Clear Path in Plain Sight

Carson Canyon, Sierra Nevada - 2013

When to Create Your Strategy and How to Execute the Tactics

Your future End of Career is an event about which it is natural to experience feelings of excitement as well as some concerns.

As the time comes closer, the concerns may become more prevalent. A major reason is the recognition that this is an event for which you did not learn about during college, professional school or even training beyond that. For most, it is something you begin to learn about when you think you need to.

But how do you know when the right time is early enough or perhaps too late?

As you try to answer that question, it becomes apparent that indeed, it is very difficult to determine when to begin to prepare when there is so much that is unfamiliar. It is virtually impossible to make an informed decision to begin to tackle those questions and challenges when the necessary scope and duration of preparation is unknown.

The reality is that because...

Transient Colors, Indelible Memory 

Sierra Nevada - 2018

Sometimes the Obstacles Are Not Financial

There are several, major matters that are important to consider as you contemplate your End of Career Transition _{TM  .}

For many, a primary concern is whether or not they are financially ready.

Whether you are or not, there are other major matters that are important to think about and deal with. 

There is More to Prepare for Than Financial Planning 

There are often certain obstacles to ending your career voluntarily that have virtually nothing to do with financial matters. 

Three common concerns often seem to take a backseat to financial matters.  They are critically important and should not be ignored. I have previously written about two of these. I pose two of them in the form of a question I am often asked:

• What will happen to my identity?
• Will I be relevant anymore?

One article is written to suggest a way to develop clarity about your identity as it...

Tranquil Transitions

Makua Bay, Kauai, HI - 2021

Choose Your Language, Change Your Perspective

The end of your career is one of the most significant events of your life. It is a time when you may feel joy, pride, excitement, grief, regret, uncertainty, and other feelings that are unique to each individual.

You may be looking forward to this new phase of your life with stressful uncertainty or joyful  anticipation.  As it is for others, it is also a time when you may experience a sense of loss of what you are leaving behind. 

An optimistic view is that this is a moment of your life that presents you with the opportunity for ongoing personal achievement that is manifested as renewal and fulfillment.

My Life and Lessons

I have experienced some of those feelings and many more. 

My life experience includes three lessons and observations.

One, is my own end of career Transition. It was difficult and painful. But it provided me the challenge to grow, evolve and...

Aspen Splendor 

Bridger - Teton National Forest, Wyoming - 2013

Your Advisors Are an Important Element of Your Personal and Professional Success

When people think about their personal and professional success, it is natural to think that it is largely the result of their own effort. Upon further reflection, they usually recognize how they benefited from those that cared about their well-being, advised and mentored them.

Personal guides that probably influenced your life are personified by parents, family, friends, teachers, consultants, coaches, professors and mentors. Sometimes you may learn pearls of wisdom from those you barely know. There are times when your other best friend, a book, illuminates your life.

My Giants and Gratitude

I have benefitted immensely from all of the above, initially during my lengthy, formal education. I recognized early on the enormous value they bestowed upon me and I thanked them accordingly. As time progressed, I felt gratitude even more deeply...

Transition in Balance

Sierra Nevada - 2019

The Need for Discernment and Balance to Achieve Personal Fulfillment

It is a common life experience that sometimes you may have to forgo satisfying a desire in order to commit time, effort and perhaps financial resources to fulfill a necessity.

This is more frequent during those earlier years when life’s responsibilities required such choices. It often meant that wants or desires that were considered non-essential were put off. Perhaps they were never fulfilled, but hopefully, simply deferred and remembered in the well of your memory.

The fulfillment of myriad responsibilities whether at home, work or community, springs forth from the nature of your character. Your cumulative experience and satisfaction derived from meeting your responsibilities further strengthens and develops it. Your focus on various achievements becomes a way of life.

Visions of Change

As you begin to envision life after the end of your career, your perspective...

Waves and Light of Change 

Gulf of Mexico, Florida - 2009

Your Freedoms, Your Choices…To Do or Not to Do

Your end of career is approaching. 

Your vision of this new phase of your life is becoming ever more clear. 

You are growing more confident that the dreams born of your imagination will become a reality. 

Your smile reflects joyful anticipation. 

You take a deep, deep breath that parallels the satisfaction you feel for what you have accomplished in life.

You feel deeply the conviction that you have earned the life that your aspire to live…and it really feels good! 

Well earned, well deserved!

 As I wrote these words, they seemed to flow easily. They describe my own life experience and that of others I have guided through this phase of their life’s journey. 

 A Time for You and New Feelings

This is your time for dreaming, planning, executing and experiencing the emerging reality of it all. Amidst the excitement, it...

Transition Toward Renewal

Sierra Nevada - 2019

When to Begin, What to Do

As you approach your End of Career Transition, you will likely have numerous thoughts and feelings. They will probably range from joyful anticipation to concern and persistent preoccupation about how to properly prepare.

Training and Experience: Yours and Mine

As a physician, I can appreciate the feeling of satisfaction that results from extensive training that truly prepares us to practice our profession. The years of daily experiences prepares us with scientific knowledge as we apply it with a healthy dose of sound, clinical judgement.

But now, as you approach an event we all experience…whether as a physician or other professional, you will find that the kind of preparation that you are familiar with and value, has not been readily available.

The Unexpected and the Unknown

That was what I faced when my Plastic Surgery career ended unexpectedly years ago. It happened as a result of unexpected health...

Immersed in Nature

Henry’s Fork, Snake River. Idaho - 2021

Nature Nurtures Our Natural State of Tranquility, Creativity and Well-being

The natural state of Nature, with uncommon exception, is tranquility. The kind of tranquility that invites and allows you to be easily connected with yourself, especially when you are alone. 

How often do you have that experience?

In the course of your daily life, it may be uncommon as it is for many. Yet, uncommon does not mean unnecessary. It is an essential experience of our very nature throughout our lives.

Some might think that it requires a far away place, a grand location that is not conveniently accessible. While such places are dear to our dreams and hopefully provide meaningful memories, they are not essential to achieve what Nature can offer you. 

The reality is that what is really beneficial to you is no further than your balcony, backyard or nearby park. 

To Live the Moment

It is my experience and that of others with...

Flowing Through the Palette of Life

Yellowstone River and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park - 2004

To Know How is the Key to Decide Where

There are many questions related to the End of Career Transition that most of us and probably you as well, will need to answer.

Beyond matters related to your practice or business, there are core questions that will determine the nature and quality of your life. They are very personal and are essential for you to answer.

One of those, is Where to live. Most individuals initially and instinctively seek to answer that particular question. It is at the core of the visions they create as they fashion their post career lifestyle.

That is quite natural. However, by focusing narrowly on the Where, you are unlikely to answer it in a way that will optimally fulfill your vision and aspiration.

There is yet another question that is best to explore and answer first.  By doing so, you will more clearly be able to describe not only...

Rising to the Occassion

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park - 2004

Character, Purpose and Leadership

Summary:

Great, existential challenges have a remarkable way of evoking different reactions from individuals with diverse personalities.

 Usually, it is that caliber of character that motivates such leaders to serve not themselves, but the best interests of others.

 You can choose to lead and become a leader.

 I believe that leadership skills are acquired through a developmental process that may occur through deliberate education, experiencing life’s challenges or frequently both.

 Whether you are an experienced leader or new to the role, leadership originates and endures from the fountain of your character.

 Look and you will find the leader within you that responds with purposeful action.

PS: Would you like to learn more from me about how to develop your personal and professional leadership skills? To help you, I provide consulting and coaching...