Most of us spend early adulthood rightfully "doing", mastering the external achievements of career. Suddenly we find ourselves in mid-life, concerned with "being" - asking deeper questions about internal fulfillment. Adolescence gone and maturity ahead, we stand at a turning point, wondering, "What will give my life meaning, now that ambition is no longer enough?" All maturity, all growth, depend on leaving behind something familiar - a way of life that may still work but is somehow no longer enough - and moving on to something unfamiliar, and often uncomfortable. The payoff is worth it.
Principal Points:
- Baby Boomers are the Mid-Life Generation. North America is experiencing the largest societal mid-life transition in history, with enormous implications for business and family life.
- The best predictor of our later years is how we handle mid-life. The best predictor of mid-life is adolescence/
- Most people who achieve fame in adulthood were "outies" in adolescence. They worked hard to live down their high school image.
- We're all getting older. Some of us mature,, others simply grow old.
- The purpose of mid-life is to ask meaningful questions now, and that we do not enter our later years with unasked questions. Questions like, :What if...?" and "If only... ."
- Men and Women are reared and constituted so differently that marriage is an example of cross-cultural communication.
- The "superwoman" syndrome exists because we allow women more latitude in crossing traditional role boundaries than we allow men.
This "life-cycle" topic is a superb closing presentation; it established my career. It is the most emotionally moving and introspective of the talks, generating big laughs and tears - and usually a standing ovation. Its focus on relationships makes it an especially useful session for couples.
Ranging from one to two hours, "Beyond Success" is always done in full Lecture Theatre format, with piano and singing, and can include "Marlboro Man/Marlboro Woman" material.
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