Transitions- Probing: Unlock Intentional Growth

Times of transitions can be strenuous but I love them. They are an opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits – Kristin Armstrong

Note: Today’s post is written by guest blogger, Dr. Samson Gichuki.

Richest Soil

Transitions, whether it’s starting a new job, a life change, or a shift in direction, naturally place us in unfamiliar territory – moments that can feel disorienting. But times of transitions also offer something powerful: the richest soil for growth. As I shared in the previous post, Pivot — Moving Forward With What You Have, becoming a husband a few years ago was one of the most transformative transitions of my life. Since then, the most rewarding transition I’ve experienced recently has been becoming a dad.

Grounded

About two years ago, we welcomed our first born daughter, Zoe. As new parents, my wife and I were suddenly in unfamiliar territory. The learning curve was steep, and we often felt unsure about everything. We had to navigate the uncharted waters of parenting with little certainty. But in hindsight, those two years offered us the greatest opportunity for growth, both individually and as a couple. The one thing that kept us grounded and growing in the soil of transition was curiosity – leaning in and asking questions. Probing became our most powerful tool for learning.

Probing

Probing is more than curiosity; it’s strategic learning. It’s the intentional choice to lead with questions rather than assumptions. It’s embracing the mindset of a beginner, not because you’re ignorant, but because you’re open. Open to insight, feedback, and discovery.When you lean into probing early, both internally and externally, you accelerate adaptation and uncover hidden opportunities. Probing sharpens your focus, reveals blind spots, and brings clarity to what matters most. In my leadership roles, at home, at work and in my local church, I’ve observed that the people who thrive during transitions are those who’ve mastered the art of probing by asking great questions.

Probing sharpens your focus, reveals blind spots, and brings clarity to what matters most.

In any transition, I’ve found that asking the right questions is one of the best ways to unlock growth. Here are four key probing questions that serve as a powerful starting point:

1. What is one important thing I need to learn that will help me succeed moving forward? This question sharpens your focus and helps you prioritize your learning. Instead of being overwhelmed by everything you don’t know, you identify what’s most essential to move forward with confidence.

2. Who is one person I need on my side as I transition? It’s essential to find someone who has successfully navigated a similar transition. Their perspective, encouragement, and insight can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your growth.

3. What is one thing that has worked in the past, and how can I apply it now? Reflecting on past wins – whether personal habits, tools, or mindsets – reminds you that you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Look for patterns you can repurpose in your new context.

4. What is one success aim for moving forward? This question helps you visualize where you’re going and define what “winning” looks like. It also prompts follow-up questions like: What’s the best path to get there? What might get in the way? What needs to change in me to get there? Each question becomes a tool, helping you make wiser decisions and move forward with confidence.

Final Thought: At the core of unlocking growth through intentional curiosity—and asking better questions—is a growth mindset. A growth mindset empowers you to move beyond the fear of uncertainty and ask the kinds of questions that lead to progress. It helps you lean in, learn forward, and adapt with purpose. So if you’re in a season of change, don’t rush to have all the answers. Start by asking better questions. That shift will turn the early phase of transition from a disorienting experience into a powerful classroom of reinvention.

Keep on keeping on