Coherent Thoughts

creative careers, coherence podcast Melissa Wong creative careers, coherence podcast Melissa Wong

Making Sense of Where You Are: The Four Stages of Life Change

Ever feel lost in the messy middle of a major life transition? When you're questioning your career path or contemplating a big change, it's easy to feel disoriented without a map. In this solo episode, I share a powerful framework for understanding the four distinct stages of personal renewal—release, heal, explore, and launch. Through the story of fake client "Ester," I illuminate how each phase has its own unique energy, emotional landscape, and aligned activities. You’ll learn why (literally or metaphorically) pushing yourself to train for a marathon when your body craves restorative yoga creates unnecessary friction and does not set you up to feel like you’re doing anything right. If you've ever felt the void of meaning in work you once loved, wondered who you are without your old identity, or felt the stirrings of excitement about a new direction, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating change with more self-understanding and tactical tips.

Read More