Author bio: Jonas Altman is a writer and entrepreneur who helps individuals and organizations thrive amidst change. With over 20 years of experience, he’s partnered with global brands like Google and The Guardian to drive innovation and well-being. A certified coach and author of the bestselling book Shapers, Jonas blends relational intelligence, mindfulness, and creativity to guide others through transitions with heart and purpose—fostering clarity, growth, and meaningful change.

Navigating change with grace

At the turn of the century, I decided the traditional career path wasn’t for me. The script was clear: follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, father, two uncles, and brother to become a lawyer. Instead, I leaned into my hunger to work in creative industries, blending my innate desire to help others into a colorful career as a writer and entrepreneur. Along the way, I’ve played countless roles: music executive, think-tank researcher, mental health advocate, yoga teacher—you name it.

Each transition has been a progression—a shedding of outdated identities and scripts. At times, it feels like there’s another version of me just waiting in the wings, ready for its debut. These experiences haven’t just shaped my path; they’ve built my identity capital—the investments in skills, relationships, and self-awareness that continue to strengthen my sense of self.

The four stages of reinvention

The question isn’t whether change will happen. It’s whether you’ll meet it with resistance or curiosity. With practice and fortitude, the ickiness of transitions can become a time of growth and possibility. You can learn to welcome space for reflection, creativity, and reinvention—and maybe even have a little fun along the way.

Stage 1: Deliberate Recalibration

Transitions invite us to pause and ask: What’s my story? What brought me to this moment in my life? And now that I’m here, can I simply be in it? Can I resist the urge to bulldoze through the uncertainty like skipping the slow parts of a song and missing the build-up that makes the crescendo unforgettable?

Transitions aren’t meant to be rushed. They’re a chance to consider the next story you’ll tell yourself (and others over dinner). By pausing, you might discover that challenges have taught you the importance of asking for help or that a career shift opened doors you didn’t even know existed.

As we roll into 2025, it’s the perfect time to review what’s going out and what’s coming in:

Recalibrate: Reflect on what’s working and what’s not.
Rewire: Shed outdated patterns, behaviors, or beliefs to make space for growth.
Regenerate: Dream up new possibilities aligned with the person you’re becoming.

Small actions over time lead to big changes. Maybe this is the year you set firm boundaries between work and life. Or perhaps you find a way to flow better with your circadian rhythms honoring rest when it’s needed.

On a grander scale, ask: How will I honor the version of myself I’m shedding—the one who carried me to this threshold—and create space for what’s next?

This time isn’t about fixing; it’s about listening. In the stillness, clarity emerges—and oftentimes, so does that creative spark.

Stage 2: Cycles of Growth

Transitions are like a forest fire—destructive at first glance but essential for clearing the way for new growth. Without them, we’re stuck in the same routines, the same stories. Yawn.

Death and rebirth follow their own mysterious timelines. Seeds, long dormant beneath the soil, stir only when the conditions are right, sensing the moment to push through the ashes with quiet determination.

Think back to your pre-pandemic self—what has shifted? Five years on, what whispers have you ignored that are now screaming for attention? This isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions. Experiment, dabble, and rediscover what lights you up. Shadow someone whose work excites you. Dive into that stack of unread books. Take a solo trip somewhere unfamiliar and see what bubbles up.

When we create the conditions for ‘glimmers’—those micro-moments of joy—wonderful things can happen. These positive triggers compound over time, fostering meaningful progress, gratitude, and a sense of calm. As the forest fire clears, the seedlings sprout, and suddenly, you’re flourishing again.

Stage 3: Embrace the In-Between

Embracing the in-between may feel as appealing as skipping your morning coffee, but this liminal space is fertile ground for growth. When life feels up in the air, it’s the perfect moment to reimagine what’s possible. After all, when you know exactly how everything will pan out, there’s no room for surprise–no room for magic.

Ask yourself: Which of my possible selves will I start to explore now? This “working identity” becomes a sandbox where you shape and reshape the contours of your life—testing new roles, scrapping what doesn’t fit, and keeping what sparks joy (thanks, Marie Kondo).

Reframe uncertainty:

See change as your teacher: Shift from “Why is this happening?” to “What can I learn?”
Prototype your future self: Experiment with small actions that align with who you want to become.
Welcome serendipity: Letting go of rigid plans often opens doors to unexpected opportunities.

While discomfort isn’t fun, navigating it with courage can reveal dormant parts of yourself —parts ready to awaken and play.

Stage 4: Accept the Invitation

Reinvention requires that you ask yourself: Why now? What am I no longer willing to tolerate? How will I build on what I’ve already accomplished and courageously face what’s next? What will I experiment with to shape this next act in my life’s story?

Here’s the liberating truth: from a psychological perspective, identity isn’t fixed. We’re natural storytellers, continually shaping narratives to fit the roles we play in different settings. This means we can rewrite who we are—not by erasing the past, but by reimagining it to align with the person we are becoming.

In coaching hundreds of people through transitions, I’ve noticed a common thread: those who give themselves time to listen, learn, and embrace the uncertainty emerge transformed. They possess alignment, coherence, and quiet confidence that carries them forward.

The invitation is clear: set the stage for the next version of yourself. Start small, stay true, and let your story evolve. With patience and perseverance, you’ll stop living the same chapter on repeat. You’ll break through to a better you. And if you choose your words wisely, you might just rewrite the trajectory of your life.

Feeling ready to make Shift happen in your life? Follow our series for inspiring stories and tips to help you design the life you want.

Five tools I recommend to deepen your journey:

Analog: Moleskine

Digital: Notion

Mindfulness: Guided Meditation 

Book: Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes

Playlist: Shifting States