Adaptation Quote by William Bridges
“It isn't the changes that do you in, it's the transitions. Change is not the same as transition. Change is situational: the new site, the new boss, the new team roles, the new policy. Transition is the psychological process people go through to come to terms with the new situation. Change is external, transition is internal”
About This Quote
Source Book: Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes by William Bridges, 2009
External changes are inevitable; the internal psychological process of adapting is transition.
In simple terms: Change happens, transition is how you adjust.
Embrace the inner work of change.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- starting a new job
- moving cities
- organizational restructuring
- personal loss
- policy shifts
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal barriers do you face during change?
- How can you support others in transition?
Transition can be painful and may cause resistance.