Designing the Legacy Chapter: combining expertise, passion and purpose
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to end your career on a fulfilling high? Imagine being able to combine your expertise with purpose and passion, doing work you enjoy and that really makes a difference. And best of all, it blends beautifully into the lifestyle you want for this phase of your life.
Well, let me tell you, this is not just a dream. It’s something that can actually come to life and crown the years you’ve invested in your professional life. This is the legacy chapter that combines the best of you with what the world needs right now. And it’s yours to design!
When retirement is looming on the horizon, or you’re about to sell your business but you don’t want to switch off and put your feet up for long, how can you create an even better chapter that brings together your experience with a fresh and exciting purpose?
Let’s start with what looks like a simple question: what do you want and need from this phase of your life? OK, that’s two questions - but the answers will help you shape your own Legacy Chapter. If you can design this phase of your career to satisfy those needs and wants, you’re on the road to happiness and fulfilment.
Designing with intention
So many of us stumble into our careers and work our way through existing pathways. When faced with a blank canvas, the freedom is immense, and for some can seem more than a little daunting.
Working with clients on their legacy chapter, I initially see these common obstacles:
Too many ideas - or no ideas at all
Being unable to make a confident choice
Being unsure that any of their ideas are practical and achievable
Wondering whether these ideas can give them what they want and need
Wondering whether they have it in them to reinvent their professional life at this point
Losing momentum as their doubts continue to grow
Unsure how they would make the transition
To address any (or all) of these potential obstacles, it’s a good idea to cultivate a growth mindset and design-thinking approach, one that is eager to test out, explore, be curious about possibilities, and be open to new ways of combining strands of your new life.
Don’t automatically assume old patterns will govern how you work now. It doesn’t have to be 24-7, nor a focus on one area of expertise only, you can create something very different to satisfy what you need and also make a positive contribution.
Maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to do - write a book, make a film, research a new area, pass on your expertise, start a different business, challenge yourself physically? Now is the time to bring those dreams into the fresh air and give them room to breathe.
For any idea that’s making its presence felt, ask yourself:
What will this idea allow me to do?
Why does this matter?
Who will benefit?
Why does it excite and energise me?
Answers to those questions will give you a sense of how far your idea resonates and fires you up. Don’t worry though if it also makes you feel a little afraid - that’s a sign your idea has power and could be worth stretching for.
When you’re struggling for ideas
1. If your canvas remains blank, try asking yourself:
‘What would I do if money was no object?’
Or
‘What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?’
2. Plumb the depths of your interests and passions - is there something here you would love to reignite, develop, or explore?
3. Which of your many strengths would you like to use in a new setting? Think about who could benefit and why this is important to you
4. Is there a cause you care deeply about? This could be the time to get involved and make a difference for something that matters to you
If you’d like some more options, including the most common strands to explore, request your free copy of my Legacy Chapter Ideas resource here.
WHY?
At the heart of a happy and fulfilling life - including your Legacy Chapter - lies a rich answer to the question:
WHY is this important to you?
Aligning your life with your highest values and harnessing your strengths to a purpose that lights you up is a wonderful thing. What that looks like for each of us is unique. Finding it is a deeply worthwhile endeavour, one that gives this phase of your life meaning and enjoyment.
Giving yourself time to answer the questions I’ve posed here could be a great starting point. Carve out space, relax, embrace a pause to reflect, maybe travel, but definitely unwind. There’s no hurry, and creating this chapter can be fun and deeply rewarding.
If you’re someone who like to bounce ideas around in a open-minded and supportive space, consider who could help you generate a future where you can truly thrive.
If you’d like support in generating and evaluating ideas, understanding your WHY, cultivating the belief and clarity that makes designing this chapter a breeze, you don’t have to do it alone.
I have a systematic approach that enables you to create a fulfilling answer to the question: What now? Read more about The Legacy Chapter here, and if you’d like to discuss your situation, ideas you have, and how to create an amazing future, get in touch for your free 30-minute call. That exciting next chapter is waiting!