Choose A Word To Define Your Intention

Hello and good day! Hope your September is going well and it’s been another great month for you.

Thanks for stopping by ‘Terry’s Thoughts’ and giving me a little of your time… always appreciated!

I recently read an article about Tamika Catchings—WNBA Champion, MVP, All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and one of the most decorated players in WNBA history—who spent her entire 15-year career with our Indiana Fever team.

Not only was Tamika an outstanding athlete, but she is also an extremely successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

The article discussed her life after basketball and how she handled the transition. What struck me was how similar her move away from the game was to transitioning from a long career into this Encore Phase of life.

Tamika shared how she had to learn to operate outside the rigid schedule of a professional athlete. Her goals used to be wrapped around team success: get better as an individual, improve as a team, and win a championship. At the end of each season, it was rinse and repeat for the next… until you are no longer playing and no longer part of a team.

Similarly, when we retire, the rigid schedule built around our careers ends, breaking a lifelong “rinse and repeat” pattern.

We have to learn to operate differently and navigate the changes necessary in our Encore Phase of life. In past articles, I’ve addressed several changes in our personal and social lives, as well as dealing with identity loss and creating a new sense of purpose—and there are no instruction manuals provided for this process.

For so long, our whole Life revolved around what was familiar. We knew the exact steps needed to succeed on our career path. Now that we’ve stepped onto the other side, we find ourselves in a role without instructions. You might say, “That’s the beauty of retirement—no one telling us what to do!”

While there is certainly beauty in that freedom, we must be careful not to fall into drifting. Retirement isn’t a void to fill with random activities, but an opportunity to spend our days on things that are meaningful.

It’s important not to stay locked into the mindset of: “I have to do this. This is what I’m good at, and I’m only going to do this.” That way of thinking keeps you from broadening your horizons. Staying open to new experiences is vital for anyone going through a transition.

What I found fascinating about Tamika’s new approach is that each December, she chooses a single word to embody her direction for the coming year. Her first year, that word was “grace.” As a self-proclaimed perfectionist who always wants things done at a high level, she spent her playing career operating at full speed with no days off.

Following retirement, she faced many things she didn’t know yet, and because full speed was her only speed, she found herself getting frustrated.

Centering around her word, grace, gave her the room to slow down, be patient with herself, and recognize that learning takes time.

The same holds true for us in our Encore Phase of life. I would add that we also need to do a better job of celebrating small wins along the way, rather than simply checking off a box and rushing to the next task.

Finally, strive to be intentional. Maximize quality time with family and friends, and focus on the activities that matter to you. What truly matters to you? What impact do you want to have?

Don’t just float along!

So, keep stepping forward into this Encore Phase with enthusiasm. 

Take care of yourself, make the most of your days, and always remember;

 “Never quit searching. Never settle. Never give up seeking your purpose.”