Innovative Ideas Will Accomplish Goals
“Wow. In just six months of working every other week with Carroll, I have gained increasing power at work, found a real passion in my off-hours, and met people with whom I share interests. Carroll’s global approach to all the facets of my fine-but-boring life has been wonderful. Following my non-linear...
The “Stages of Life” are NOT about Aging!
Posted Mar 28, 2016 by Carroll King Schuller
We all start aging as soon as we are born, and at the other end (the older end, if you will) life doesn’t look near as exciting as it did when you were younger. It can feel like there just isn’t as much to look forward to. So how can you continue to get excited as you age and go through the various stages of life, and what does that look like?
When you are young, it feels like there is so much to look forward to, and everything exciting is still ahead of you. You begin to move through one exciting thing after another (graduation, beginning your career, perhaps getting married, moving to a new city/country, starting a new business, etc.)
Then there are times in your life when you are so tired that excitement is the last thing on your mind (for example, when your children are young), and you are just trying to get through each day. Then one day, you wake up and realize that things have changed. You’re not as busy…you’re not as worn out…and you’re wondering what in the world to do with yourself. That could happen when you have reached all of your goals, when your children go off to college, when you or your spouse retire, or when your parent dies after you have spent a lot of time and energy being their caretaker. All of these are examples of times that offer you a chance for a fresh start…to resurrect old dreams or create and go after new ones.
If you have the presence of mind, the imagination, and the desire to take advantage of those times, you will live a full and satisfying life. However, some of us find it difficult without the structure of being needed by our children, work, parents, spouse, community, etc. It can feel like you are floating, and even though most of us will instinctively try to fill in the empty spaces that have been left vacant, sometimes the things we use to fill in the spaces don’t (or aren’t meant to) last, and boredom sets in fast.
Alternatively, maybe you don’t even know where to begin to fill in those spaces. If we’re feeling like we’re on the other side of the biggest, most exciting events life has to offer, is it even possible to find excitement in our lives again? How do we get back to that ideal, but with different objectives? How do you create structure without any? I believe it IS possible, and with the right mind-set the later stages of your life can actually be the most exciting and rewarding. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Journal! Write 100 things you want. Not a list of activities or a check list…but really dig deep and think about what you really, truly want.
2. If you don’t currently have one, find a partner. Life is usually more exciting when you have someone to share it with.
3. Get rid of the TVs and other screens keeping you inside and living the status quo. It will be uncomfortable, but you’ll be forced to move and think and dream and live.
4. Fall in love with your dreams again…if you had some when you were younger that went unfulfilled, now is the time to focus on them again!
5. If you can’t think of any dreams for yourself, or can’t come up with any without prompts, create a two page plan for any business you dreamed of or any subject you want to build a plan around! Put it on your wall in your bedroom and let your mind wander…you might be surprised what you come up with.
6. Find a coach or trainer…if you’re truly stuck, a coach or trainer can help give you more specific guidance. Contact me for a complimentary consultation and let me help you figure out your vision for this next stage of your life!
