Imagine standing on a half-built bridge. Behind you lies the familiar—the comfort of what you’ve always known. Ahead, the other side represents your vision, your dreams, your purpose.

The problem? The bridge isn’t complete. And to get across, you must build as you move forward.

This is transition—the uncertain, uncomfortable space between where you are and where you want to be.

At the Youth+ Festival, Vusi Thembekwayo shared powerful insights on navigating transitions, challenging us to reflect on five deep questions. Let’s dive in.

1. What’s Your Appetite for Pain?

Transitions are never smooth. Growth hurts. But here’s the truth: your ability to succeed is directly tied to your ability to endure discomfort.

🔹 Can you handle rejection, failure, and uncertainty?
🔹 Are you willing to sacrifice comfort to pursue something greater?
🔹 Do you see pain as a reason to quit or proof that you’re growing?

💡 Takeaway: The bigger the vision, the higher the price. Your pain threshold determines how far you go.

2. Who Are You Building With?

No one builds alone. The people in your circle will either strengthen or sabotage your transition.

🔹 Do they challenge you or keep you stagnant?
🔹 Do they believe in your vision?
🔹 Are they builders or just spectators?

💡 Takeaway: Your network shapes your net worth—not just financially, but in wisdom, resilience, and opportunities. Choose wisely.

3. Are You in Alignment with Your Vision & Purpose?

You can work hard, hustle non-stop, and still end up lost—if you’re climbing the wrong mountain.

🔹 Does your current path align with your deeper purpose?
🔹 Are you chasing success or significance?
🔹 If you reached your goal, would it actually fulfill you?

💡 Takeaway: Success without alignment is emptiness. Make sure your steps are leading to the life you actually want.

4. Mission Before Man: Does Your Purpose Outlive You?

Most people live for themselves. Few build something bigger than them.

🔹 Does your mission serve others, not just you?
🔹 Will it matter in 10, 20, 50 years?
🔹 Are you focused on impact or just income?

💡 Takeaway: A vision that dies with you was never a mission—it was just a personal goal. Aim bigger.

5. What Are Your Demons?

Everyone has something they battle—fear, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, procrastination. Your demons will either fuel or destroy you.

🔹 Do you know what holds you back?
🔹 Are you confronting your inner struggles or avoiding them?
🔹 Have you developed systems to manage your weaknesses?

💡 Takeaway: You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be self-aware. The strongest people aren’t the ones without struggles—they’re the ones who face them head-on.

Bringing It Home

Transition isn’t about luck or waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about:

✅ Enduring the pain that comes with growth.
✅ Surrounding yourself with the right people.
✅ Staying true to your vision.
✅ Making your mission bigger than yourself.
✅ Facing your inner battles.

Your Turn: Which of these five questions hit you the hardest? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Learning never stops.
Take a moment to reflect and act on what resonates with you.
Keep evolving.
– MJ Nyota