Confidence Classic: The 4 Phases of Change That Shape Your Next Level with Jason Feifer
In this episode of Creating Confidence, Jason Pfeiffer and Heather Monahan explore how people can better adapt to change by viewing themselves as products in continuous development rather than finished entities. Pfeiffer breaks down the four phases people experience during change—panic, adaptation, new normal, and wouldn't go back—and explains how understanding these phases can help people navigate transitions more effectively.
The discussion examines the importance of separating personal identity from specific work roles, with Pfeiffer suggesting the creation of universal mission statements that persist through change. Through various examples, including personal experiences from both hosts, the episode demonstrates how unexpected changes and setbacks can become opportunities for growth when approached with curiosity and openness.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 6, 2026 episode of the Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
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1-Page Summary
The Psychology and Process Of Adapting to Change
Jason Pfeiffer explores how individuals can better adapt to change by embracing a mindset of continuous evolution. Drawing from Reid Hoffman's concept of "permanent beta," Pfeiffer suggests viewing ourselves as products that are constantly improving rather than finished entities.
The Four Phases of Change
Pfeiffer identifies four distinct phases people experience during change: panic, adaptation, new normal, and wouldn't go back. He emphasizes that panic is a universal initial response to change, regardless of one's success or advantages. Through his personal experiences, including relocating during the pandemic, Pfeiffer demonstrates how quickly moving through these phases thoughtfully can unlock new opportunities for growth.
Identifying Core Values and Skills
Pfeiffer and Monahan discuss the importance of separating personal identity from work outputs. Rather than defining oneself by specific roles (like "magazine editor"), Pfeiffer advocates for creating universal mission statements (such as "I tell stories in my own voice") that persist through change. Monahan shares her experience of embracing a "lane-less" approach, successfully venturing into various projects despite initial self-doubt.
Embracing Change As Opportunity
Through various anecdotes, including Pfeiffer's experience with his children interrupting live events and Smedberg's creative response to a "lobester" misspelling, the discussion illustrates how unexpected changes can lead to positive outcomes. Pfeiffer references Malcolm Gladwell and Michael Dell to emphasize the value of learning from setbacks and maintaining openness to new opportunities. The conversation highlights that approaching change with curiosity and viewing failures as learning experiences can strengthen resilience and lead to unexpected successes.
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Counterarguments
- While embracing a mindset of continuous evolution can be beneficial, it may also lead to a lack of satisfaction or contentment if individuals feel they are never "complete" or good enough as they are.
- The four phases of change (panic, adaptation, new normal, and wouldn't go back) may not be universal or experienced in the same way by everyone; some individuals may skip phases or experience them in a different order.
- Panic may not be a universal response to change; some individuals may respond with excitement, curiosity, or even indifference, depending on their personality, past experiences, and the nature of the change.
- Moving quickly through the phases of change is not always possible or desirable; some changes require time to process, and rushing through them can lead to unresolved issues or emotional distress.
- Separating personal identity from work outputs can be challenging for individuals whose work is deeply intertwined with their sense of self, such as artists or entrepreneurs.
- Universal mission statements may be too vague or abstract to provide meaningful guidance in specific situations or career decisions.
- A "lane-less" approach may not be suitable for everyone; some individuals thrive with a clear focus or specialization and may find too much variety to be overwhelming or unproductive.
- Not all unexpected changes lead to positive outcomes, and it can be unrealistic to expect creativity and openness to always turn a situation around.
- While learning from setbacks is important, it is also valid to acknowledge and respect the emotional impact of failures without immediately looking for a lesson or opportunity.
- Viewing failures as learning experiences is a positive approach, but it is also important to recognize systemic issues or external factors that may contribute to those failures, which are not always within an individual's control to change.
Actionables
- Create a personal evolution journal to track your growth, noting down weekly reflections on what you've learned and how you've adapted to new situations. This habit will help you see yourself as a work in progress and recognize patterns in your response to change.
- Develop a personal mission statement that encapsulates your values and goals, independent of your job title or current role. Refer to this statement during times of change to remind yourself of your core purpose and to guide your decisions.
- Start a "curiosity project" by choosing a new skill or hobby that's outside your comfort zone. Dedicate a small amount of time each day to this project, using it as a practice ground for embracing uncertainty and learning from the inevitable setbacks.
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The Psychology and Process Of Adapting to Change
Jason Pfeiffer delves into how embracing a mindset geared towards evolution and constant refinement can facilitate the process of adapting to change. By reframing our experiences and responses to change, we unlock new opportunities for personal growth and success.
Embracing a Mindset of Evolution and Beta
Change: A Cycle of Growth and Opportunity
Pfeiffer suggests that living in permanent beta—viewing ourselves as a product that is never finalized but always improving—is crucial for adapting to change. This perspective reframes change as a natural cycle and an opportunity for growth. He emphasizes the importance of evolving and advocates for a constant state of refinement, as suggested by Reid Hoffman, calling it "permanent beta."
Adapting To Change: Panic, Adaptation, New Normal, No Going Back
Quickly Moving Through Phases Unlocks Opportunities
Describing his own experiences, including the change in location during the pandemic, Pfeiffer reflects on the value of new habits, such as hiking, that he incorporated into his life. These activities allowed him to expand his identity rather than lose it. He shares the four phases of change he has observed people experiences: panic, adaptation, new normal, and wouldn't go back. He notes that the quicker one can move through these phases thoughtfully, the faster opportunities and growth can be uncovered. This realization led Pfeiffer and his wife to seek a new house in Brooklyn that offers a different pace and lifestyle.
Normalizing Panic as a Natural Process
Pfeiffer points out that panic, while a natural initial response to change, should be understood and normalized. He highlights that everyone, regardless of success or advantages, experiences panic at the beginning of change. By acknowledging and working through this panic, it is possible to move towards adaptation and redefining one's approach, eventually leading to a phase where one would not want to return to the old ways. Pfeiffer shows that even in situations such as a poorly received dating proposal, panic is a universal emotion that precedes adaptation.
Reframing Change As Gain Rather Than Loss
Questions on New Skills, Habits, and Applications
To counter the often default mindset that eq ...
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The Psychology and Process Of Adapting to Change
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Clarifications
- "Permanent beta" is a concept popularized by Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn. It refers to maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement and learning, treating oneself or a product as always evolving rather than finished. This approach encourages flexibility and adaptation in response to change. It contrasts with the idea of being "complete" or "finalized," promoting ongoing growth.
- Reid Hoffman is a co-founder of LinkedIn and a well-known entrepreneur and investor in the tech industry. He popularized the concept of "permanent beta" to describe a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, especially in business and personal development. The idea is significant because it encourages embracing change and uncertainty as opportunities rather than obstacles. This mindset helps individuals and organizations stay adaptable and innovative in rapidly changing environments.
- The four phases of change describe a common emotional and behavioral progression people experience during transitions. "Panic" is the initial shock and fear response to unexpected change. "Adaptation" involves learning new skills and adjusting behaviors to cope with the new situation. "New normal" is when the change feels integrated into daily life, and "no going back" means fully embracing the change and rejecting a return to previous ways.
- Panic is a natural response because change triggers uncertainty and perceived threats to stability. The brain's fight-or-flight mechanism activates to protect against unknown risks. This reaction is universal as all humans share similar neurological responses to sudden disruptions. Recognizing panic as normal helps individuals manage it rather than resist it.
- To work through panic, start by acknowledging and accepting the feeling without judgment. Use calming techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce immediate stress. Break down the change into smaller, manageable steps to regain a sense of control. Gradually experiment with new behaviors to build confidence and move toward adaptation.
- Reframing change as gain means focusing on new opportunities and skills gained rather than what is lost. For example, losing a job might lead to learning new skills or exploring a better career path. Another example is moving to a new city, which can expand social networks and experiences instead of just feeling like a loss of familiarity. This mindset reduces fear and opens the door to growth and positive outcomes.
- Developing new habits often reveals changes in personal values and lifestyle preferences. These shifts can highlight a desire for environments that better ...
Counterarguments
- While embracing a mindset of evolution and constant refinement can be beneficial, it may not be suitable for everyone, as some individuals may thrive in stable and unchanging environments.
- The concept of "permanent beta" might lead to a lack of satisfaction or a feeling of never being complete, which could affect mental health negatively for some people.
- Moving quickly through phases of change may not be possible or healthy for everyone; some individuals or situations may require more time to process and adapt to change effectively.
- Normalizing panic might inadvertently minimize the experiences of those who suffer from anxiety disorders, for whom panic is not simply a natural response but a significant mental health challenge.
- The idea of reframing change as a gain rather than a loss may not acknowledge the real and valid feelings of grief or loss that can accompany significant changes.
- The advice to ask questions about new skills and habits assumes that all change is inherently positive or that it always leads to perso ...
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Identifying and Leveraging Core Values and Skills
Pfeiffer and Monahan share their insights into the importance of discerning personal core values and transferable skills as the foundation for a stable and adaptable professional identity.
Separating Identity From Outputs or Products of Work
Creating a Universal Personal Mission or Purpose Statement
Pfeiffer emphasizes the significance of separating our identity from the products of our work. By identifying too closely with our work products, changes in circumstances can unsettle us. He advocates for establishing a core value that persists through change. Instead of adopting job-specific identifiers like "I am a magazine editor," he suggests leaning towards a universal mission statement such as "I tell stories in my own voice," prioritizing the intrinsic value provided over the specific medium used.
Pfeiffer advises individuals to anchor their identity in a personal mission that isn't vulnerable to external change. Mission statements such as "I am a problem solver" or "I help people achieve their own greatness" help define one's core identity independently from any specific role or title.
Resisting Defining Oneself By Past Perceptions
Open to New Directions and Opportunities Beyond Preconceptions
Pfeiffer confronts the issue of being defined by past perceptions, noting that many initially identify with the product of their work. He argues that looking beyond these tangible outputs to recognize transferable core skills offers a broader range of opportunities and allows one to be more adaptable when faced with change.
Monahan encourages embracing a "lane-lessly" approach, using her capabilities across diverse ventures. She admits the possibility of failure, like with her clothing line, but also highlights her success in writing a book and hosting a podcast. She acknowledges that initial perceptions can lead to self-doubt, recalling how she questioned her potential to be an author.
Failure and Change As Learning Experiences, Not Setbacks ...
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Identifying and Leveraging Core Values and Skills
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Counterarguments
- While separating identity from work outputs can provide stability, it may also diminish the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from creating tangible products or achieving specific professional milestones.
- Universal personal mission statements can be too vague or abstract, making it difficult for individuals to set clear goals or measure progress in their careers.
- Defining oneself with broad mission statements might not provide enough direction or motivation for some individuals who thrive on having specific roles or titles.
- Overemphasis on adaptability and transferable skills could lead to a lack of specialization, which is highly valued in certain industries and roles.
- The "lane-lessly" approach might not be suitable for everyone, as it requires a high level of self-motivation and entrepreneurial spirit that not all individuals possess.
- Viewing failure consistently as a learning experience can be psychologically taxing and may not always lead to positive outcomes or insights.
- A growth mindset is beneficial, but it is also important to recognize and accept persona ...
Actionables
- Create a personal mission collage by gathering images and words from magazines or printing them from online sources that resonate with your core values and aspirations. Place this collage somewhere you'll see it daily, like on your fridge or beside your computer. This visual reminder will help you internalize your broader mission and reinforce the idea that your identity is not tied to a specific job or title.
- Start a "Skill Swap" initiative with friends or colleagues where you teach each other skills that are outside of your current job roles. For example, if you're an accountant, you might teach a friend about basic financial management, while they teach you about graphic design. This exchange encourages you to recognize and develop transferable skills, making you more adaptable to change.
- Keep a "Growth Diary" where you writ ...
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Embracing Change As Opportunity
The concept of growth and opportunity is dissected through various anecdotes, revealing that success can stem from unexpected places, failure is an essential part of growth, and adaptability can future-proof one's career.
Success Often Comes Unexpectedly
Embracing Change Through Curiosity and Experimentation
Jason Pfeiffer talks about how his kids bursting in on him while working from home during live events showed his human side, resulting in appreciation from the audience. This anecdote exemplifies how unexpected changes can lead to positive outcomes. The story about Smedberg's "lobester" misspelling reflects a similar lesson. Instead of correcting the mistake on their sign, they embraced the error, selling shirts with the misspelled word, showcasing innovation and a capacity to capitalize on change. The conversation suggests that approaching change with curiosity and experimentation can provide opportunities for self-improvement.
Cultivating a Self-Improvement & Future-Proofing Mindset
Seeking New Skills, Experiences, and Perspectives to Grow
The hosts underline the importance of expecting and adapting to change to enhance resilience and flexibility. Pfeiffer's book, described as an action plan for embracing change, touches on this theme by advocating for the acquisition of new skills and experiences to future-proof one's career. Monahan’s success with her book and podcast serves as evidence that trying different ventures can lead to unexpected achievements. Personal anecdotes shared by Pfeiffer about learning from a failed date, and Monahan almost falling on stage, support the notion that new experiences, even when uncomfortable, contribute to personal growth and professional success.
Setbacks as Stepping Stones to Self-Knowledge and Resilience
Celebrating Failures As Opportunities to Learn and Improve
Pfeiffer and Monahan share experiences demonstrating that setbacks can i ...
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Embracing Change As Opportunity
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Clarifications
- The anecdotes come from a podcast episode featuring Jason Pfeiffer and Monahan, where they discuss themes from Pfeiffer's book on embracing change. The live events refer to moments during remote work broadcasts where unexpected interruptions occurred. Pfeiffer's book offers practical advice on adapting to change and building resilience. Monahan's podcast and book ventures illustrate real-life examples of trying new paths and learning from setbacks.
- The "lobester" misspelling story refers to a business or event where a sign intended to say "lobster" was misspelled as "lobester." Instead of correcting the error, the owners embraced the mistake by selling merchandise featuring the misspelled word. This approach turned a potential embarrassment into a unique marketing opportunity, attracting attention and customers. It illustrates how accepting and leveraging unexpected changes can lead to innovation and success.
- Malcolm Gladwell is a well-known author and journalist who explores social psychology and success. His opinions matter because he has popularized ideas about how people achieve success through unconventional paths. Gladwell’s work often emphasizes the importance of openness to new experiences and learning from failure. Referencing him adds credibility to the discussion about embracing change and setbacks.
- Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, is known for valuing lessons from failure. Keeping mementos of failures serves as a tangible reminder of past mistakes and the growth they inspired. This practice helps maintain humility and motivation to improve. It encourages viewing setbacks as essential steps toward success.
- Jason Pfeiffer’s book focuses on practical strategies for embracing change in personal and professional life. It emphasizes developing adaptability, learning new skills, and maintaining a growth mindset to navigate uncertainty. The book offers actionable advice to turn challenges into opportunities for success. It draws on real-life examples to illustrate how flexibility can future-proof car ...
Counterarguments
- Success is not always the result of unexpected situations; it can also come from careful planning and strategy.
- Embracing change is important, but not all changes lead to positive outcomes; some may require mitigation or avoidance.
- Not all mistakes or unexpected events can be capitalized on; some may lead to irreversible consequences.
- While adapting to change is crucial, overemphasis on flexibility can lead to a lack of focus and consistency.
- Acquiring new skills is beneficial, but it is also important to deepen expertise in a specific area to become a specialist.
- Trying different ventures can lead to a diffusion of effort and resources, potentially reducing the chances of success in any one area.
- New experiences are valuable, but they must be balanced with the need for stability and routine in personal and professional life.
- Not all setbacks and failures provide clear learning opportunities; some may be the result of random chance or external factors beyond one's control.
- While celebrating failures can be healthy, it is also important to critically analyze them to prevent repetition of the same mistakes.
- Being open to new op ...
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