dissolves and new insights emerge.
- Transformation and Return: Integrating newfound wisdom and emerging stronger, wiser, and more whole.
The Hero’s Journey reflects how transitions often begin with discomfort and uncertainty but ultimately lead to self-discovery and empowerment.
Theories of Self-Realisation and Growth
Carl Jung’s concept of individuation emphasizes the journey towards integrating the conscious and unconscious parts of ourselves. Jung believed that life transitions are key moments for achieving greater self-awareness and authenticity, a vital step in realizing our full potential.
Similarly, Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs identifies self-actualization as the pinnacle of human development. Maslow described self-actualization as the process of becoming the best version of oneself, which often requires navigating significant transitions, shedding outdated beliefs, and embracing new perspectives.
Types of Transitions
Through my training as a TQ Certified Transition Coach, I learned that there are six key types of transitions:
- Psychological Transitions: Shifts in beliefs, self-perceptions, or mindset.
- Purpose Transitions: Realigning with core values, strengths, and gifts.
- Personal Transitions: Changes such as moving house, relationship shifts, or empty nesting.
- Physical Transitions: Changes related to health, diet, hormones, or aging.
- Parting/Passing Transitions: Coping with grief, loss, or estrangement.
- Professional Transitions: Career changes, retirement, reskilling, or promotion.
Often, multiple transitions occur simultaneously, creating a profound period of change. For example, during one significant period of my life, I was moving house, mourning two losses, and adjusting to my son leaving home all at once.
The Stages of a Transition
Drawing on William Bridges’ Transitions model, there are three core stages of transition:
- Ending: Letting go of what was familiar or established.
- The Messy Middle: Also known as the “Neutral Zone,” this is a liminal space where old identities fade, yet the new hasn’t fully emerged.
- New Beginnings: A phase of renewal, clarity, and stepping into what’s next.
The metaphor of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly is often used to describe this process. Just as the caterpillar must dissolve in the cocoon before emerging transformed, transitions often involve shedding old identities and embracing uncertainty before stepping into a renewed sense of self.
Pamela McLean’s Cycle of Renewal model further illustrates this journey with four stages:
- Go for it (the heroic self): A period of energy, momentum, and outward focus.
- The Doldrums (the disenchanted self): A stage marked by frustration, confusion, or stagnation.
- Cocooning (the inner self): A deeply reflective stage, similar to the cocooning stage of the caterpillar’s transformation.
- Getting Ready (the passionate self): Emerging from reflection with new insights, energy, and readiness for action.
These models highlight that while transitions may feel challenging and disorienting, they are often necessary periods of growth, renewal, and self-discovery.
Finding Your Identity in Transition
Transitions often challenge our sense of identity. As Herminia Ibarra explores in Working Identity, professional transitions in particular require a process of experimentation, exploration, and self-reinvention.
When I faced a spiritual awakening in my early 20s, I found myself grappling with the question: Who am I? The career path I once pursued no longer resonated, and I felt like I was staring into an abyss. Yet from this space of uncertainty emerged clarity about my purpose and a renewed sense of identity.
Discovering Purpose in Transitions
David Viscott beautifully captures the essence of purpose:
“The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.”
Our purpose, our north star, our calling, our Ikigai – it’s about who we are at our core, it’s about our reason for being. Purpose is about living a life that is authentic, meaningful, and aligned with our values.
For some, like it was for me, purpose can emerge through profound inner questioning or during significant life transitions. It often begins with the subtle ‘knocking at the door’ — a whisper from our soul, our higher self, or intuition — inviting us to step into a more authentic and purposeful way of being.
In my coaching practice, I guide clients to explore their purpose, align with their authentic selves, and create meaningful impact. We explore their core values, strengths, passions, and unique contributions. For many clients, purpose is not just about a career path but about embracing a way of living and being that brings fulfillment, alignment, and joy.
I have found that when clients are “on purpose,” they experience a profound sense of meaning and contribution. Conversely, when they feel disconnected from purpose, they often feel unfulfilled, restless, or misaligned with their true selves.
As psychiatrist Arnold Beisser described in The Paradox of Change:
“Change happens when we become who we are.”
The Role of Transition Coaching
A Transition Coaching Programme offers invaluable support to those navigating significant life changes. Key benefits include:
- Expert Guidance: Navigating transitions with proven insights, strategies, and tools.
- Clarity: Understanding where you are in the transition process and what steps to take next.
- Safe Space: Providing a confidential and supportive environment to process emotions and explore possibilities.
- Accountability: Helping you stay committed to your goals and maintain progress.
- Perspective Shifts: Encouraging you to see transitions as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
- Vision & Action Planning: Helping you craft a compelling vision for the future and break overwhelming decisions into manageable steps.
- Sustained Momentum: Supporting you to maintain focus and energy throughout the transition journey.
Specialising in Purpose & Professional Transitions
While I work with all types of transitions, I specialize in supporting clients navigating purpose-driven and professional transitions. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role, shifting careers, or exploring your life’s next chapter, my Transition Coaching Programme is designed to guide you with clarity and purpose.
Navigating Uncertainty with Support
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed by change and are asking, “What’s next?” — you’re not alone. A Transition Coaching Programme can help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and renewed purpose.
To explore how transition coaching can support you, book a consultation call with me today. Together, we can navigate your transition journey and create a future that aligns with who you are becoming.
Blog photo credit: Photo by __ drz __ on Unsplash