What scares you most in life?
Your age? Ok, so you’re 50, big deal! Well, actually it is a big deal, but probably not what you’re thinking.
I get it. You see your dreams disappearing in front of you faster than the shooting star that holds them.
Listen up – it’s time for Your Next Act and the clock is ticking. I’m here to activate positive vibes and productive lives.
THEY SAY WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER DOOR OPENS.
Do you think getting two bites (or more) at the success cherry can actually happen?
Well it did for Jessie and it will for you.
Jessie had already reinvented herself once. She called time on the stressful world of finance in her 40s. She had plans. Big plans. Jessie dreamed of landing a job in the glitz and glamour world of Interior Design.
Responding to a position she found on a career website, Jessie applied to a design company in LA outlining her skills, financial and business background and her passion for art & architecture.
Her approach touched a chord with the company, who hired Jessie as their showroom manager in LA. She had found her niche in life and took to the job like a duck to water. For Jessie, both professionally and financially, there was no looking back.
Within a few years she had made such an impression that she was managing both the business side of the company and her own design projects to bring in new business.
Jessie was on a roll and never regretted having taken a risk to leave behind her comfort zone in the financial world and following her heart into a new career.
Jessie’s star continued to rise for 10 more years.
I guess you’ve sensed what happened next – right?
The world of commerce like all things, has shifts and trends. More and more businesses began to look at the cost of retail spaces and evaluate the need for a “brick & mortar” presence. So when the design company decided to close their doors and shift over to an online presence only, Jessie understood that the decision made sense.
Despite her understanding – she was shattered.
DOWN DOESN’T MEAN OUT! WE CAN HAVE SEVERAL NEXT ACTS!
If one Next Act doesn’t work out the way you dreamed it would, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong or it was a bad idea. And trust me, you’re going to have your share of folks gloating when you fail. Ignore them.
Failing just means that Act in the bin was part of your journey. A necessary part.
I took a look at Jessie’s blueprint and working together we reflected on the best parts of her last ten years:
Interior Design – it’s all about creativity, interaction with lots of interesting people and transitioning spaces into beautiful environments.
Being an employee – Jessie had job security (or so she thought), insurance benefits and steady leads for new clients.
Our conversations were followed by plunging headlong into the parts that could still have been a bit better.
TOGETHER WE CRAFTED HER NEXT ACT.
Today Jessie is an independent interior designer. She savors the freedom and growth that comes from being an entrepreneur. She’ll be the first to tell you that not every day has been a walk in the park. But on the flip side a great many more of her days are fulfilling, financially positive and fun! The trio of success!
I told you this story about Jessie to let you know, I get you. I get why it’s so hard for you to take that leap of faith into Your Next Act. And I’m okay sharing this with you because I know you get it too. Bring what’s been at the back of your mind, front and center. Start operating from here and now – and let’s have a moment of silence for those past thoughts of lack, slack and no way back. The trio of defeat! You’re older, not worthless.
ONE OF THE BIG REASONS THAT I AM LOOKING AT THE NEXT HALF OF LIFE IS THAT WE ARE LIVING LONGER.
And not only do we live longer but we are more healthy and active than at any time in history. Yes even you with your disco dancing!
You want a different movie to the way “older” folks used to live before.
Go on and ask yourself why people over 50 get into this negative headspace?
How did you get here? – and more importantly – How do you want to feel?
For me – I want to be healthy (diet & exercise).
I want my relationships to be light, clear and with an emotional connection.
And I want to make new financial connections.
Your Next Act is tired of waiting in the wings.
It’s time.
You got this…and I’ve got you!
Dena
DENA BURTON
I’ve been a model, a real estate agent, and I am a native Angeleno. (Surviving LA traffic not only shows my ability to stay level headed, it also shows my commitment and follow through.)
