🅿️ Pattern - Understanding Life Stages
Why?
Life stages matter because they define our priorities and challenges. Two individuals may struggle with the same issue—such as career uncertainty—but their age and stage in life drastically impact the best approach. A young adult just starting out will need different guidance than someone in their fifties considering a career pivot. By recognizing these differences, we can provide more relevant and effective solutions.
"The quality of your life is a direct reflection of the quality of the questions you are asking yourself." – Tony Robbins
Understanding life stages helps us ask the right questions at the right time, leading to deeper clarity and growth.
What?
Life stages refer to specific phases of life that most people experience, each with distinct priorities.
Common stages include:
- Childhood
- Adolescence
- Young Adulthood
- Leaving Home
- Early Marriage
- Parenting
- Parenting Teens
- Retirement
These stages aren’t universal but serve as general milestones. Some individuals may not experience certain stages—such as marriage or parenting—but they may have close relationships that fulfill similar roles.
Some stages will not be relevant for all people but may be close. Some people will not marry and/or have children, for various reasons, and so will not experience that particular life stage. However, they may have friends and relatives which are very similar to a nuclear family. Ask your client who they are closest to, who looks up to them.
How?
To understand someone’s life stage, ask questions such as:
- Who are they closest to?
- Who depends on them?
- What are their longest-standing relationships?
- What responsibilities shape their daily life?
These questions help uncover the unique aspects of their stage, even if it doesn’t fit traditional models.
Example Breakdown:
Physical 🟧
- A teenager’s body is developing rapidly and requires different health and fitness approaches than an older adult.
- Someone entering retirement may need to shift from high-intensity exercise to joint-friendly activities.
Intellectual 🟦
- A young adult may focus on gaining new skills, education, or career advancement.
- A middle-aged person may prioritize leadership, mentorship, or even a career shift.
Social 🟢
- Adolescents prioritize friendships and social identity.
- Parents may focus on relationships with their children and balancing family and work life.
Spiritual đź”´
- A person in their twenties may explore different belief systems.
- Someone in later stages may focus on legacy, purpose, and deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Resources:
- Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development: This comprehensive psychoanalytic theory identifies eight stages that a healthy individual should pass through from infancy to late adulthood. Each stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth. en.wikipedia.org
- Brain Development and Maturity: Understanding when the brain is fully developed can inform decisions related to education, career, and personal life. Research indicates that the brain continues to mature into the mid to late 20s, affecting decision-making processes. verywellhealth.com
By understanding life stages, we create more personalized and effective solutions, ensuring that every individual receives the right guidance for their journey.
Member discussion