I’ve been meaning to write this blog for a while. Lately, I’ve come to a simple but powerful realisation:
Life is a constant series of transitions.
We’re always moving — either forward or backward — because our time, energy, and effort are limited resources. As we grow older, we don’t just accumulate memories; we build tolerance, patience, and perseverance. These qualities become essential for navigating the inevitable shifts life throws our way.
The Conventional Path
By society’s standards, we’re often expected to follow a linear path:School → University → Career → Partner → Marriage → Kids → Retirement → Grandkids → Funeral.Each stage is a transition — from one identity to the next. And the better we become at managing our time and energy, the smoother and faster we can move through these phases without losing ourselves in the process.
But Sometimes, We Must Transition
Backwards
Not all transitions are forward-facing. Sometimes, growth requires letting go. We might step out of a relationship to reconnect with who we are. We might leave a high-powered job to reclaim our peace. We might drop certain responsibilities just to breathe again.
These “backward” steps are not regressions — they’re realignments.
The Empowering Leap
Then there are moments of transformation that feel like liberation. Leaving a stable corporate job to start a passion-driven business. Walking away from a toxic dynamic to rediscover your voice. Or even embracing solitude to rediscover your purpose.
These transitions are scary — but they’re also empowering. Think of people like Vera Wang, who entered the fashion world at 40 after a career in journalism. Or Ava DuVernay, who didn’t direct her first feature film until she was 32, after working years in PR. These weren’t just changes — they were bold, conscious transitions into a more meaningful version of life.
Beware the Glitterball Effect
However, transitions can be tricky. When we chase a dream, we often lack the patience to stay the course. In that space of restlessness, we’re tempted by what I call the “Glitterball Effect.”
It’s that shiny new thing that promises fast success — but is really a distraction in disguise.
You might be building a business, but the lure of a flashy job tempts you off course. Or you’re working on yourself, but a convenient relationship presents itself — not because it’s right, but because you’re tired of waiting.
These glitterballs might offer short-term satisfaction, but they often pull us further from what we truly want.
True Transition Takes Time
The truth is, transitioning well takes time. It means staying on course. It means saying no to good opportunities so you can say yes to the right ones. It means having the courage to wait, to trust, and to keep showing up — even when nothing seems to be happening.
The reward? It’s not just reaching your goal — it’s becoming the person who had the patience to get there.
So if you’re in a season of change, remember this:Transitions are rarely smooth. But if you remain grounded, stay patient, and refuse to settle for less than what lights you up — the results are always worth it.
Even if it takes longer, it doesn’t matter. Stay the course. Never give up. And most of all — enjoy the process.