Navigating Midlife with Intention, Purpose, Meaning, and Impact

COME AND SEE: CORE VALUES AS THE WAY THROUGH LIFE

I became a huge musical fan after catching a performance of Les Misérables many years ago while in London. In an early scene, Jean Valjean, a former convict released on parole, experiences an act of grace that breaks the normative of the times then and frankly for today as well.

Exhausted, hungry, and desperate could not find a place to stay as inn after inn rejected him because of the yellow passport identifying him as a parolee. When finally he goes to the church, where Bishop Myriel, takes him in and gives him food and a bed for the night. It was an act that even the Bishops house keeper struggled to accept and proved to be a warranted distrust.

That night, Valjean, overcome by the hopelessness of his situation, steals the silver from the table he had so graciously been invited to that evening. As he was leaving town, he was caught by the local authorities who presented the Bishop with Valjean to report what he had done. To everyone's surprise, the Bishop denied his guilt and claimed that not only had he given him the silver but that he had also forgotten the silver candlesticks which were the most valuable item of them all.

This has always stuck with me. Not only did the Bishop lie (a break in the moral code a Bishop holds himself to) but a cynical world would say that he was enabling a criminal lifestyle. But the Bishop reveals in that moment a commitment to core values like compassion, forgiveness, generosity, grace, faith in humanity, kindness, integrity, hope, and many more.

The Bishop embody a way of life that supported his purpose. He equipped and empowered a hopeless Valjean with a confidence that one might say is superhuman.

Today, I would argue that it is not superhuman at all, rather, it is a commitment to an intentional way of life that chooses values that uphold the greater good in service to something bigger than ourselves.

FOLLOW: THE PATHWAY OF CORE VALUES

When we are intentional about creating a life of meaning, purpose, and impact, values serve as the guiderails for a life that shape our decisions, build our character, create our personal legacy, while transforming our collective legacy. They help us navigate life's challenges and successes with humility. Consciously embracing and living out our core values, inspires a more authentic and fulfilling life and contributes to a better world.

As we approach the transformative phases of midlife and retirement, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, seeking deeper purpose, greater meaning, and a more profound impact in our lives. This period of transition, while challenging, offers a unique opportunity to realign our lives with what truly matters. Central to this realignment is the identification and embrace of our core values. Core values are more than just abstract concepts; they are the fundamental beliefs that shape our actions, decisions, and ultimately, our legacy.

In the case of Valjean, the Bishop value of compassion served as the compass pointing Valjean and us to true north.

Like Valjean when we take the time to discover and embrace our core values, we gain a sense of direction and clarity that helps us navigate the complexities of life. They provide a framework for evaluating our choices and actions, ensuring that we remain true to ourselves, our purpose, our calling and a way of life that spans lifetimes.

KNOW: THE POWER OF LIVING YOUR CORE VALUES

Anchoring in Authenticity
Midlife and retirement are times of significant change and introspection. Many of us begin to question the paths we have taken and the goals we have pursued. This introspection can lead to a profound desire to live more authentically. Core values serve as an anchor in this quest for authenticity. By aligning our lives with our core values, we can shed societal expectations and external pressures, allowing us to live in a way that is true to our innermost beliefs.

Enhancing Fulfillment and Satisfaction
Living in alignment with our core values enhances our sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. When our actions and decisions reflect our deepest beliefs, we experience a congruence that fosters inner peace and happiness. This alignment reduces internal conflict and helps us feel more centered and grounded, even amidst the uncertainties of life transitions.

Guiding Decision-Making
Decision-making becomes more straightforward and less stressful when guided by core values. In the face of tough choices or dilemmas, our values provide a clear benchmark for evaluating options. This clarity can prevent decision paralysis and regret, enabling us to move forward with confidence and assurance.

Developing Resilience
Core values contribute to our resilience, especially during challenging times. When we encounter obstacles or setbacks, our values remind us of what is most important, helping us to stay focused and motivated. This resilience is crucial during the transitions of midlife and retirement, as we navigate changes in our roles, relationships, and routines.

Intentional Living
Living with intention means making deliberate choices that align with our core values. This intentionality ensures that our actions and decisions are purposeful and meaningful. In midlife and retirement, being intentional about how we spend our time, who we surround ourselves with, and what we choose to pursue can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life. Intention transforms our values from abstract ideals into concrete actions that shape our daily lives and long-term goals.

Creating your Legacy
As we enter the later stages of life, the desire to leave a meaningful legacy becomes more pronounced. Our core values shape the legacy we create, influencing how we are remembered by others. By living according to our values, we inspire and impact those around us, leaving a positive and lasting imprint on our families, communities, and the world.

GROW: REAL-LIFE IMPACT OF CORE VALUES

In my late 20s, I followed my passion and pursued a Masters of Divinity. I wanted to blend my business life with faith, hope, and love. After graduating and leaving a church my family started, I built a successful career in commercial real estate, leading one of the top teams.

For a while, I was hooked on making deals, enjoying the fast-paced work. I held onto my values, but success and recognition started to cloud my judgment.

Then, life hit hard. My wife had a stroke at 40, which led to surgeries and ongoing pain. In the following months, we lost loved ones, faced the breakdown of family and community relationships due to the in-your-face fragility of life, and the beginning of emptying out our nest as my oldest daughter went off to school. These events shook me and reminded me of my wish to live an inspired life and encourage others to find their true calling.

This turning point, much like Valjean's in his story, came from others who showed me a deeper purpose. They helped me see how I could make a bigger difference in the lives of those around me.

I learned that my values were influenced by my community (healthy and unhealthy). I had been swept up in different values that didn't always match mine: love, curiosity, compassion, integrity, inspiration, and faith. And as I reconciled my life to these values, reconciliation to those valued relationships and life dreams came as well.

You see, I believe everything works together for the good of humanity, our planet, the universe, and mysteries we don't understand. And so today, I hope you might be inspired to a life that seeks a growing connection with the core values that help you (re)shape your vocation and life with greater purpose and meaning.

GO: EMBRACE AND LIVE YOUR CORE VALUES

As you journey through midlife and retirement, it's time to put your core values into action. Let your values guide you in making deliberate choices that shape your life and impact those around you. Here's how you can start:

• Identify Your Core Values: Take time to reflect on the values that matter most to you. Write them down and define what they mean in your daily life.
• Set Intentional Goals: Align your goals with your core values. Whether it's spending more time with family, engaging in community service, or pursuing a passion project, ensure your actions reflect your values.
• Practice Daily: Incorporate your values into your everyday decisions and interactions. Consistency will reinforce their importance and impact.

• Share Your Journey: Inspire others by sharing your story and the role of core values in your life transitions. Your experience can motivate others to embrace their values.
• Seek Support: Join our community of like-minded individuals who share your commitment to living with purpose and intention. Encourage and support each other in your journeys.

By actively living your core values, you create a life of significance and lasting impact. Embrace this journey with confidence, knowing that your values are the foundation upon which you build a meaningful and fulfilling life. Go forth and let your values illuminate your path, making a positive difference for yourself and future generations.

Learn more about ways you can navigate life's many transitions with our Howard Bailey Coaching Community offerings. Schedule a Life Repurposed Call with Les McDaniel, Howard Bailey's Chief Purpose Officer.

Investment Advisory Services may be offered through Howard Bailey Securities, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Working with Howard Bailey Securities, LLC, cannot guarantee investment success or that specific financial goals will be achieved.

©2024 HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL, INC.