Coaching for Second Halftimers to Move from Passion to Purpose

“Success means using your knowledge and experience to satisfy yourself. Significance means using your knowledge and experience to change the lives of others.” ―Bob Buford 

Most people after completion of their retirement from services took a rest in the past. They did not use their knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of others. With better healthcare facilities globally, there is increased longevity. Hence, there is an urgent need for retirees to move from their careers to contribute to providing meaning to their life and make a difference in society.

In this regard, we will discuss the second halftime which is like the second career pioneered by Peter Drucker. Peter Drucker contributed his best through his second career and parallel career by serving social institutions thus pioneering social philosophy. Taking inspiration from him, several social philosophers including Charles Handy and social entrepreneurs including Bob Buford have evolved.

Passion and Purpose in Your Life

Life can be divided into two halftimes―the first halftime which can be called Life I and the second halftime which can be called Life II. In the first halftime, some people discover their passions and build knowledge, skills, and abilities around them to excel in their personal and professional lives. Their sole intention at this stage is to earn money to ensure their survival and achieve success.

However, in the second halftime, people identify their purpose and move from passion to purpose to add value to society by leveraging their existing knowledge, skills, and abilities from their first halftime to excel in their social lives. This is the crucial stage of life to provide meaning to our lives as God gifted us one lifespan. Currently, the knowledge workers use more of their brains and less of brawn.

They live longer and can engage their minds effectively to contribute their best to their societies. Globally several Baby Boomers are retiring paving the way for other generations including millennials. They can contribute from a social perspective instead of an organizational perspective to leave their marks. 

Dean Niewolny’s Philosophy to Second Halftime 

Dean Niewolny offers a five-fold process you can do that will go a long way toward figuring out what’s next for you i.e. 1) know your strengths; 2) know your passion; 3) state your mission; 4) find a coach; and 5) start now. To be successful as a second halftimer, you must identify your gifts, shortlist the groups you want to serve, and set audacious goals to accomplish them successfully. 

Depending on your expertise and experience, there are several areas you can consider exploring to contribute in your second halftime including coaching, mentoring, serving nonprofits, ecology, education, and women empowerment to name a few. I discovered my purpose in life at the age of mid-forty to pursue my career in teaching, writing, and consultancy. I am greatly satisfied now that I make a huge difference to the world in my passionate areas despite living on meager sources of income. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with the world free of charge through my four blogs. 

People in their second halftime must get out their egos and emotional baggage. They must start from scratch by leveraging their previous experience. 

Move from Your Success to Significance

True success is about following your calling; using your gifts, talents, and skills; and making a difference. What happens when you climbed the ladder and it is against the wrong wall? You regret forever what you have achieved. Hence, to provide meaning to your life, ensure that the ladder is leaning against the right wall. 

Make the right decision to move from passion to purpose during your second halftime. So far, you have lived to pursue your passions to make money and establish yourself and reached the peak of your mountain. During your second halftime, it is another opportunity for you to peak another mountain to build a better world.  Don’t worry if you are in a world of trial, risk, and some dead ends in your second halftime. You can still contribute your best for the benefit of society. God will be with you to serve the people. Remember, faith moves mountains! Have faith in yourself and trust in God to move from your passion to purpose. 

To summarize, don’t stare into the abyss of retirement and wonder what you will do. Be optimistic because you have bonus years ahead, and utilize them judiciously, taking a call now. It is now or never! Life is a gift from God. Imagine the kind of world we would live in if everyone shares their knowledge, skills, and abilities with others through social philosophy. To conclude, move from your career to contribute to making a difference in the world to provide meaning to your life.

Written by Prof. M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
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