ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes a model of how self-insight might lead to major life decisions that help cultivate personally meaningful growth. Several phenomena work together to facilitate the process of such changes, namely, crystallizations of desire and discontent, a quiet ego, narrative identity, and a transformative self. I view this model of insight to growth through the lens of narrative meaning-making and identity development. The process starts with insights regarding the broad trajectories of our life course, in terms of both what no longer works (i.e., a crystallization of discontent) and what one wants to do (i.e., a crystallization of desire). Inklings of such insights are commonly met with internal resistance before they crystallize, not least because they threaten existing ideals and commitments in our life story. To recognize these insights as constructive possibilities rather than as threats requires a quieted, less-defensive ego. But even if we are open to new possibilities, we still need to identify and interpret new life paths as workable – that is, as fitting within our notions of a meaningful, possible self over time. To do that, it helps to have a narrative identity that emphasizes themes of growth over safety, which is to say, a transformative self.
