Dr. Sam Chand’s “4 Seasons of Life” Everyone Must Know (Doulos Conference 2025)

Introduction

Life is a journey filled with different phases, each bringing unique challenges, opportunities, and lessons. 

At the Doulos Conference 2025, hosted by Pastor Mensa Otabil and ICGC at Christ Temple East, Accra, Dr. Sam Chand, a renowned global leadership expert, shared profound insights into the four seasons of life. 

He emphasized how each stage plays a critical role in shaping our growth, purpose, and legacy. Understanding these seasons allows us to navigate life more effectively, making wise decisions that align with where we are and where we are headed.

1. The Starting Season (0-20 Years): The Providence of Life

The first season of life, as Dr. Chand describes, is the “starting season,” covering the ages of 0 to 20. This period is marked by providence—events and circumstances beyond our control. “You don’t get to choose your parents, your place of birth, your nationality, or even your natural gifts,” he explains. 

This is a season of discovery, where foundational aspects of identity, culture, and abilities are set. The experiences and influences during this phase shape an individual’s worldview and potential.

2. The Searching Season (20-45 Years): The Struggles of Growth

The second phase is the “searching season,” spanning roughly from ages 20 to 40 or 45. This is a time of survival, struggle, and self-definition. “This is where you’re completing your education, finding a job, getting married, and responding to your call in life,” Dr. Chand notes. 

It is during this period that people make significant life decisions—career paths, relationships, and personal development. The search for purpose and stability is intense, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace learning.

3. The Success Season (40-55 Years): The Power of Maturity

The third season is the “success season,” from around 40 to 55 years old. Here, individuals begin to experience an inner sense of security and confidence. “You’re getting a little bit more secure about who you are. You’re not trying to be like anybody else,” Dr. Chand explains. This phase is a merging of competencies, skills, and accumulated experience.

A key transformation during this stage is the shift in decision-making. “Till about late 40s, we get ahead by saying yes. But after mid-50s, life gets defined by saying no,” Dr. Chand emphasizes. People in this phase begin to prioritize their commitments and focus on what truly matters. This shift is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

4. The Significant Season (55+ Years): Leaving a Legacy

The final season is the “significant season,” where the focus shifts from personal achievement to legacy. Dr. Chand describes this phase as one where people start looking at life from the end back, rather than from the present forward. “You’re thinking more about what you’re going to leave behind, who you’re going to leave behind,” he says.

At this stage, many realize that their grace for certain roles or responsibilities has moved, yet they remain in those positions. “The trouble begins when your grace has moved, but you’re still there,” Dr. Chand warns. This leads to frustration, irritability, and a loss of passion for things that once brought joy. Recognizing when to transition and mentor the next generation becomes crucial in ensuring a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Life’s journey unfolds in seasons, each with its own challenges, lessons, and opportunities. As Dr. Sam Chand so eloquently put it, “God gives you grace for different spaces in life.” 

Understanding which season we are in helps us make wiser decisions, embrace necessary changes, and prepare for the future. 

Whether we are in the starting, searching, success, or significant season, embracing the process with wisdom and faith allows us to live a fulfilled and impactful life.