It is, once again, the time when we pause and reflect on the past year. Hopefully you are taking time away from work or life’s rat race to ask:
- What did I accomplish?
- What would I like to do over or improve?
- What did I learn?
- What things did I not get to?
Now is a great time to look ahead, to be purposeful about what you want to do and to set your priorities and goals for 2015.
Let’s first acknowledge the recent facts and articles about the social change movement occurring in America with adults 50+ beginning to “THINK” about redefining their work and life as they approach their second half. Notice that I am emphasizing “THINKING” vs “DOING”.
Taking action to begin the discovery process toward your encore could be the best New Year’s resolution you’ve ever made!
I have been working and speaking with experienced adults for the last two years and I continually find that people get stuck in their own head. People are either afraid or unsure of how to begin on this discovery process to find their purpose. One of the best books I have read this year was Your Life Calling by Jane Pauley. Jane says, “You have to be willing to take the off-ramp”. The first step is moving away from who you have been or what you have done most of your life. The second step involves letting go and discovering the possibilities.
Finding your purpose:
Finding your purpose means going within, taking time for reflection:
- Explore the past. What were some of the interests or skills you left behind before getting on the “gerbil wheel”?
- Examine your current values. Research shows adults in their 50’s have a significant shift in values.
- Dream or imagine something you have always wanted to do. Let your creative juices flow.
In a recent article, John Tarnoff interviews two of the 2014 Encore Purpose Prize winners to find out how they discovered their encore careers. Two key themes emerged in their stories.
- Finding your encore means bypassing the logical, conventional and linear path of rational thought and listening to your heart.
- Finding your encore stems from a core personal inspiration, from either a sudden ‘Aha’ moment or a particular philosophy or sense of purpose that emerges over time.
I have learned over the last two years that the hardest step of all is the first step; letting go and moving into the discovery process.
People ask me:
“Where do I begin?”
“What are the exact steps that I need to take?”
The answer is not clear or exact. It starts and looks very different to each of us. This is why I will offer a wide range of suggestions and tips for getting started on this discovery journey.
Suggestions for starting the discovery process:
Explore articles and books that focus not only on the “how to’s” but also the facts, emerging trends and inspirational stories of people in their encores. Here are a few great books which include important discovery activities and assessments.
- #1 on my list is “Encore Career Handbook” by Marci Alboher
- #2 on my list is “Your Life Calling” by Jane Pauley
- “The Power of Purpose” by Dr. Richard Leider
- “Whats Next” by Kerry Hannon
- “Don’t Retire, Rewire” by Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners
There are many more. These are merely a start.
Meet up with other people at this stage of wondering. I have found the power of human connection can help with the fear or feeling that you are the only one that feels this way. Visit our Encore Resources and Programs.
- Test drive your path. Start by volunteering in an organization to explore and experiment.
- Explore other opportunities for continued income that peaks your interest including part time employment, project work or starting your own business or franchise. Visit encore resources and programs.
- Go online to discover your purpose at Life Reimagined or at The Purpose Economy.
What are you waiting for?
This is an exciting time for our generation to chart new paths not only for us but for generations to follow. What is holding us back?
I am committed to building an encore community here in Tampa Bay where we can learn, connect and retool for our encore. Let’s do this together!
I leave you with two more items; a great article on New Years Resolutions for your Second Act and a quote by my hero, Eleanor Roosevelt:
“You must do the thing you cannot do, it’s the only way to overcome the fears we all face in doing something new, take a leap into the unknown.”
Happy New Year!
Bevan Rogel