Finishing Well

1. Life II: A New Season of Significance Beyond Success

"Odds are, you'll live a whole adult lifetime that wasn't available to your parents and grandparents."

Two lifetimes. Modern longevity has gifted us with an unprecedented opportunity: a second adult lifetime. Life I, focused on career and family-building, is followed by Life II, a season ripe for significance and purpose beyond mere success. This transition typically occurs around age 45-50, marking the beginning of halftime.

From success to significance. Life II offers the chance to move from success-driven pursuits to significance-oriented endeavors. It's about using your knowledge, experience, and resources to make a lasting impact on others and society. This shift often involves:

• Reassessing priorities and values
• Exploring new avenues for personal growth and contribution
• Leveraging accumulated wisdom for the benefit of others
• Seeking a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment

2. Finding Your Core: The Immovable Center of Who You Are

"You can't use equipment that hasn't been issued by your Creator and shaped by your experiences."

Discovering your essence. Your core is the unchanging center of your being, comprising your innate talents, passions, and values. It's shaped by your experiences but remains constant throughout your life. Identifying your core is crucial for making meaningful decisions in Life II.

Uncovering your core. To discover your core:

• Reflect on past experiences and patterns in your life
• Identify activities that energize and fulfill you
• Consider your deepest held values and beliefs
• Seek feedback from trusted friends and mentors
• Experiment with different roles and activities to see what resonates

Remember, your core isn't something you create; it's something you uncover and embrace.

3. Relationships and Priorities: Redefining What Matters Most

"It's about relationships!"

Shifting focus. As you enter Life II, relationships often take center stage. This involves reassessing and potentially reordering your priorities to align with what truly matters in the long run.

Key aspects of this shift include:

• Deepening connections with family and friends
• Investing time in mentoring and nurturing others
• Cultivating a richer spiritual life
• Balancing achievement with relational well-being

Redefining success. In Life II, success is often redefined in terms of:

• The lives you've positively impacted
• The quality of your relationships
• Your personal growth and self-awareness
• The legacy you're creating for future generations

4. The Power of New Purpose: Repurposing for a Fulfilling Life II

"Success should never be confused with wealth or power. Rather, success should be linked to excellence and fulfillment."

Finding new meaning. Repurposing in Life II involves discovering a new sense of purpose that aligns with your core values and desires to make a meaningful impact. This often requires a shift in perspective and priorities.

Strategies for repurposing:

• Identify causes or issues you're passionate about
• Leverage your skills and experience in new contexts
• Seek opportunities to mentor or teach others
• Explore volunteer work or nonprofit involvement
• Consider starting a social enterprise or foundation

Remember, repurposing isn't about starting from scratch, but about applying your existing strengths and wisdom in new, purposeful ways.

5. Repositioning: The Central Halftime Skill for Effectiveness

"The way out is always through."

Adapting to new seasons. Repositioning is the ability to adapt your skills, experience, and resources to new contexts and challenges. It's a crucial skill for navigating the transition from Life I to Life II effectively.

Key aspects of successful repositioning:

• Assessing your current skills and strengths
• Identifying new areas where you can make a meaningful impact
• Being open to learning and growth
• Embracing change and uncertainty
• Maintaining flexibility in your approach

Practical steps: To reposition effectively:

1. Take stock of your transferable skills
2. Research new fields or causes that interest you
3. Network with people in your areas of interest
4. Consider additional training or education if needed
5. Start small with volunteer work or part-time involvement
6. Be patient and persistent as you navigate the transition

6. Putting Yourself at Risk: Embracing Challenges in Life II

"No guts. No glory."

Embracing discomfort. Taking risks is essential for growth and impact in Life II. This often means stepping out of your comfort zone and facing new challenges head-on.

Types of risks in Life II:

• Financial: Investing in new ventures or causes
• Emotional: Opening yourself up to new relationships or vulnerable situations
• Reputational: Taking stands on important issues
• Physical: Engaging in challenging service opportunities

Benefits of risk-taking:

• Personal growth and self-discovery
• Increased impact and influence
• A sense of adventure and vitality
• Opportunities for significant achievements

Remember, calculated risks, taken with wisdom and purpose, can lead to the most rewarding experiences in Life II.

7. Finding the Right Fit: Aligning Skills with Meaningful Work

"What context brings out the best in me?"

Maximizing impact. Finding the right fit in Life II means aligning your skills, passions, and values with opportunities for meaningful contribution. This often requires exploration and experimentation.

Strategies for finding your fit:

• Reflect on past experiences where you felt most alive and effective
• Identify causes or issues that deeply resonate with you
• Consider various roles: volunteer, board member, consultant, mentor
• Explore different sectors: nonprofit, social enterprise, education
• Seek advice from others who have successfully transitioned to meaningful second careers

Remember, finding the right fit is often an iterative process. Be patient and open to adjusting your course as you gain new insights and experiences.

8. Staying the Course: Persistence in Pursuing Your Calling

"There's no mention of retirement in the Bible, as far as I can tell."

Lifelong engagement. Staying the course in Life II means maintaining commitment to your calling, even in the face of challenges or societal expectations of retirement. It's about continuing to contribute and grow throughout your later years.

Keys to staying the course:

• Maintain a clear sense of purpose and vision
• Cultivate resilience and adaptability
• Continue learning and growing
• Build a supportive community
• Practice self-care to maintain energy and enthusiasm
• Celebrate small victories and milestones

Remember, your calling doesn't have an expiration date. Stay engaged and continue making a difference as long as you're able.

9. Running Through the Tape: Finishing Well in Life's Final Chapters

"Finishing well is not about doing things in the future; it's about becoming somebody, and just being deliberate about being the man that God made me to be."

Leaving a legacy. Running through the tape means finishing your life with purpose, dignity, and impact. It's about making your final years count and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

Aspects of finishing well:

• Maintaining a sense of purpose and engagement
• Nurturing important relationships
• Passing on wisdom and values to younger generations
• Addressing unresolved issues or relationships
• Creating or contributing to something that will outlast you
• Facing mortality with grace and preparation

Remember, how you finish is just as important as how you start or run the race of life. Strive to make your final chapters meaningful and impactful.

Last updated: October 11, 2024