And then one enters the sixth phase , a cycle that I would call the Secure your wellness cycle . For most professionals , this is the first phase after a major professional gear change . Some would still call it “ retirement ”. But most would say “ I am busier than ever !”. And hence it is often these days called the portfolio phase .
Good advice when accumulating your portfolio for this phase is to use your fingers : The thumb points to you , reminding us to think of ourselves first when choosing activities – if it is work-related , it should generate a good income . The index finger points away from us to others , reminding us that we can help others and make the world a better place . The middle finger is the big one , reminding us that after a successful professional career , we might have a unique value skilling and experience , an x-factor , a core / signature strength that we can leverage , whether as mentors , non-executives , educators or still as practitioners . The ring finger reminds us that in this life cycle we should do things that we really love , life is too short for anything else . In fact , we find that many of our professional members carry on in their professions until quite advanced ages , because they love it . And the little finger reminds us that even the small contributions can collectively make a big difference . For many , these are the serious travel years and the hobby years . If the previous cycles have laid a good foundation , this sixth one can be a most enjoyable phase . And it should be .
“
Because when emotion picks a fight with common sense , the latter seldom stands a chance .
”
And then , some arrive at the seventh and last one , which I shall call Leave a legacy . This is the second phase of the “ retirement ” years when health does not allow such an active lifestyle anymore . As much as we often become more dependent on others during this time , it is safe to say that in this phase , energy has often been replaced by wisdom . The lifestyle assets , toys and “ kicks ” of earlier cycles are not so important anymore . If it was a life well-lived , you have left little of the box of your life unopened and there is much joy in reflecting on the past . It is especially the life cycle of sharing : sharing your knowledge , your wisdom , your time and your resources . For nobody leaves this life stage with any material possessions , death robes have no pockets . Calvin Coolidge said : “ No person was ever honoured for what he received . Honour has been the reward for what he gave ”.
The beautiful quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson , when he contemplated what success is , jumps to mind : “ To laugh often and much ; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children ; to leave the world a bit better , whether by a healthy child or a garden patch ; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived ; that is to have succeeded .”
11