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One is action-orientation and serendipity when rising after a dip, another is how past disasters or proud achievements get recalibrated with time while some local-scope victories still induce satisfaction. Usually they hint of talent themes (#strengths terminology) 5/
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One of the first exercises in the book, "Designing Your Life" by Stanford profs Bill Burnett and Dave Evans is a bar chart on 4 dimensions of life. It is a great starting point for those not used to any life reflection/introspection 6/
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We know now that midlife crisis propagated by mass media has been debunked by academic studies as explained by in his latest book, "When" but as he shows there is a U curve in happiness and life satisfaction 7/
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This is also pointed out and analyzed well in the excerpt from prof. Kieran Setiya's book in HBR Mar-Apr 2019 "Facing Your Mid-career Crisis: Should You Cope or Quit?" It has philosophical and tactical advice. 8/
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Among other useful perspectives, hospice nurse Bronnie Ware's list of top regrets of the dying and the severe underestimation all of us do in what is possible in 5-10 years () can both help one to undertake an ambitious change 9/
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Almost every one of the 52 senior colleagues who came to one of the sessions gushed out early in the day that they are relieved to know that everybody else is suffering similar pangs! And this made them unusually open to share. 10/
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Once the above views are considered and contextualized, then a few typical inputs on networking, personal brand, habit installation as the best way to pursue and exceed goals, rekindling hobbies and interests etc. go down smoothly 11/
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And individuals are able to pick some actions for themselves. Fun fact: I conducted these workshops when I turned 52. One midlife type jump I did was at 40 when without any pre-planning I shifted after 17+ yrs in software into coaching and HR and L&D 12/
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Now, weeks before completing 30 years of work experience, I have decided to pursue my stalled doctoral studies and be a consultant/coach/trainer. Capping a highly eventful 12 months including dad's passing away and only daughter's wedding. 13/
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Reaction from most friends who heard: Why not establish and then quit the paying job? What took you so long? Both are sensible and logical questions. Answers not important. Onward. 14/14
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Replying to
As usual I think I partly understand your neologism. Does one upgrade to a more lucrative premium mediocre consultant or would that be a downgrade to avoid?