Habitudes for the Journey: The Art of Navigating Transitions

by Tim Elmore

Life is full of transitions: from middle school to high school, from high school to a college or a job, and especially from college to a career. Each transition is an opportunity to establish healthy habits, make smart choices and meet great people, but unfortunately, some students aren’t able to navigate these intense changes. They find themselves at a destination they don’t like because they didn’t make the right moves at crucial times.

This discussion guide is designed to prevent that.

In The Art of Navigating Transitions, Dr. Tim Elmore seeks to teach students how to make large, critical decisions in their lives. Through thirteen memorable images — each with a series of engaging stories, self-assessment questions, and thought-provoking discussion topics — students learn and internalize important principles on making important, purposeful decisions that will help them set the right course for their lives sooner.

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2016

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yet another thing I had to do for my UNV 1010 class. Overall, not a bad self-help book, but I'm not a self-help type of girl. It makes me deeply uncomfortable. It was a quick read, though, so at least there's that. Not recommended!

[Justin Vistine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very timely one for me. There are certain principles that I know, and some that I hadn’t realized before that I just really needed to hear in this particular time where change seems to be the only constant. Very, very good for navigating big life changes, especially in regards to moving or leadership.

I will say there was one principle which I disagreed with, the idea that we need to be more and more selective about our friends as we get older, and if they are “toxic” we need to “pass them on the left”, like you would pass a car who is going too slow on the interstate. First of all, who started using this word, “toxic”, for everything? I hate it. It sounds like a really vague excuse to avoid dealing with difficult relational problems, instead of being patient and unselfish with people when they really need help, while also setting boundaries with them. I get it, it’s impossible to be friends with everyone forever, but what happens to these “toxic” people if everyone follows this principle? What happens if everyone just passes them on the left? Seems like we should just learn how to set boundaries with them. And I think we need more community, not less as we get older. Sure, we’ve got to be selective about who influences us the most, but humility requires being willing to learn from anyone, and a life of discipling and leading only expands someone’s network, not the other way around.

Anyways, it really was a great book and really helpful, five stars! Just didn’t agree with that one principle

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elmore does an excellent job of breaking down each point and keeping his chapters short and to the point. I do wish there was some more elaboration and that the sentences were a little less choppy, as it made it somewhat of a fast read. I think some of his points deserved more attention than what they got, but I know the book was helpful overall with or without those extra details. It was also an excellent idea to include journal prompts, as it really pushes the reader to consider what they're reading and how it is applicable.

[Duru · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some chapters spoke to me more than others, but it was nice to have guided self-reflection time once a week. I'm still not huge on self-help books as it is incredibly hard to transfer the words on the pages to real life.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim does an excellent job using imagery to help us remember his life's lessons. Gave this book to several for graduations with hopes they will learn valuable info as they face lifes' transitions.