What if you could turn back time and change the life you have lived till now! While this may not be possible, we do have the opportunity to change our future and create the lifestyle we want in our “Next Chapter” of life. How? Simply, by planning.
7 LIFESTYLE PRIORITIES:
THE NEXT CHAPTER -CHANGE THE MINDSET, CHANGE YOUR LIFE is a guided tour to developing your personalized Lifestyle Plan that starts by focusing our attention on determining how we rank the priorities in this season of our life journey. These priorities may be different for each of us based on our age and stage in life, as well as those circumstances we are currently experiencing:
This process typically requires personal reflection, as well as collaboration with our spouse, life partner or others who may be helpful in reviewing our ranking, challenge our reasoning or holding up a mirror that allows us to be as objective, as possible. It is recommended that each person complete this exercise on their own. Then, if you are a couple, go through it together to develop a shared set of priorities you can both agree upon and choose to implement going forward.
7 LIFESTYLE PRIORITIES:
THE NEXT CHAPTER -CHANGE THE MINDSET, CHANGE YOUR LIFE is a guided tour to developing your personalized Lifestyle Plan that starts by focusing our attention on determining how we rank the priorities in this season of our life journey. These priorities may be different for each of us based on our age and stage in life, as well as those circumstances we are currently experiencing:
- Mindset
- Health
- Relationships
- Our concept of Time
- Finances
- Our Bucket List
- Our Legacy
7 SIX KEY QUESTIONS:
The next step is to answer the six key questions that will provide the foundation for that lifestyle plan on which we are prepared to build this next chapter of our life journey.
1. WHY?
As discussed at length in THE NEXT CHAPTER, the first and most important question is always determining our BIG WHY – what is that motivating factor, the driving force or perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel that is drawing us forward.
In our journey to discovering this, many of us may have to determine if we are running toward something that we truly want more than what we have, or if we are running away from something we desperately want to leave behind. Coming to terms with this is often a watershed moment that causes us to break out in a cold sweat as we realize the consequences associated with giving voice to this reality.
Alternatively, it can be that eureka moment when we suddenly become aware of that thing we’ve been pursuing but weren’t able to visualize, name or identify until now. In this way, our Big Why can then be the catalyst, that regenerative energy that ignites our imagination and sparks the inner drive to relentlessly pursue this new adventure or way of viewing our life’s purpose.
2. WHAT?
The next question to be answered should be the WHAT and this often shapes the thesis of that elements that shape our Next Chapter Lifestyle plan. Like any business plan, it should include the elements that will make it defined, specific and measurable, as these are the keys that allow us to determine if we’re making progress, feeling fulfilled and realizing the impact on our life and the lives of those affected by it. The degree of happiness we experience may be acknowledging that happiness is not just one thing… but rather a basket of emotions including appreciation, joy, inner peace, satisfaction and fulfillment to name a few. Experiencing a degree of happiness becomes a part of that regenerative mindset that propels us toward a more positive place, one where we’re making a difference in our own life, as well as uplifting others that brings a new-found level of contentment to each day.
3. When?
One of the key elements of success in developing our Lifestyle Plan is being discerning, prudent and patient. As with any plan, timing can be incredibly important, particularly when we recognize that this plan may affect the expectations, goals and plans of those around us. Having them on board with our plan may require time, consultation, reflection and perhaps sadness as it may entail leaving a part of our past behind – including people, places and things that were once important to us.
Planning includes looking at the 3 possible outcomes – best case, worst case and the most likely. Being able to live with each of these must be determined before deciding to proceed, as there is no going back once the plan has been shared with those who will be affected by it. For this reason, WHEN is the 3 rd question to be answered before moving to the next step.
4. WHO WITH?
Although we alluded to this in answering the WHEN question, this is where the Lifestyle Plan requires the discipline of committing it in writing. Although it’s highly recommended that each of the previous steps be written down - if only to steady you should you receive pushback from others. Even if you simply journaled your inner most thoughts as you prepared for this step, it will help you remember the thought process you went through and that has brought you to this point.
Depending on your BIG WHY discovery, the WHO WITH may or may not include some of the people who have been with you to this point in your life’s journey. From our experience, it may be helpful to go back to THE NEXT CHAPTER book and review the discussion of “Relationships – The Ties That Bind or Hold Us Back” where we discuss the 3 types of relationships – Constructive, Co-dependent and Interdependent – as this may be helpful in guiding you on the WHO WITH aspect in your Lifestyle Plan. By carefully journaling or documenting your emotional and logical journey in arriving at your Lifestyle Plan and who is part of it, the decisions you make will allow you to move ahead with your journey, while reinforcing that although it may not be their fault that you are making these choices, this is your decision.
5. HOW MUCH?
As our Lifestyle Plan often involves a change of direction, a thorough financial assessment will be important. This will probably involve taking inventory of our financial assets including the value of our appreciating assets such as our investment portfolio, the equity in our home, as well as other real estate investments such as income properties, a cottage or Florida vacation property. Then taking inventory and valuing our vehicles, toys and other depreciating assets. This process is described in detail in Section 3 – Visualizing Your Next Chapter, under the heading Collecting The Data and Taking Inventory. This will provide you with an approximate Net Worth which is important information when determining your capacity to pursue all of the elements you have contemplated in your Lifestyle Plan.
While seriously evaluating the financial cost of moving ahead, it would be prudent to consider the value of what we may need to invest or to leave behind as part of moving on. And, we should not overlook the time and energy involved to unravel our existing commitments – relationships, financial, career or business involvements, and perhaps the impact on our mental, physical and emotional health – whether positively or negatively. It is recommended that each of the above steps be carefully considered aspects of our Lifestyle Planning process and typically evaluated in private, or in concert with your life partner first.
Developing a detailed financial plan cannot be over-estimated as there will always be surprises, speed bumps and unexpected events that cannot be foreseen. For example, a health incident can suddenly put the brakes on everything, when all your energy gets drawn into a crisis of this type. Having the foresight to plan ahead and set aside a contingency cushion, you can be more prepared to weather the storm and resume the plan on the other side. As often quoted throughout THE NEXT CHAPTER, it’s important that we not react to each situation like a pinball in arcade, but rather pause, take a deep breath and respond appropriately… even when it’s an emergency. In this way, we will be more capable of dealing with whatever we’re confronted with and be supportive for those involved.
6. WHERE?
No matter what season of life we are in, many of us have a curious side or a restless spirit that is always looking for excitement, drama or adventure. And too often the first question we pose is where could we go that would give us what we are chasing at the moment. After 30+ years of working with real estate clients who are considering making a move, the typical first question many have asked is where should we look? However, as discussed earlier, by asking the 6 key questions in the order addressed in this planning process and answering them accordingly, by the time we arrive at the WHERE, we are in a position to determine this more easily.
With our Big Why, What, When, Who With and How Much already answered and documented, we now know our reason for desiring change, our wants and needs, our timing, who will part of this Next Chapter lifestyle change and our available budget, we can make the decision of WHERE with more certainty. As shared in the stories throughout THE NEXT CHAPTER, should you find yourself faced with a midlife course correction, this process will assist you to more rationally, logically and calmly assess the situation, your preparedness and the trade-offs that such a change of direction may entail.
The next step is to answer the six key questions that will provide the foundation for that lifestyle plan on which we are prepared to build this next chapter of our life journey.
1. WHY?
As discussed at length in THE NEXT CHAPTER, the first and most important question is always determining our BIG WHY – what is that motivating factor, the driving force or perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel that is drawing us forward.
In our journey to discovering this, many of us may have to determine if we are running toward something that we truly want more than what we have, or if we are running away from something we desperately want to leave behind. Coming to terms with this is often a watershed moment that causes us to break out in a cold sweat as we realize the consequences associated with giving voice to this reality.
Alternatively, it can be that eureka moment when we suddenly become aware of that thing we’ve been pursuing but weren’t able to visualize, name or identify until now. In this way, our Big Why can then be the catalyst, that regenerative energy that ignites our imagination and sparks the inner drive to relentlessly pursue this new adventure or way of viewing our life’s purpose.
2. WHAT?
The next question to be answered should be the WHAT and this often shapes the thesis of that elements that shape our Next Chapter Lifestyle plan. Like any business plan, it should include the elements that will make it defined, specific and measurable, as these are the keys that allow us to determine if we’re making progress, feeling fulfilled and realizing the impact on our life and the lives of those affected by it. The degree of happiness we experience may be acknowledging that happiness is not just one thing… but rather a basket of emotions including appreciation, joy, inner peace, satisfaction and fulfillment to name a few. Experiencing a degree of happiness becomes a part of that regenerative mindset that propels us toward a more positive place, one where we’re making a difference in our own life, as well as uplifting others that brings a new-found level of contentment to each day.
3. When?
One of the key elements of success in developing our Lifestyle Plan is being discerning, prudent and patient. As with any plan, timing can be incredibly important, particularly when we recognize that this plan may affect the expectations, goals and plans of those around us. Having them on board with our plan may require time, consultation, reflection and perhaps sadness as it may entail leaving a part of our past behind – including people, places and things that were once important to us.
Planning includes looking at the 3 possible outcomes – best case, worst case and the most likely. Being able to live with each of these must be determined before deciding to proceed, as there is no going back once the plan has been shared with those who will be affected by it. For this reason, WHEN is the 3 rd question to be answered before moving to the next step.
4. WHO WITH?
Although we alluded to this in answering the WHEN question, this is where the Lifestyle Plan requires the discipline of committing it in writing. Although it’s highly recommended that each of the previous steps be written down - if only to steady you should you receive pushback from others. Even if you simply journaled your inner most thoughts as you prepared for this step, it will help you remember the thought process you went through and that has brought you to this point.
Depending on your BIG WHY discovery, the WHO WITH may or may not include some of the people who have been with you to this point in your life’s journey. From our experience, it may be helpful to go back to THE NEXT CHAPTER book and review the discussion of “Relationships – The Ties That Bind or Hold Us Back” where we discuss the 3 types of relationships – Constructive, Co-dependent and Interdependent – as this may be helpful in guiding you on the WHO WITH aspect in your Lifestyle Plan. By carefully journaling or documenting your emotional and logical journey in arriving at your Lifestyle Plan and who is part of it, the decisions you make will allow you to move ahead with your journey, while reinforcing that although it may not be their fault that you are making these choices, this is your decision.
5. HOW MUCH?
As our Lifestyle Plan often involves a change of direction, a thorough financial assessment will be important. This will probably involve taking inventory of our financial assets including the value of our appreciating assets such as our investment portfolio, the equity in our home, as well as other real estate investments such as income properties, a cottage or Florida vacation property. Then taking inventory and valuing our vehicles, toys and other depreciating assets. This process is described in detail in Section 3 – Visualizing Your Next Chapter, under the heading Collecting The Data and Taking Inventory. This will provide you with an approximate Net Worth which is important information when determining your capacity to pursue all of the elements you have contemplated in your Lifestyle Plan.
While seriously evaluating the financial cost of moving ahead, it would be prudent to consider the value of what we may need to invest or to leave behind as part of moving on. And, we should not overlook the time and energy involved to unravel our existing commitments – relationships, financial, career or business involvements, and perhaps the impact on our mental, physical and emotional health – whether positively or negatively. It is recommended that each of the above steps be carefully considered aspects of our Lifestyle Planning process and typically evaluated in private, or in concert with your life partner first.
Developing a detailed financial plan cannot be over-estimated as there will always be surprises, speed bumps and unexpected events that cannot be foreseen. For example, a health incident can suddenly put the brakes on everything, when all your energy gets drawn into a crisis of this type. Having the foresight to plan ahead and set aside a contingency cushion, you can be more prepared to weather the storm and resume the plan on the other side. As often quoted throughout THE NEXT CHAPTER, it’s important that we not react to each situation like a pinball in arcade, but rather pause, take a deep breath and respond appropriately… even when it’s an emergency. In this way, we will be more capable of dealing with whatever we’re confronted with and be supportive for those involved.
6. WHERE?
No matter what season of life we are in, many of us have a curious side or a restless spirit that is always looking for excitement, drama or adventure. And too often the first question we pose is where could we go that would give us what we are chasing at the moment. After 30+ years of working with real estate clients who are considering making a move, the typical first question many have asked is where should we look? However, as discussed earlier, by asking the 6 key questions in the order addressed in this planning process and answering them accordingly, by the time we arrive at the WHERE, we are in a position to determine this more easily.
With our Big Why, What, When, Who With and How Much already answered and documented, we now know our reason for desiring change, our wants and needs, our timing, who will part of this Next Chapter lifestyle change and our available budget, we can make the decision of WHERE with more certainty. As shared in the stories throughout THE NEXT CHAPTER, should you find yourself faced with a midlife course correction, this process will assist you to more rationally, logically and calmly assess the situation, your preparedness and the trade-offs that such a change of direction may entail.
NEXT STEPS:
While this topic is a book unto itself and many aspects of this are addressed in one of their previous books – THE WORKBOOK ON DOWNSIZING - the authors hope this overview will be helpful in preparing for that incredible journey ahead. Others have found by utilizing this process that Developing Your Lifestyle Plan was less daunting and more effective. The following are some of their insights:
Whether prepared for the midlife transition or not, it is an inevitable season of life. THE NEXT CHAPTER provides a candid, uplifting perspective to help navigate the journey ahead! With almost sixty years of collective experience as realtors, the authors share the insights and learnings gleaned from thousands of hours of face-to-face client conversations with their millennial, xGen, Boomer and Forgotten Generation clients. Through their commitment to paying it forward, Robert Miller and Monika Lowry bring the collective wisdom of their own and their clients’ life experiences to this book.
To further address some of the questions being received from our readers, a series of Podcasts, Blog and Social Media posts are planned to share updates on many of these topics and will be posted on their YouTube channel, as well as, on this website - www.TheNextChapter.fyi
While this topic is a book unto itself and many aspects of this are addressed in one of their previous books – THE WORKBOOK ON DOWNSIZING - the authors hope this overview will be helpful in preparing for that incredible journey ahead. Others have found by utilizing this process that Developing Your Lifestyle Plan was less daunting and more effective. The following are some of their insights:
- Midlife and aging gracefully is an evolutionary process, not an event
- Define your lifestyle expectations, future homes and getaways to make them real
- The Next Chapter is about “moving on” versus “hanging on”
- Living the life we once imagined starts with giving ourselves permission to DO IT!
- Developing Your Lifestyle Plan is best done together (choose your partner carefully)
- Discovering your NEXT CHAPTER lifestyle means letting go of past hurts and fears
- Being open to change can make The Next Chapter the most exciting season of life
Whether prepared for the midlife transition or not, it is an inevitable season of life. THE NEXT CHAPTER provides a candid, uplifting perspective to help navigate the journey ahead! With almost sixty years of collective experience as realtors, the authors share the insights and learnings gleaned from thousands of hours of face-to-face client conversations with their millennial, xGen, Boomer and Forgotten Generation clients. Through their commitment to paying it forward, Robert Miller and Monika Lowry bring the collective wisdom of their own and their clients’ life experiences to this book.
To further address some of the questions being received from our readers, a series of Podcasts, Blog and Social Media posts are planned to share updates on many of these topics and will be posted on their YouTube channel, as well as, on this website - www.TheNextChapter.fyi