University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
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. 

Summary

Transitions are the major milestones that mark your path through life.

Ancient societies intuitively recognized and honored major life milestones, such as coming of age from childhood to adulthood. Unfortunately, contemporary societies rarely mark life transitions the way the old ones did – even though people continue to experience them. Only a few traditional societies continue to mark the process of maturation with “rites of passage” – rituals in which youth enact death and rebirth or a ceremonial new beginning. Such commemorations often involve taking a new name to symbolize a new identity. 

A transition is not simply a change. A change is a modification of your external situation. Its meaning is clear. You go on a diet and lose weight. You leave one job and take another. You pack your belongings and move to a new city. You get married.

In contrast, a transition is an internal, mostly psychological reorientation that requires adapting emotionally to new circumstances. The nature and boundaries of these organic transitions are not obvious but emerge and solidify as you go through them. Transitions usually involve painful groping...

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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