LEARNING TO CONQUER LIFE'S CRISES
“I used to be that. Then I went through a change. Now I am this.”
By Bruce Feiler
Covid-19 has brought a crush of change to Americans. Nearly 140,000 families have lost loved ones; 40 million of us have lost jobs; tens of millions more are rethinking our careers, where we live, what gives us meaning, how we care for our children or aging parents. The way that we cope with such changes is what psychologists call a “life transition.” Given the moment we’re in, learning to master these challenging periods just may be the most essential life skill each of us needs right
now.
Spurred by a string of my own personal crises—a life-threatening illness, a near bankruptcy, the attempted suicide of my father—I spent the past five years crisscrossing the country, collecting the life stories of 225 Americans of all ages and walks of life, from all 50 states, who’d been through similar life disruptions. With a team of 12, I then spent a year coding these interviews for 57 different variables—from what emotions people most struggled with, to what advice from friends they
found most helpful, to what habits they shed—identifying patterns and takeaways that can help all of us survive and thrive in times of change.
What I learned is that the variety of changes we experience in our lives is increasing and the pace at which we experience them is quickening. I also learned that we can master life transitions, but only if we take the time to learn the necessary skills and mind-set...read more
If you are unable to reach the article contact us and we'll send a reprint
