William Bridges later earned his doctorate and became an organizational consultant specializing in change. He argues that the real challenge lies not in the change itself, which is merely a situation, but in the transition that follows. This transition can be understood as a three-part process that is essential for successfully adapting to change. Everyone must navigate these three stages to ensure that the change is effectively integrated.

Each of us experiences three stages when adjusting to any change.

ENDINGS: We let go of something stable, known, dependable

NEUTRAL ZONE:

• We are fully in transition
• No orientation to the past or the future

BEGINNINGS: Plunge headlong into something unknown and unknowable: our own future.