5 Suggestions for Your Next Act

Lately, many of my colleagues and clients have shared with me their desire to reconsider what they really want to do in the next chapter of their lives. These musings are not necessarily due to unhappiness in their current state (though some are, to be honest); yet, many simply have a desire to expand, stretch, and augment their lives, their revenue streams, or the way in which they contribute.

I began to research resources to offer my followers and those in the exploration stage.  What I list below are just a few suggestions on how to ‘turn the next page’.

• Get in touch with what you truly LOVE to do, what you are good at doing AND tie this to something greater than yourself. This is my definition of alignment. This often takes time and reflection to figure this out…and sometimes it takes a person, coach, or sounding board to help. This can (and does) change over the course of our lives, as priorities, interests, and other factors introduce themselves. Welcome the change. Embrace the change with LOVE not fear.

• Open your mind to a portfolio approach. This concept has recently been written about in Forbes and in fact, a tremendously provocative book, “And What Do You Do?” offers 10 steps to actually build a life and business around many strands of expertise and revenue streams. I loved this book – as it encourages direct and passive revenue approaches. For example, a person can be an author, speaker, consultant, direct-sales representative, and coach – thus leveraging all areas of an individuals expertise and experience. This concept of diversifying is not new to the corporate arena; and it makes perfect sense to apply it to our own lives and businesses, as well. Like the old adage offers – “don’t ever put all your eggs in one basket.”

• Keep your brand consistent. Our personal brands are basically what people consistently think, say, or do when our names enter their minds. It is our job to create this brand – which absolutely can be made from various strands of interest. It does not have to be singular in nature, i.e.: associated with one company or one position. In fact, I believe the new norm will be that we consist of many facets – just like a beautifully cut diamond. The key is that those ‘cuts’ are well constructed and tied together so that the overall picture (brand) is cohesive and aligned.

• Resist the tendency to pre-judge alternative approaches. This can be hard for many who have years of learned behavior or preconceived ideas about jobs, vocations, and even companies. There is a great book, Second Act Careers, which explores ways to expand your career, which in some cases may be through fairly unconventional approaches. For example, I have friends who have taken their passion for fitness and become instructors at Beyond Pilates – which is a series of fitness studios which is on fire with growth. And, for those that follow market trends – we know the most rapidly growing segment is the Baby Boomer market. To capitalize on this, I personally have joined hands with Rodan + Fields (the creators of Proactiv) to offer skin care for the anti-aging marketplace. I am having a blast and am blown away with revenue potential. And this is fully aligned to my core intention and brand – of helping individuals and collections of individuals reach their potential. Never before would I ever have thought something like this would be something I would choose; however, the world, market, and approaches are evolving every day. So, we need to take our blinders off and explore those previously dismissed alternatives – and view them for what they can be: lucrative, fun, and another dimension to how we show up in life.

• Lean in. Yes, this short directive has become common nomenclature thanks to Sheryl Sandberg and her charge to women. I have been a believer of ‘leaning in’ for decades; and, by the way, this does not mean that being a CEO or high-ranking corporate executive must be the end game. Our application of ‘leaning in’ is 100% determined by the individual. Leaning in can actually mean ‘jumping off’. Though I agree with some of Sheryl’s perspective, I believe we have to be true to ourselves and what makes our hearts sing above all things.

Finally, our next act does not have to be the final act. It is just that: the NEXT act. Go for it. Diversify your revenue streams. Do what ‘turns you on’ – and see where that may lead. What do you think? Have you taken a turn which was unexpected? What did you learn? What can you share? We welcome your thoughts and perspectives.