The Six Principles for a Successful Second Act

Tip #1: Give yourself time….get over the guilt…..get used to the speed…

It’s best not to jump right into the first thing that comes to mind. Impulsive decisions made on
the spur of the moment rarely turn out well. Take it easy and explore the full possibility of
options. Rarely is something so urgent that you need to make your final decision right away. So,
I suggest mindfully investigating different things that interest you and trying them on for size, so
to speak. Find something you like and are passionate about.

Tip #2: Maintain an open mind

Part of the reason the first door is closing, typically has to do with the single-minded purpose
employed during your first act. The remnants and penumbra of that single-minded purpose can
cloud your judgment going forward. It’s critical to empty your mind and begin anew, with a
fresh perspective. Only then can you gauge what truly excites you. Oftentimes people are
surprised while engaged in new experiences to discover that past perceptions and opinions
prevented them from getting to know themselves. By maintaining an open mind, you establish a
mindset for success in whatever the future holds.

Tip #3: Begin to network.

Phase II is not all that much different than Phase I, insofar as the more expansive your network,
the more powerful the information in hand to utilize in making decisions. You simply never
know where the next great idea will come from, so cast a wide net. Speak to friends, family, and
even complete strangers. Research online and read reviews but be discerning, not everything
online is as it seems. Get involved in groups and organizations you never before contemplated.
Collect all the information you can, to make your best and wisest. Diversity of opinion and
perspective, help to expand your horizons.

Tip #4: Put pen to paper.

Okay, the expression may be a bit outdated, feel free to use your laptop or tablet. My point is, the
best decisions come from assembling the information before you and analyzing it. Many people
shoot from the hip only to later be disappointed that they haven’t factored in a problem later
encountered. They could have saved themselves a good amount of time and grief had they
sufficiently planned ahead. Perhaps even enlist an accountability partner to assess your goals and
challenge your thinking on occasion. A an ounce of prudent review and wise counsel is better
than a pound of recalibration down the road.

Tip #5: Avoid old habits……

It’s only natural to gravitate back to the comfort zone. However, that can retard your growth on
this new, productive journey. Try to catch yourself as and when you slip into old thoughts and
focus on the fresh reality. Give careful thought toward developing new habits to replace the old
ones. Old habits die hard for a reason, they’re deeply ingrained. So, this will take a bit more
effort than you’d like. However, by creating effective replacements, you set yourself up for a
happier and more productive future.

Tip #6: Consider Multi-acting. 

The reality is you probably have many interests you want to pursue. Much of your life has been
uni-focused, with nose to the grindstone. It’s now time to open your imagination and try many of
the things you once only dreamed about. It’s also time to discover your unbridled potential in
new areas. Some pursuits might be short-lived wile others may gain traction. This is your Second
Act, mindfully enjoy it with the wisdom that can only gained through experience. Be creative
and open to different possibilities. This flexible approach also encourages time engaging in other
fun elements that always add balance to our lives such as travel and time with the kids and
grandkids.