Hello and Good Day…Thanks for stopping by, always appreciate You!
Hope You had a restful and enjoyable Labor Day Holiday weekend with your Family and Friends.
Before jumping into the discussion for this ‘Terry’s Thoughts,’ a quick reminder of the importance of Labor Day, beyond a 3 day weekend. The holiday was conceived by Matthew Maguire, a labor union secretary in New York in 1882. He proposed the holiday as a “tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well being of our Country.” The idea was to provide them with a well deserved rest for their work.
If You are (still) working, I hope, in the true spirit of the Holiday, You did take a much deserved break -and- stepped away from your phones, emails, checking-in on work, etc., to enjoy the Holiday weekend the “old fashion way;” relaxing and enjoying the time with Family and Friends! And, if You were as fortunate as we were in Indy with a picture perfect weekend weather forecast of clear sky, plenty of sunshine and temps in the mid-70’s, it was tremendous to spend all the time outdoors.
This Holiday is a reminder that we must pause and take the rest so we not only appreciate our accomplishments from our work, but we are careful not to break down early, wear ourself out. Where will that leave You? Besides, nobody likes the person who is all business all the time.
Let’s get to ‘Terry’s Thoughts.’ This week, my Son , (Justin), and I recorded our podcast; ‘The Encore Phase – The Next Episode,’ ( Should A Purposeful Life Be Our Success Measure ). We examined whether there is a need to identifying with if we are successful during our Encore phase of Life, ( or at any phase of our Life)? And, maybe even throwing away the reference to success. The podcast will drop shortly and You will be able find it on YouTube, or can listen on ApplePodcast or Spotify.
Although this would be true during (any) phase of our Life, personal meaning, purpose and identity are central to our Encore phase of Life.
Retirement can bring about new challenges and potential feelings of failure. It is essential to prepare for this phase by discovering our true selves.
“Purpose is an essential element of You… the struggles along the way are only meant to shape You for your pupose.” – Chadwick Boseman
Purpose is not a fixed destination. It’s a living, breathing thing shaped by our circumstance and growth. For the most part, work and personal experiences define our purpose. And once we stop working, what happens to the purpose we attached to ourself? That can be troubling if we measured our success by our work life? Our personal experiences will continue to shape us -and- definitely as we enter our Encore phase.
Success is a deeply personal concept, yet each generation has its own blueprint.
For me, a Boomer, our generation’s definition of success was steeped in values shaped by the post-war economy and the rapidly changing social landscape of the 70’s – 80’s; (earning the college degree, staying at your job until your retirement, climbing the corporate ladder, getting married and starting a Family, earning a good reputation -and- finally, Retire).
If this is how success was defined, how do I define success in these Encore years?
Retirement is not just a time to stop working; it is an opportunity for self-discovery and embracing a new sense of identity and purpose. We can develop a more authentic and fulfilling sense of self by recognizing and addressing those patterns and behaviors that no longer serve us in this time of our Life. Embracing our true identity and purpose in retirement allows us to find happiness, joy and well-being in this new chapter of our lives.
This is success!
Don’t focus on success. Don’t try to make sure everyone remembers how important or wonderful You are. Just try to be good. Focus on the day in front of You. Live it well, live it according to your values.
Success is determined by how at peace You are with yourself. You should align your Life with the right purposes and priorities, ( the purposes and priorities are not stagnant, they will change as we continue living our Life).
Be clear on what You want from Life and the success will be experiencing the internal peace You will have being proud of the Life You live!
Oh yea, for me, the importance of my Life, ( aka success), is to always attempt to live in alignment with my potential – the talents/skills I have been blessed with, exhibit honesty, sincerity and integrity, and and to be of (some) value to others.
A secure Encore phase means nothing if it not also deeply fulfilling!
And remember, just as we should observe the “break” on the Labor Day Holiday weekend, we must remember the same for us each day and go out and live today. Find that moment to Rest… Come back better for it… Come back improved and sharper for it. That’s the idea. Each weekend should be your holiday. Take it!
Continue stepping forward in our Encore phase with enthusiasm and eagerness -and- please continue to take care of yourself, make the most of your days -and- always remember;
“Never quit searching, never settle and never give up seeking your greater purpose!“
Terry's Thoughts 
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