LPN Newsletter - Winter 2010

FEATURED ARTICLE - Knowledge & Expertise from LPN

Forks in the Road -
Helping Clients Choose a Meaningful Life Path

By Mary Radu, MS, MSW, CPCC Coordinator, Northern California LPN

Many of our "baby boomer" clients are going to seek our help in making the transition from the "building and doing" stage of life into the next stage of adulthood. This article discusses the process of transition and some concrete ways that every professional can help clients discover what is important.

David J. Powell, Ph.D., states that at some point in our forties or fifties, we are faced with a "crisis of limitations." Our sense of having unlimited energy and physical possibilities shifts to seeing the limits in what we can accomplish, limits in how long we might live, and loss of important relationships. Dr. Powell uses the metaphor of a traveler at "forks in the road," to describe choices for this next stage of our active adult lives.

The Three Forks in the Road

The first fork in the road finds the traveler striving "to ascend the ladder even higher." This road focuses on creating external success by gaining more "power, prestige, and possessions."

Dr. Powell calls the second fork The Rusted-Out Road. The traveler continues to do the same old thing, running into the same road-blocks and vistas.

The third fork, which I call The Meaningful Way, begins by taking an inward journey. Here, the traveler discovers what brings positive energy and joy into their lives and gains the motivation to achieve financial, health, and lifestyle goals.

The Meaningful Way

Martin, one of my clients, chose to explore the third fork. His current job was not giving him much satisfaction, and he also had a dream to write a book that was not getting written. Staying on the rusted-out road kept him focused on the problems rather than any opportunities for making changes in any part of his life.

Our work began with introspection, pondering his current life and his dreams for the future. He wrote a vision statement that represented the qualities and values most important to him. This process motivated Martin to take exploration steps down some new roads, identifying specific opportunities that brought more of his desired qualities into his daily activities. It also moved him to action toward his dream.

Five Steps Down the Meaningful Way

Here are some steps I find effective in my coaching to help clients move forward:

1. Identify one small, doable step, such as journaling, to gain clarity about what will bring meaning to the next phase of life.
2. Set a time frame for completing and carrying out that step.
3. Identify a friend or family member to whom they can be accountable for completing that action. Schedule a check-in time.
4. Schedule your own check-in with your clients to help keep the commitment to you. Celebrate success.
5. Plan your next step and repeat this process.

As a trusted advisor, you have the potential to help your clients make effective transitions into the next stage of their lives with a new mature identity. Walk the talk by exploring your own life-planning concerns first. Bring this personal understanding to your services along with your professional knowledge. Encourage your clients to focus on broader whole-life planning to find what will make their lives more meaningful. You will be rewarded with clients who experience greater clarity and open up new opportunities for you to serve them effectively.

Click here to read the full article including case study.

References

Powell, David J. 2006. Understanding People in Life's Second Half. Center Sage: A Resource for Leaders of Mid-life and Older Adult Ministries 10: 4-6.

Radu, Mary and Cheryl Mann. 2007. Roadmap to Meaningful Life®: Create Your Vision and Action Plan. (http://www.RoadmapToMeaningfulMidlife.com).

Reprinted with permission from Society of Certified Senior Advisors, Volume 39, 2008

Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu guides midlife individuals and couples to make meaningful life changes and make a difference in the world. For life planning tools, a copy of her ezine, and a sample of her program, Roadmap to Meaningful Midlife®, go to www.PathmakerCoaching.com or contact her at mary@pathmakercoaching.com.