You’re a master of reinvention!
Subject:You’re a master of reinvention!
This week, we're diving into the concept of a productive working life.
Apparently there’s a concept called “Productive Working Life”. It spans the ages of 20 to 80.
Measuring a Productive Working Life
Productivity isn't confined to early career peaks; it extends well into later years. Research suggests that while certain types of cognitive functions peak in our early 20s, crystallised intelligence, or the ability to use skills, knowledge, and experience, can actually increase with age, suggesting that older individuals are often more equipped to handle complex tasks and make informed decisions.
How it’s changed my life
I came across this when I was 53 years old. Apparently, that left me with 45% of my productive working life. I thought I’d been coasting to retirement and then that was it.
My first reaction was, “I’m not doing all that again!” As much as I’ve loved my life I didn’t want to repeat it.
My second reaction was, “If I’ve achieved all this up until now, then just imagine what I could do in the second half of my productive working life!”
It took away the pressure of time and that has been a total game changer.
I decided to learn how to swim at 54 and now I’m swimming 6km in estuaries, lakes and seas. Having not learned as a child I thought it was too late. Taking away the pressure of time has opened up wild swimming, ice baths, handstands, wild camping on top of mountains and islands, rafting, wild expeditions and so much more.
My ambitions have no limit now as without the pressure of time I can approach any goal with compassion and focus on enjoying the journey rather than setting unrealistic goals and missing them.
I’ve also totally reinvented my career. Going from a Global CEO in Design and Fashion to a Life Purpose Coach helping others connect to PURPOSE, BALANCE and JOY.
So many opportunities have opened up and so many areas in my life have changed off the back of this understanding.
You’re already a master of reinvention
We get to choose multiple versions of ourselves as we journey through life.
Throughout our lives, we reinvent ourselves in numerous ways, adapting to new circumstances, pursuing new interests, and responding to personal growth.
You’ve more than likely successfully reinvented yourself multiple times already.
Here are some key areas where reinvention commonly occurs:
Educational Growth, Career Changes, Relocating, Changes in Relationship Status, Parenthood, Health and Lifestyle Changes, Spiritual or Philosophical Shifts, Social Roles, Retirement, Technological Adaptation, Creative Pursuits, Personal Reinvention……the list goes on…
These examples demonstrate the myriad ways we reinvent ourselves, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of personal and professional growth throughout life.
The journey through one's life is often long and winding, encompassing growth, achievements, and sometimes, significant changes in direction.
The Power of Changing Directions
Changing life and career paths isn't just possible; it's increasingly becoming part of the modern life journey. With lifespans extending, many find it fulfilling to pursue entirely new professions or passions in their 40s, 50s, or even later.
Benefits of a Pivot:
Rejuvenated enthusiasm: New challenges can reignite passion and drive.
Broader skills: Diverse experiences can increase adaptability and problem-solving capabilities.
Increased resilience: Changing directions can help develop a more resilient mindset, valuable both professionally and personally.
10 Dramatic Career and Life Changes
Winston Churchill's transformation from a political outcast to the revered leader who guided Britain through World War II is one of the most dramatic examples of reinvention in modern history. He was 65 years old when he came back from the wilderness.
Charles Bukowski worked for many years at the United States Postal Service. It wasn't until he was in his 50s that he quit his job to focus on writing full-time. He became a renowned poet and novelist, known for works such as "Post Office" and "Ham on Rye."
Ray Kroc transformed McDonald's into a global franchise in his 50s.
Ronald Reagan - Starting his career as an actor and entertainer, Reagan appeared in over 50 films and served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild. In his 50s, he shifted to politics, eventually becoming the 33rd Governor of California and later the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989.
Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, didn't franchise his restaurant until he was 62, proving that entrepreneurial success has no age limit.
Penelope Fitzgerald - Fitzgerald published her first novel, "The Golden Child," at age 60, after working as a teacher, a bookseller, and a housewife for most of her life. She won the prestigious Booker Prize at the age of 63 with her novel "Offshore" and continued to write critically acclaimed works.
Alfred Wallis - Wallis began painting at the age of 70 after the death of his wife. A former fisherman and rag-and-bone man, he started painting maritime scenes from memory using ship paint on found materials. His naive style caught the attention of the artists Ben Nicholson and Christopher Wood, leading to posthumous fame as one of the most celebrated British naive artists.
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Initially famous as one of the most celebrated bodybuilders of all time, Schwarzenegger transitioned to become a Hollywood action star with hits like Terminator and Predator. In his 50s, he changed careers again, entering politics to become the Governor of California, serving from 2003 to 2011.
Mary Wesley published her first adult novel at the age of 71, becoming one of Britain's most beloved authors with works such as "The Camomile Lawn."
Vera Wang began her career in fashion at the age of 40, after a substantial career in figure skating and journalism. Her shift to fashion design led to the creation of a brand synonymous with luxury and elegance in bridal wear.
A guide to personal reinvention
Reinventing yourself by connecting to your passions and focusing on small, compassionate, and deliverable goals can lead to a fulfilling and successful transformation. Here’s how you can approach this process:
1. Identify Your Passions
Self-Reflection:
Take time to reflect on what truly excites and motivates you. Consider activities that make you lose track of time or topics you could talk about for hours.
Think about your childhood dreams and interests. Sometimes our early passions can provide clues to our true calling.
Explore New Interests:
Try new activities or hobbies to discover what resonates with you. Attend workshops, join clubs, or take online courses in areas that intrigue you.
Seek inspiration from others by reading about people who have successfully reinvented themselves.
2. Set Small, Compassionate, and Deliverable Goals
Break Down Your Vision:
Start by envisioning your ideal future. What does success look like to you? Once you have a clear vision, break it down into smaller, manageable steps.
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. For example, if you want to become a writer, your first goal could be to write 500 words a day.
Compassionate Approach:
Be kind to yourself throughout the process. Understand that change takes time and setbacks are part of the journey.
Celebrate small victories to maintain motivation and acknowledge your progress.
Deliverable Goals:
Focus on goals that are tangible and actionable. Instead of vague objectives like "become healthier," aim for specific actions like "walk 30 minutes every day."
Create a timeline with deadlines for each goal to keep yourself accountable.
3. Develop a Plan and Take Action
Create a Roadmap:
Outline the steps needed to achieve your goals. This could include acquiring new skills, networking, or seeking mentorship.
Allocate time in your schedule to work on your goals consistently.
Seek Support:
Share your goals with friends, family, or a mentor who can provide encouragement and advice.
Join communities or groups with similar interests to gain support and share experiences.
Take Small Steps:
Start with small, manageable actions. For example, if you want to transition to a creative career, dedicate a few hours a week to your creative pursuits.
Gradually increase your commitment as you build confidence and momentum.
4. Monitor Progress and Adjust
Regular Review:
Periodically review your progress and adjust your goals as needed. Celebrate your achievements and identify areas for improvement.
Stay flexible and open to change. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot and try a different approach.
Stay Motivated:
Keep a journal to document your journey and reflect on your experiences. This can help you stay focused and motivated.
Remind yourself of your passions and the reasons why you embarked on this journey. Keeping your end goals in sight can provide motivation during challenging times.
Some inspiration for you:
🎬 Watch:
TED Talk: "Embrace the Shake" by Phil Hansen
Artist Phil Hansen talks about how developing a tremor in his hand almost ended his art career, but instead, it led him to embrace new ways of creating art. His story is about overcoming limitations and finding new avenues for reinvention and creativity.
An amazingly inspirational watch. I loved it.
Reading Recommendation 📘
"Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement by Rich Karlgaard, which delves into the advantages of finding one's path later in life.
🎧 Listen:
The TED Radio Hour episode "Wisdom in Hindsight," which includes talks by successful people who made significant career changes or achieved major success later in life.
Final Thoughts
By connecting to your passions and focusing on small, compassionate, and deliverable goals, you can create a fulfilling path to reinvention that aligns with your true interests and values.
The concept of a "productive working life" is evolving. It's not just about how early you start, but how you adapt, grow, and continue to contribute throughout your life. Whether you're 20, 40, 60, or 80, every age offers unique opportunities for success and fulfilment.
Remember, it's never too late to redefine your path or achieve greatness in a new arena.
Feel free to reach out anytime for more tips or even a chat.
And if you have any recommendations or topics you’d like covered.