Welcome to the X.

During our working years, success was often something we could measure via clear metrics: income earned, business growth, promotions, recognition, or other benchmarks our professions deemed worthwhile. Measuring success in Chapter X, however, is more challenging. One might still try to apply familiar expectations: financial…

One of my biggest challenges is turning off my “doing” mode. Growing up with a workaholic father who constantly urged me to “do something productive,” I became really good at getting things done. But now, even though productivity still matters, I often find myself wrestling…

We recently took our children and grandchildren on a weeklong cruise to the Bahamas. I’m not usually a fan of massive cruise ships with their endless buffets and crowds, but it was a convenient, affordable way to get everyone together. During the time when the…

In coaching, one of the exercises I offer is this: Tell a story about your life that reflects who you are today. When I asked a client, Tom (not his real name), to do this exercise, he paused for a moment, then told me a…

During times of transition, it’s easy to feel lost and untethered. Even if you’ve spent time and energy thinking about activities or projects to explore, a sense of direction can still be missing because everything is new. Like a mouse in a maze, you might…

I don’t care what changes you’re trying to make in your life, breaking habits is hard. Our behaviors are deeply ingrained and rewiring them takes effort. But when it comes to issues of health—especially as we age—the stakes are higher, and the need becomes greater.…

I recently spoke with a friend who is still working about getting together for lunch. While he was talking about Thursday, I was thinking Friday or maybe even Saturday. When I finally realized we were talking about different days, I unashamedly told him, “Hey, I’m…

One of the greatest challenges in Chapter X is stepping out of your comfort zone to try new things. While your initial thought might be excitement and enthusiasm, doubt often creeps in soon after. This won’t be interesting. I don’t know anyone. I’ll look like…