The art of transitions

Looking back at the path of any master, you will see many transitions. Masters in their trade have come to acknowledge and embrace transitions in their life.
Moving from student to professional, leaving the comfort of being professional to become a "traveler" for a few years or embracing the phase from "traveler" to master or artist all require transitions. Even continually creating masterpieces as a master or an artist calls for some transitioning from time to time.

Transitions are an integral part of the path towards mastery. On this path, developing the art of embracing transitions is vital if one wants to finish the growth path well, and truly make a lasting contribution to society.

We all face transitions in life. Only when we recognize them will we truly gain the richness it offers us each time. This learning contributes greatly in the development of the person growing in mastery.

Ending well 

William Bridges explains in his book "Managing Transitions", three vital steps during transitions. The ending is the first phase. Contrary to popular belief ending things that keeps us from moving forward is actually the first step. Masters have learned how and when to stop things so they can continue to grow in their mastery. They know when it is time to end a certain season in order to move on growing in their mastery. 

Neutral Zone 

Masters embrace the next phase, which is the neutral zone. They seize the in-between times. Times when supposedly nothing is going on. But these times bring inspiration and new creativity to the fore. During this time ideas grow, and new masterpieces are in the making. The neutral zone allows for new masterpiece designs to grow. 

New Beginnings

The third phase is where the new beginnings start. Masters are able to acknowledge when inspiration has come and it is time to move into the chaos that signifies new beginnings. Many beginnings are not as smooth as we would like to think, but the process teaches us many lessons. This messiness fosters even deeper passion for the new masterpieces that are in the making.

As you grow in your mastery, always acknowledge and embrace times of transition. The art of embracing transitions will effectively cultivate much wisdom for growth.

Cias Ferreira