| Over 40? Is your work full of purpose? |
By Craig Nathanson |
Published
07/23/2006
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Self Improvement
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Over 40? Is your work full of purpose?
Over 40? Is your work full of purpose?
By Craig Nathanson
The Vocational Coach
How do you define your work?
Do you look to your work to define meaning and joy or just to collect a
paycheck? Each carries a different result. Those who seek meaning and
joy in their work tend to choose carefully what they do; they know what
they do helps determine who they are. For others who work just for the
money, there is little expectation of meaning or joyjust as long as
the paycheck rolls in.
Career vs. vocational passion
In my work, I am often asked, What is the difference between Career
and Vocational Passion?
Jobs are just an exchange of services for money.
Careers are the same but with a better title.
Sadly, for many people, jobs=careers=retirement=death.
Can you avoid death?
Probably not, but you can get more enjoyment and happiness out of each
and every day before you get there.
Vocational passion means having a lifes work that you can do for your
whole lifetime without the need to ever retire.
Retirement is only for people who dont like what they do!
Want a quick path to death? Retire and wait.
Sure, theres much to do including travel, relaxing and visiting
friends, but this doesnt last long. For most of us, our later years
will also bring tension and anxiety about how to spend our days and in
many cases, how to make a contribution.
Get going before your crisis hits!
Claire Hegarty of Ireland wanted in mid-life to pursue her love of
animals and start a pet sitting business. But it wasnt until she read
about someone who became ill suddenly at the age of 41 and dropped dead
in the middle of a stressful presentation did she decide to take action.
Jennifer Clare of Australia was middle aged and overweight. She had
little energy and little hope. One day, she decided to help herself and
others by turning her challenges into a business that helps other
people lose weight quickly through new creative strategies.
Are you on a path to just retire, too?
The French word for retire means to retreat, take out of circulation,
move away from, withdraw from and rest. Is this what you want for
the second half of your life?
Heres the best way to retire and then die.
- Worry about what others will think if
you start to do what you love
- Look for approval from others
- Be afraid of change
- Wait for a crisis to occur
What happens in mid-life?
We re-evaluate everything from our relationships, our work, our health,
our finances and our emotional state. We need to recognize that this is
healthy and important to do.
How to gain purpose in your life now!
Realize that what you do determines who you are.
Is your work a reflection of who you are and/or want to be?
Mid-life is a great time to:
- Align your abilities and your interests
- Reflect deeply about what you are
passionate about
- Ensure your work is maximally
expressive of your passions
- Ensure your work meets your personal
needs
- Ensure that the work you do feels just
right for you
Is your purpose worth it to you?
Only you can be the judge.
Mid-life adults with purpose can experience:
- A greater sense of integrity and
authenticity
- An experience of being more alive
- An increased feeling of contribution
- Stronger health and psychological
well-being
- A life thats more congruent
- An acceptance of your own mortality and
as a result, less fear of death and a greater sense of your life plans
and their meaning
- An increased sense of self-esteem and
happiness
Choose a purpose
This is what Claire and Jennifer did and so can you.
The more important question is
When will you start?
Craig Nathanson is the author of P Is For Perfect: Your Perfect
Vocational Day and a coaching expert who works with people over forty.
Craigs new E-book, Discover and live your passion 365 days a year is a
workshop in a box designed to help busy adults go insane with their
work. Craigs systematic approach, the trademark "Ten P" process,
helps people break free and move toward the work they love. Visit
Craigs online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can
take a class, get more ideas through Craig Nathansons books and CDs,
get some private coaching over the phone or read other stories of
mid-life change and renewal.
Craig lives in San Anselmo, California. You can reach him at
415-457-0550 or at craig@thevocationalcoach.com
Craig Nathanson
Craig Nathanson is the author of P Is For Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day and a coaching expert who works with people over forty. Craigs new E-book, Discover and live your passion 365 days a year is a workshop in a box designed to help busy adults go insane with their work. Craigs systematic approach, the trademark "Ten P" model, helps people break free and move toward the work they love. Visit Craigs online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can sign up for a class or private coaching and read other stories of mid-life change and renewal.
Craig lives in San Anselmo, California and can be reached at 415-457-0550 or craig@thevocationalcoach.com.
View all articles by Craig Nathanson
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