I did not plan on sharing this story today. But the text messages came in fast and furious early this morning…
- “My teams are very quiet.”
- “Our folks need perspective and wisdom right now.”
- “It feels like a dark tunnel ahead.”
- “I need to connect privately with our peer group.”
The sheer weight of the US post-election day motivated me to acknowledge what I am observing.
To feel all the feels with my community. To hold space for multiple perspectives and emotions. When we recognize and name the emotions we are experiencing, we eventually find and lead our way through the grief gauntlet.
To move forward together, we need a moment to pause, name the emotions, and acknowledge them.
It’s counter-intuitive in Western culture. We are conditioned to power through and get busy (whatever that means!).
But reflection and recognition need to happen now. That helps us heal.
The Midlife Innovator community closing ritual, October 20.
So, instead of putting on a phony smiley face, and publishing an awe-filled story about The Midlife Innovator Santa Fe retreat takeaways, or sharing many gorgeous photos from Rising Circle Ranch, I’m sending a simple message today:
Strengthen your transition muscles.
Your family, friends, and organization are relying on you to be strong, vulnerable, and self-aware.
And here’s another universal truth: If you truly want to guide others through this messy middle, you need to go first.
As Chip Conley says, “Our painful life lessons are the raw material for our future wisdom.”
Want to fill your wisdom well now? Check out our favorite resources below.
During The Midlife Innovator retreat two weeks ago, we incorporated these teachers, authors, and authors into our curriculum. Chip Conley co-facilitated the sessions with me. Ellen Petry Leanse, former Google and Apple product leader, author and neuroscience teacher, led our Friday night dinner discussion. I think you’ll love adding them to your wisdom advisory board.
Here’s how to use the list below.
Select one resource that resonates with you right now. Allocate 5-10 minutes a day to watch, read, and listen. Build those transition muscles. Expect discomfort. You’re learning something new!
Then, do me a favor…
Send me a note with what you’re learning and experiencing. I’ll keep it anonymous, if you prefer.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be hosting private discussions with our cohorts (we have several now). Your strategy or story just might enrich and inspire someone else.
The Midlife Innovator transformation stories can wait. Our next issue will provide those details. I’ll be smiling more, too.
With metta, Lisa
Rising Circle Ranch sunset, October 19. Photo courtesy Jenny Hoffman.
WISDOM BUILDING AND TRANSITION RESOURCES
Special thanks to Chip Conley and our cohort for their contributions. Hover your mouse over the resource title for the links.
AWE: The New Science of Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Everyday Life by Dacher Keltner.
Voted one of the best books of 2023. Keltner presents compelling evidence that three elements of awe—moral beauty (cultivating third vault, deeply personal conversations), collective effervescence (community), and nature—help us thrive and evolve. Absent of awe, our world feels pale, stale, and stuck.
I recommend AWE to any leader who faces the messy middle of midlife or wants to successfully lead a company transformation.
Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change by David Cooperrider and Diana Whitney
This book introduces Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based approach to organizational and personal development. This form of AI focuses on identifying and leveraging your core strengths to drive positive change, versus fixing what is broken or not yet developed.
Flying Lead Change: 56 Million Years of Wisdom for Leading and Living by Kelly Wendorf
Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of horses and indigenous teachings, this book offers a nature-based approach to leadership and personal growth, emphasizing connection, presence, and authentic engagement.
The Happiness Hack: How to Take Charge of Your Brain and Program More Happiness into Your Life by Ellen Petry Leanse
This Former Apple and Google product leader, executive coach, and Stanford lecturer provides practical neuroscience-based strategies to rewire your brain for increased happiness, focus, and productivity in the digital age. Ellen’s dinner discussion during our MEA retreat added a fresh dimension to our innovation journey. Her talk was brimming with practical wisdom and humor.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This timeless and inspiring novel tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to discover his personal legend. Coleho teaches us about the importance of following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart. I have read this three times. Each round delivers a new treasure.
Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age by Chip Conley
Chip’s my dear friend and our Midlife Innovator co-facilitator. I never tire of his inspiring, clever, and honest storytelling.
In 2017, Chip started the midlife wisdom school movement and co-founded the first campus in Todos Santos (Baja), Mexico. Today, MEA offers programs on their two campus locations: Baja and Santa Fe.
He dispels the old tropes about midlife and aging. A legendary boutique hotelier, teacher, and 7-time bestselling author, Chip explores the opportunities and joys of midlife. The book offers insights and advice on how to embrace aging as a time of growth, wisdom, and renewed purpose. Chip’s popular blog contains countless resources; download your daily micro dose of wisdom here.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Joe Dispenza
Combining principles of quantum physics, neuroscience, genetics, and spirituality, Dispenza guides us through the process of transforming our thoughts and habits to create lasting personal change. I can attest to the power of his meditation exercises and lectures. They have dramatically shifted my relationships to love and money.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Stanford professor Dweck presents a compelling case for embracing a growth versus fixed mindset. Her growth mindset model can positively impact our personal, professional and community endeavors. The author presents evidence on how we can apply curiosity and wisdom to solve hard problems, bust limiting beliefs, and create new futures. Countless innovators, including Bill Gates, the Heath brothers, and Guy Kawasaki, endorse her work. And so do I!
The Brain and Beyond Podcast by Ellen Petry Leanse, Midlife Innovator special guest.
Ellen’s carefully produced, and wisdom-filled podcast explores neuroscience, mindful practices, and ways to increase hope, positive impact, and life satisfaction. [Listen here].
RescueTime App
This time management and productivity app automatically tracks the time you spend on apps and websites, providing detailed reports to help you understand your daily habits and improve focus. Download at rescuetime.com.
I also created a 15-minute tracker (fillable PDF). Contact me for your copy. My clients tell me it’s a sobering exercise! It provides a dose of time truth serum, revealing where you put your time and energy.
Spoiler alert: It quickly shows you how well (or poorly) your daily habits align with your stated core values.
This post was completely written by me — a human. I did not use generative AI.
© 2024, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved. lisanirell.com.