Onto the Next Adventure
This book builds on the insights of neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, management theory, and data science to understand how transformations take effect in our life. Defining each stage in the transformation journey as the search, the struggle, the stop, and the solution, we learn about the vital components that make up each of these steps. The author promises that this book is for you if you’re thinking of switching careers, are picking up a passion dropped years ago, or are simply facing everyday life changes.
“The struggle isn’t just necessary; in virtually every arena of transformation, it’s the key to finding a solution.” — Joanne Lipman
Let’s break down each stage in the transformation journey proposed by the author. The first stage is the search, whereby you envision yourself in a different role, environment, etc by dabbling in a new hobby, shadowing someone, or collecting information to get a sense of what you want to pursue. When discussing this stage, the author mentions the endless optimism a child has about their future, something that we, as adults, lack because “somehow, along the road to adulthood, we lose the power to reimagine different futures.” It is true, when we are young, our future seems replete with limitless opportunities. However, when we are older, established, and have more to risk, it is hard to maintain that same boundless enthusiasm for the possibilities. I personally can’t image my future, let alone what my life will be like a year from now. The pandemic robbed me of that ability. I’m just trying to get to next week. At this stage in the transformation journey you can’t see the other side; it is still a distant mirage in your mind’s eye.
The second stage is the struggle, which requires leaving the confines of the familiar, for example, when your schedule adjusts to your new pursuit. This can mean trying out your new hobby of woodworking after work and on the weekends, maybe even attending a flea market with your wares too. Also at this stage, you may start to overthink your decision to take on this new pursuit, but don’t overthink it because “there’s ample evidence that overthinking derails all sorts of decisions,” so instead, just enjoy the ride, you’re learning something new after all.
The third stage is the stop, which is when you take a moment to let insights come to fruition. For example, what did you learn from selling your wares? Trying your hand at blog writing? Going to design classes? In this moment, you are also reminded that you are not creating a whole new identity with this transformation journey, instead you are adding a dimension to the multi-faceted character that you are. Or as the author put it, you are “seeking a fuller expression of who [you] already are.” If you think that taking on this new pursuit means taking on a new identity, you are sorely mistaken.
The last stage is the solution, this is when you take the final step and dive fully into this new dimension of yourself. The author cites, as an example, the moment that Jim Patterson was driving to work when he had this realization that he shouldn’t be pursuing this Ad Man career anymore. He decided then and there to get to the office, quit, and fully embrace the author life.
Concluding Thought
You search for clues about how to transform, you struggle through the process of transitioning, you may find yourself at an impasse and stop before finally landing on a solution — Joanne Lipman
The search asks us to just imagine changing one element of our lives, whether that be our job, our location, our partner, whatever it may be, and embrace the possibility of a new dimension to our character. This, to me, is the scariest ask of yourself because it is a lot to consider and given the weight of everyday life, is it something you want to consider? Even if it is just an exercise in imagination, it is still a scary thought to process, and the question(s) that it brings forth. Knowing who you are is a wonderful thing, but knowing who you’ll become is another level of insight that not many can easily foresee.
You can find this book here or at your local library.
