Life’s Transitions
3 stages and the 6 transition types
“Life Transitions,” broken down into three phases:
Bruce Feiler, author of “Life Is in the Transitions,” argues that life transitions have a natural structure, typically involving three phases: the long goodbye (mourning the past), the messy middle (shedding habits and experimenting), and the new beginning (unveiling your new self)
What’s Next: Depicted by a person at the top of a hill, symbolizing the conclusion of a phase or experience. Sometimes a long goodbye (morning the past and determining What’s Next) and what might me next.
Messy Middle: Shown as a turbulent or uncertain period, indicating a time of transition or adjustment.
New Beginnings: Represented by a sunrise, symbolizing the start of a new chapter or opportunity.
Chip Conley and the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) frame transitions not as isolated events, but as ongoing, transformative journeys. At MEA, transitions are often categorized through life stages, emotional experiences, and personal growth arcs, rather than rigid types. However, they commonly highlight a few core types of transitions that people face, especially in midlife and beyond:
TQ | Transitional Intelligence (Transitional Quotient):
The capacity to recognize and navigate the distinct stages of life transitions, viewing them as powerful opportunities for inner growth. Transitional Intelligence is the ability to approach “what’s next” with curiosity, wonder, and awe—grounded in core strengths, guided by inner values, and fueled by a growth mindset that embraces learning and adaptation.