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Transitions
Book

Transitions

Making Sense of Life's Changes

William Bridges
Da Capo Press, 2004
First Edition: 1980

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Concrete Examples
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

In 1970, English professor William Bridges was experiencing a difficult time in his life. A scholar, he decided to learn all he could about the psychology behind making major life transitions. Eventually, he taught a course about it and then developed his ideas into this book, which quickly became the definitive source on the topic. Mental health professionals recognized it as a breakthrough self-help text, and it remains a classic in the field. With applicable insights, information and concepts, Bridges leads you through an often anxious process. He helps you identify and understand your personal development timeline and use change to your advantage as a way to achieve both spiritual and psychological growth. 

Take-Aways

  • Transitions are the major milestones that mark your path through life.
  • Transitions go through three phases: releasing old patterns, passing through a “neutral zone” of exploration, and making a new beginning.
  • The first stage is the end of the “good old days.” You must let go of the past to accept the future.

About the Author

William Bridges is a lecturer and consultant who has written 10 books including Managing Transitions, Job Shift, Creating You & Co, The Way of Transition, and Surviving Corporate Transition, as well as other editions of this book.

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    B. M. 7 years ago
    Great read for a soon to be recent grade. Understanding the differences between a change and a transition was insightful.