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Preparing for Your Next Life Chapter – Advice I Wish I Had

Preparing for Your Next Life Chapter – Advice I Wish I Had

Around this time last year, I flipped through the calendar and saw it. The number 60. It was a very round number – and it was attached to my birthday! The experience stayed with me and I started the new year with a feeling that was foreign to me – dread. I was getting old. And there was nothing I could do about it except count down the months to my next milestone.

Here’s the good news. As I write this, I’m about five months into my new decade, and I feel like I have a new lease on life. What changed? A lot of reflection and a shift in perspective.

I also realized that my insights would have been helpful when I entered my second career chapter, leaving my corporate career for the entrepreneurial path. Whatever life transition you’re facing, here are the five things I wish someone shared with me as prepared for my next life phase...

Finding Your Center – An Approach to Well-being

Finding Your Center – An Approach to Well-being

As we navigate life’s twists and turns, it’s easy to forget the importance of self-care. But it’s during the stress of life transitions when we need it most. This article will focus on exploring practical ways to help you stay grounded, resilient and well in times of turmoil, including my favorite self-care practice you can do in five minutes.

Transitions are often stressful due to a variety of reasons. The biggest factor is uncertainty. When life gets upended, it can seem full of unknowns, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear of what lies ahead. During these times, there can be a focus on what is lost, how much there is to do, a looming fear of failure, external pressure, and internal doubt.

All of these feelings are normal. And when you have a better understanding of the reasons behind this stress, you can design effective strategies to navigate life changes more effectively.

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part V - A Calling

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part V - A Calling

The Life Beyond the Ladder article series was written to support you as you step into a new chapter of your life and consider how self-discovery can reshape your understanding of the world and your place in it.

This transformative journey can offer profound insights, emotional exploration, and a sense of connection to something larger than yourself. Whether you’re exploring new belief systems, deepening your existing faith, or simply seeking a greater sense of meaning, this deep-rooted questioning can lead you to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

It’s not unusual to explore existential questions during times of significant life changes beyond leaving a long-term profession. Midlife can bring divorce, the death of a loved one, a health crisis, or even successfully reaching a long-held goal, only to experience the emptiness and wonder what comes next – all wrapped up in thoughts of our own mortality. This can lead to overwhelm and confusion. But a way to work through it all...

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part IV - Welcoming Growth

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part IV - Welcoming Growth

As professionals transition out of long-term careers, they often find themselves grappling with a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. At the core of this experience lies the universal challenge of change, which involves working through self-doubt, the fear of the unknown, and stepping outside of a well-established comfort zone. And that intensity is further amplified for those in midlife who may also confront issues such as ageism, identity crisis, and social isolation.

But among these challenges are numerous opportunities for significant growth and personal development. By approaching change as a chance to explore new possibilities, learn new skills, and redefine the self, a professional transition can transmute into a positive experience. This requires a mindset shift – a mentality that’s eager to live a more fulfilling life, embraces the unknown with curiosity and openness, and welcomes growth.

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part III - Understanding Fear

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part III - Understanding Fear

The decision to explore life beyond the professional ladder and pursue a new midlife path can be exhilarating. The potential of aligning your lifestyle to your passions and values is alluring. But as you consider this shift, especially in quiet moments, you may also feel waves of paralyzing fear.

It’s natural to experience some level of fear when contemplating a significant life change. Fear is the body’s alarm system that’s designed to protect us from perceived threats. While it’s crucial for survival, this response can be triggered by less severe psychological stressors, leading to anxiety and fear.

In the context of career transition, fear can manifest as anxiety about the unknown, doubts about your abilities and concerns about financial stability. Understanding where this fear stems from is the first step toward overcoming it.

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part II - Preparation

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part II - Preparation

Breaking free from the traditional career template takes preparation. Having a plan helps ensure a smooth transition once the decision is made and alleviates the anxiety about what lies ahead. But planning can also be your key to unlocking the full potential of this enlivening opportunity.

The landscape of work has changed dramatically. Technology, changing norms, and a newfound emphasis on flexibility all invite meaningful contribution beyond the confines of a traditional nine to five job. Today it’s easier than ever to leverage your skills and experience to pursue work that aligns with your passions and purpose while making an impact.

For professionals who have spent decades building a successful career, this shift can be both thrilling and daunting. So let’s explore some tools and strategies to navigate this exciting transition.

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part I - Ideation

Life Beyond the Ladder, Part I - Ideation

No matter your chosen career, two things typically stop many professionals from leaving their long-time careers: routine and indecision. The steady paycheck and methodical climb up the career ladder can provide feelings of predictability and security long after engagement and enthusiasm have faded. This deep groove of comfort can obscure any visioning of what life could be beyond the familiar.

But what if there’s a life beyond the ladder, a world that’s not just full of potential, but actively sparks your interest? Imagine a future where your familiar routine gives way to the opportunity to pursue a purpose that ignites your soul.

This series of articles, Life Beyond the Ladder, will be your guide to making this transition by reimagining your future to craft a fulfilling post-professional life. Today’s article delves into the power of ideation to transform the uncertainty of a blank slate into fuel for an exciting new chapter.

Mid-Year Refresh – A Well-being Check-in

Mid-Year Refresh – A Well-being Check-in

Six months have passed since we rang in 2024 and a perfect time for a little mid-year reflection, the practice of intentionally reviewing your experiences, thoughts and feelings.

I often recommend the practice of reflection because it’s simple and easy – there’s no way to get it wrong. It’s also a wonderful way to enhance your self-awareness by using the insights from your learning and growth to navigate your future with more wisdom and ease.

The reason why reflection is so powerful at the beginning or midpoint of the calendar year is it helps you make meaning of your experiences by allowing time to absorb a deeper understanding of your needs and desires. Here’s how to approach it.

The Power of a Reverse Bucket List

The Power of a Reverse Bucket List

In the wake of being with a loved one at the end of their life, it’s not unusual to take the proverbial bucket list approach to your own. A bucket list is an itemized inventory of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. It focuses on what hasn’t yet been achieved and can be used to keep track of things we want to do when there’s more time or resources.

Of course, what can happen is that the perfect moment never arrives or a person can run out of vitality or time before getting to the items on the list. And even when items are methodically checked off, satisfaction can be brief, lasting until another item on the list becomes the focus. This is what gives bucket lists a quality of “I’ll be happy when…”

Enter the reverse bucket list, which can act like a roadmap for a life filled with lasting satisfaction and meaning.

The Regret of Paths Not Taken

The Regret of Paths Not Taken

I’ve been mulling over some research published by psychologist Tom Gilovich. A few years ago, he co-wrote a paper titled, “The Ideal Road Not Taken.” I was struck by his findings. Gilovich concluded that regret does not come from failing to satisfy obligations and responsibilities. Rather, remorse stems from unfulfilled hopes and aspirations.

Gilovich also notes there are three components that comprise a person’s sense of self. The actual self, which includes attributes you believe you possess; the ideal self, which includes attributes you’d like to possess along with your hopes and dreams; and the ought self, which includes your shoulds, such as your obligations and responsibilities.

And where do we usually focus our intentions and goals? On our ought self.

Approaching Life as a Discovery Draft

Approaching Life as a Discovery Draft

Recently, I experienced something unexpected. I was listening to a podcast as I did some work around the house and it hit me – it was time to think about writing my next book.

I grabbed my notebook and jotted down a few notes on the premise. I started doing some research on writing this type of book and within minutes, I found someone who might be able to support me during this project. Serendipitously, she was offering an introductory workshop. I worked with her for three months to create a book outline and project plan.

I learned two concepts during that experience that relate to why writers don’t finish their projects. But as I reflected, these ideas can be applied to wellness and navigating life transitions.

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. IV - Creating a Post-Corporate Life

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. IV - Creating a Post-Corporate Life

This is the final installment of a four-part series to Unlock Your Next Chapter, inspired by the biggest lesson learned since leaving corporate life behind, which is, the skills that make you successful in one chapter of your life are rarely the ones you rely on as you create the next one.

Part IV of the series concludes with an example of how to use the hero’s journey framework to visualize your life in a new way, with a focus on learning and growth. Reframing your life in this manner will help you declare your call to action and take that important first step.

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. III - Your Hero's Journey

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. III - Your Hero's Journey

This is the third installment of a four-part series to Unlock Your Next Chapter, inspired by the biggest lesson learned since leaving corporate life behind, which is, the skills that make you successful in one chapter of your life are rarely the ones you rely on as you create the next one.

Part III of the series continues with an exploration of the hero’s journey, a common story format you can use to visualize your life in a new way, with a focus on learning and growth. Reframing your life in this manner will help you discover everyday life adventures and help you feel your way forward.

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. II - Your Origin Story

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. II - Your Origin Story

This is the second installment of a four-part series to Unlock Your Next Chapter, inspired by the biggest lesson learned since leaving corporate life behind, which is, the skills that make you successful in one chapter of your life are rarely the ones you rely on as you create the next one.

Part II of the series includes an exploration of your origin story, looking for themes and working with questions to help you understand where you’ve been so you can set your sights on the hero’s journey of your choosing that lies ahead.

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. I - The Gift of Discontent

Unlock Your Next Chapter, Pt. I - The Gift of Discontent

This is the first installment of a four-part series to Unlock Your Next Chapter, inspired by the biggest lesson learned since leaving corporate life behind, which is, the skills that make you successful in one chapter of your life are rarely the ones you rely on as you create the next one.

Part I of the series includes an exploration of that vague yet unshakeable feeling of discontent that leads us to make life changes. You’re then invited to consider areas where you feel discontent, what might bring relief, and how to gather information to help you move forward.

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. IV – Future Self Emulation

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. IV – Future Self Emulation

This is the final installment of a four-part series on Envisioning Your Future as a means of reinventing yourself in your second chapter. An important component of reinvention is holding a clear vision of who you’re becoming and where you’d like to go. And an effective way to gain clarity is by defining, exploring and working toward your future self, a powerful tool for envisioning the version of yourself you’re striving to become.

Part IV of the series includes a number of ways to work with your future self vision, including how to emulate the future self you met during the visualization shared in the prior article.

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. III – Future Self Visualization

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. III – Future Self Visualization

This is the third installment of a multi-part series on Envisioning Your Future as a means of reinventing yourself in your second chapter. An important component of reinvention is holding a clear vision of who you’re becoming and where you’d like to go. And an effective way to gain clarity is by defining, exploring and working toward your future self, a powerful tool for envisioning the version of yourself you’re striving to become.

Part III of the series includes a visualization adapted from an exercise developed by the Coaches Training Institute. Clients have found this exercise to be very insightful and invaluable in transcending limiting beliefs and familiar boundaries.

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. II – Inner Wisdom

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. II – Inner Wisdom

This is the second installment of a multi-part series on Envisioning Your Future as a means of reinventing yourself in your second chapter. An important component of reinvention is holding a clear vision of who you’re becoming and where you’d like to go. And an effective way to gain clarity is by defining, exploring and working toward your future self, a powerful tool for envisioning the version of yourself you’re striving to become.

Part II of the series includes the importance of connecting with your inner wisdom, the place in your heart that holds your deepest desires as well as an exercise to help you practice what a true “yes” feels like for you – a useful tool for your inner journey.

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. I – Inner Vision

Envisioning Your Future, Pt. I – Inner Vision

This is the first installment of a multi-part series on Envisioning Your Future as a means of reinventing yourself in your second chapter. An important component of reinvention is holding a clear vision of who you’re becoming and where you’d like to go. And an effective way to gain clarity is by defining, exploring and working toward your future self, a powerful tool for envisioning the version of yourself you’re striving to become.

Part I of the series includes an overview of what the future self is and how to work with it to create an inner vision of your next life chapter.

Reimagining Midlife Wellness, Part IX - The Plan

Reimagining Midlife Wellness, Part IX - The Plan

This is the final installment of a multi-part series on Reimagining Midlife Wellness, focusing on the importance of strengthening our vitality as we get older, especially in times of transition. These articles will provide a framework to help you define what matters most to you at this stage of your life and ways to continue to take positive action to be well.

In Part IX of the series, we’ll put it all together and I’ll share how I utilized The Athena Principles and related practices we reviewed in these articles to create a wellness plan for 2024.