Why the “Linear Life” Is a Lie and What to Do Instead
Life Doesn’t Follow a Straight Line
Most of us grow up with the idea that life is supposed to unfold in predictable stages: education, career, family, and retirement. But what happens when that path is interrupted? When you lose a job, sell a business, become a caregiver, or get hit by something you never saw coming?
In a powerful conversation with Bruce Feiler, host Brady Fineske unpacks how these “lifequakes” don’t just disrupt, they reshape who we are.
The End of the Linear Life
Bruce explains how centuries of tradition, from the agricultural cycle to Freud’s developmental stages, taught us to expect a smooth, upward path. But that model no longer fits. In today’s world, we live through dozens of transitions, some planned, others shocking.
Instead of clinging to outdated expectations, Bruce encourages us to name what we’re going through, accept the emotions that come with it, and commit to rewriting our story.
Lifequakes Are Universal, But So Is Resilience
Bruce’s research shows that the average person goes through three to five major lifequakes, each lasting around five years. These transitions can feel overwhelming, but they also hold the power to renew us. The key? Learning how to move through them intentionally.
He shares the three-part structure of all transitions:
- The Long Goodbye
- The Messy Middle
- The New Beginning
And perhaps most movingly, Bruce and Brady explore how purpose isn’t something we stumble into; it’s something we shape. Through agency, belonging, and cause (the ABCs of meaning), we can design lives that reflect what matters most.
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
Whether you’re in the thick of change or just sensing it on the horizon, this episode will help you feel less alone and more equipped to face what’s next.
