Between “No Longer This” and “Not Yet That”

In today’s episode, I explore two of the most common phrases people use when they find themselves at a crossroads in life: "I'm stuck." "I'm lost." Whether it appears in our work, relationships, leadership, or sense of identity, there are seasons when the old way no longer fits and the new way forward remains unclear. Our instinct is often to treat this uncertainty as a problem to solve as quickly as possible. But what if it isn't? Drawing on the work of William Bridges, Chip Conley, James Hollis, and David Whyte, I reflect on what Bridges called the "neutral zone"—the space between an ending and a beginning. A space that can feel disorienting, yet often contains the very growth we're seeking. Through stories of travel, personal transformation, and Ernest Shackleton's remarkable Antarctic expedition, I consider how our orientation toward uncertainty may matter more than the uncertainty itself. Join me as I explore: • Why transitions begin with endings, not beginnings • The value of the often-overlooked "messy middle" • How language shapes our experience of change • What Shackleton's leadership can teach us about navigating uncertainty • Why feeling lost may be a sign of growth rather than failure Key Takeaways: • Feeling stuck and feeling lost are often natural parts of transition • Growth frequently occurs before clarity arrives • The space between stories can be uncomfortable, but necessary • Our perspective shapes how we experience uncertainty • Some of life's most important changes cannot be rushed If this reflection resonates, consider sharing it with someone navigating a season of change. Subscribe for more reflections on leadership, growth, meaning, and the practice of living thoughtfully. #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SelfLeadership #Growth Steven Morris, CEO of Matter Consulting is an ever-curious life-seeker, brand and culture building expert, advisor, author, and speaker. With over 27 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has served as a trusted advisor to over 3,000 business leaders and evolved more than 250 brands and cultures, including Google, Habitat for Humanity, Samsung, and Disney. His best-selling book, "The Beautiful Business," and his widely read Insights blog are a testament to his consulting expertise in creating unignorable, magnetic, and sustainable companies.His diverse interests, including meditation, fine art painting, surfing, and beekeeping, infuse his work with creativity, soul, and a deep understanding of the human experience.You can find more podcasts and join 30,000+ other brilliant and soulful readers of his weekly INSIGHTS blog at MatterCo.