Everyone wants long term success. But it is elusive for most.

Long term success is dependent on knowing where you are now and where you are headed. Then closing the gap. Frequently. Continuously.  Whether it’s your business, your career or your life at home., it’s easy to get off track, lose touch or get buried under. Without a true sense of where you are in the moment, it is impossible to realize your dreams or be a leader in your field.

Re-calibrate your profound knowledge

The only way we can take 100% responsibility for sustaining our success is to keep re-calibrating-in every aspect of our lives and organizations.

Key to successful recalibration is to acquire what my dear departed mentor, Dr. W. Edwards Deming, coined as Profound Knowledge. This umbrella phrase emphasizes understanding change and how to measure it, being aware of emerging trends and shifts, and learning how to apply this knowledge to leading and sustaining long term success.

Bottom line: If we don’t acquire Profound Knowledge we cannot know how to prepare for and leverage coming change, thus how to sustain our success long term.

Understanding change means understanding shifts in our personal world as well as tracking trends that capsize us, overtake us, or cause us to flounder.

Learning the Hard Way

Unfortunately one of my Gen X male clients learned this the hard way. A rising star in his field and recently married, he was planning far a great future for his kids, tons of time for fun and all the trappings of success. As if out of the blue, the rug got pulled out from under him. His “Happy Homemaker” wife fled, saying I’m out of here!

Somewhere along the way there was a breakdown or perhaps many small fissures below the surface. Had they been recalibrating an checking in with each other, communicating the truth of what was so for each of them…perhaps they could have saved their marriage…or at least ended it with love, grace, and forgiveness.

Even in the most secure relationships, unexpected change happens to ruffle our plans. A recently returned to work mother of teenage kids reported that her new career is now going gangbusters and she no longer worries about the empty-nest . But, the new ripple in her life is that her once very successful husband, in his late 40’s, now faces an unknown future. Surprised by the shifts in his industry, “suddenly” he and his business partner are facing the probability of closing their doors. What once appeared to be the sure path to their dreams, is no crumbling beneath them.

Change is inevitable. If you can learn what Profound Knowledge is and apply it you can avoid these same pitfalls and NOT LEARN THE HARD WAY!

What steps are you going to take to future cast your long term success?

Clearly Global Warming is not a hoax. Even current POTUS finally admits, sort of, suggesting on 60 Minutes that we may actually have a BIG problem on our hands all around the globe!

Clearly his is not a dress rehearsal.

A Science (STEM) educator in my youth, I railed about “Greenhouse Gases”.  Now we find ourselves here. We are almost out of time to reverse. 10 yrs is a best case scenario before its catastrophically too late to reverse significantly?

Tell then why all this push to invest in fossil fuels (coal, fracking, drilling in National Lands, etc.) Only answer that makes any sense in light of science and

Human observation, is unadulterated greed and corruption.

It would cost us a lot less to retrain all our fossil fuel related workers to Green Energy related opportunities instead. Clearly a win-win-win for us all…around the world.

How about we plan for everyone’s greater future by investing in retraining our workers in tech and other higher skilled work, as well as repurpose those who

Are needed but need basic retraining from shop floor to a new use of their talents

And the best of the best we can tap and provide leadership development programs, plus ongoing professional development. Doing this will make us great again as a Nation (and the world) even in our tumultuous times.

I’ve always been an optimist. But when it comes to Global Warming, I am an educated pessimist.

A systemic breakdown does not automatically become a breakthrough. Only you and I must choose to ensure that out of these chaotic fast-paced times that we will not dissipate into the ethers. Rather that our whole system will evolve to a higher level of development into in to a coherent whole. What I coned as CoHERency.

Here in America our Mid-term elections have started, which will determine the fate of our democracy for a long time…for generations to come.

The new reports coming out recently and topped by this one today, tell of the drastic current and future impact of Climate Change – reads like straight out of a Cinemax horror documentary.

So for anyone to blow off, try to skirt around and outright cover their prior words about Climate Change being made up is denial and avoidance for green, power or both.  So the totally slim possibility that the severe weather striking worldwide isn’t caused by humans, per Marco Rubio, is absolute insanity mixed in with saying anything to hold onto his seat.

Trusting politicians is deadly. Trusting science in this case is our only real savior!

Whatever party affiliations you have, on this one issue of planetary survival, we must all agree to VOTE to turn out those uneducated Climate Deniers and/or those Deniers who know better.

Our current raft of Carpetbagger deniers in the GOP and with DJL leading the White House, EPA and Dept. of Interior clearly must want to party it out before its their end time. I guess they don’t worry about their legacy to ensure their kids, and grandkids have a planet to call home.  Why else then are they pursuing in earnest to accelerate the destruction of our planet?

VOTE like your life matters, cause it does! Vote like our Mother Earth matters, cause it does!

Our current leadership prefers seeking out other planets or other solar systems and galaxies to live on. All the super powers are now in a race to conquer yet again.  I ask, but for whom? Most of these old white conservative guys are too old to benefit from further space exploration!  Yet off theses carpetbaggers go, like some evil enterprise threatening the StarShip in a Star Wars megawar of the world!

Let’s replace these old white conservative guys who clearly have an axe to grind and are are hell bent on the destruction of what was great about America.  Distrubtion is great for technolocy and innovation, but it appears to suck royally when applied to governance. What we need now is new leaders who know that we are at a planetary turning point on every plane of our very existence.

So let’s put all we’ve got into retrieving our own planet first!

If beer is going to guide you when you VOTE , then so be it! 

Let’s raise our beer bottles to toast on this!

Your Next Chapter

Life is supposed to be full of milestones. Things like graduation, getting married, buying a house, a new job or the birth of a child. Every self-help book that I have read recently, asks the question- what is your next move? The audiobooks that I listen to are challenging me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. This type of action will propel me to the next level of my career, lifestyle or whatever the new thing that I aspire to.

Do I want to sell my house and move to Dubai? Do I want to spend a week in the woods with nothing but a tent, ax and a camp stove? Heck no. I don’t think these drastic changes in my lifestyle will push me up the preverbal ladder of life.

What if there is no next chapter? What if there is no ladder of life to climb? What if you are living and breathing your next chapter at this very minute?

Stop living for the future. Stop buying into the nonsense that you need to have three years experience before you can apply for that job that you are more than qualified for. Stop telling yourself that you will finish your degree when your children are in school. Stop thinking that you can’t possibility sing in the choir because you haven’t practiced enough.

You are writing your life story in the here and now.
Your next chapter is here and now. Your next chapter is what you do and the decisions you make every day. Waiting for something big may not make you take those small daily steps that are part of your everyday story. Everyday stories add up to a full chapter. Full chapters add up to a very interesting and engaging book.

Enjoy your story in the here and now.

Your Next Chapter is Now

About the Author

Jan has been working in senior living for over 22 years. She has learned throughout her career that everyone needs encouragement. Everyone has a story and it is never too late to make a fresh start. Her blog janwieder.com is full of encouraging stories.

Please welcome to the Ageless Beat Blog guest poster, Michael Longsdon, whose going to be discussing Safe Ways for Seniors to Be Social While Getting Fit.

Image courtesy Pixabay

As our bodies inevitably age, it is natural to start thinking of ways to take care of ourselves, stay fit, and boost our health. Many seniors want to make the most of their “Golden Years” by staying moderately active and social, trying new things, and cultivating healthy habits. Here are some of our favorite fun, safe ways for seniors to have fun (and be social) while getting fit.

NIA

If you’ve never heard of NIA, you’re probably not alone. It’s a relatively new practice that’s been taking the world by storm in recent years. NIA is a fusion of dance, yoga, meditation and gentle martial arts. Done barefoot in a studio surrounded by other students, NIA is a holistic fitness practice that is suitable for all ages and is especially beloved by many seniors.

All things water

From swimming pools to water aerobics, water is a great way for seniors to stay fit. Water is great for aging bodies. Its buoyancy is easy on joints. Its cooling effect is good for the heart. Its resistance allows for some cardio or aerobic activities. Water fitness also helps heal a variety of ailments, ranging from cardiovascular disease to osteoporosis to diabetes. If accessibility is a concern, there are accessible pool products available that can help.

Dance

It’s never too late to learn how to dance! Some studios will even offer discounted or free lessons to seniors. Relive your youth by grooving to some of your favorite tunes from eras gone by. If swing music is your thing, learn the Lindy Hop or the Balboa. For a fun partners’ dance, try the tango or the salsa. In fact, some studios will even teach you to dance if you’re wheelchair bound – so there’s really no excuse not to give it a try.

Gentle Yoga

When you think of yoga, chances are you’re thinking of some young, thin, flexible woman twisting herself into a pretzel. There’s so much more to yoga than that. Did you know there are gentle, relaxing types of yoga that can be done while sitting in a chair or even lying in your bed? These restorative yoga practices are great for your body and won’t have you twist into uncomfortable positions.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are two ancient martial arts from China that are very suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, including seniors. In addition to teaching you basic self defense through slow and gentle martial arts movements, these practices build strength, boost your immune system, and can reverse a variety of physical ailments.

Gardening

Anyone who tends to a garden will tell you: gardening can actually be quite a workout! Plus, it’s just a fun and fulfilling hobby. You can make gardening a social activity or a solo one. Best of all, it’s a simple activity you can do at your convenience from the comfort of your own home. Why not give it a try?

Young people don’t get to have all the fun! This list is just a handful of ideas for how seniors can really enjoy their Golden Years. There are so many ways to experience the joys of life. Try something new that will bring a smile to your face. Find something you love that will also help you get fit., stay healthy, and – who knows – maybe even make a few new friends along the way.

By Michael Longsdon

However, from the vibrating heart of our dissipating structures comes the promise of our true greatness: a greatness of awareness and action that will change the world. From the midst of the evolving Great Transition, we leave the Great Recession and the uplifting Obama era behind us as we enter an unknown, unchartered new cycle of populism and extreme radicalism ripping our valued democratic tenets to shreds and putting each of us on the line.  This Great Shift demands that we each unlock our potential for greatness which lives in each of us, and we are being called to make a difference. That is the premise of The Greatness Challenge, in which I offer a template for embracing and embodying our unique Signature Greatness DNA^SM to unleash our personal and collective greatness.

The Greatness Challenge is a manifesto for the growing wave of us who want to add value in all we do and who are being called to personal and collective evolution—from dentists to doctors, executives to engineers, artists to teachers and visionary leaders and futurists who are looking to redesign their lives so that every moment counts . . . for those of you who seek work that not only fills your bank accounts but your “values” bank as you yearn to do well doing good . . . for leaders who seek a pathway to visionary leadership, so the impact you have is of the greatest benefit for all.

To be one of the first to hear about The Greatness Challenge when it releases join us in the Secret Facebook Group here.

Have any of you been through a recent change or loss which transformed your role in and/or perspective about life and your future?

With graduations, weddings, and kids going off to camp, college, or on a global trek — all marker events which reach a crescendo at this time of year — many of us find ourselves on the precipice of being empty-nesters or on our own for the short or longer term. There are really no words that can adequately describe the vacuum that can engulf us when we are freshly on our own…even if we relish aspects of our new freedom. Like all things in life, there’s always a downside and upside to consider and hopefully embrace.

If you’ve had any of these experiences, even those which are positive, chances are that at some level you feared and/or felt a sense of loneliness.

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, in his article Loneliness Can Really Hurt You, “Loneliness is an invisible epidemic that affects 60 million Americans. Everyone feels lonely at times in their lives, but chronic loneliness poses a serious health risk. New research suggests that loneliness and social isolation are as much a threat to your health as obesity. As Richard Lang, MD, chair of preventive medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, puts it, people need to attend to loneliness ‘the same way they would their diet, exercise, or how much sleep they get’.”

As with other aspects of big “S” self-care, though, it can be confusing to know where to begin in order to feel better.

There are many ways we can all diminish loneliness, regardless of age or stage of life, both alone and with others.

So…let’s get this conversation started and begin at the heart of the matter — with YOU!

Being lonely is different than being alone (have you ever felt lonely despite being in a crowd of people?). It is a feeling, not a fact of life. In fact, time spent alone can often be exactly what you need to clear your mind, boost your energy and mood, engage your creativity and reconnect with your inner passions. Instead of putting yourself down (our natural default mechanism) find a way to take pleasure in some solitude.

Have you ever appreciated doing any of the following on your own?

* gardening

* walking along a beach

* painting/drawing

* meditating

* doing yoga

* journaling

* traveling

* going out for a meal or movie

These are just a few of the many ways to enjoy your own company.

A couple of weekends ago my husband was out of town for several days. In addition to chatting with friends I’d been meaning to catch up with, I filled my time reading, writing, and, in the best of my alone time, happily binge-watching a full year of Frankie and Grace on Netflix!

Sometimes simply reinforcing the connection with yourself is the best kick-start antidote to any lingering or pervasive sense of loneliness you may experience.

Do you have any other suggestions as to how we can ease loneliness when spending time alone? Let us know in the comments below!

(Also, be sure to check out Wednesday’s Ageless Beat blog when we continue this discussion about ways to assuage loneliness through connection with others… Any tips you think we should include in that (or future) blog(s)? Let me know today by sending an email to Karen@KarenSands.com or feel free to comment below!)

(Image Credit: IMG_2886 by Sudheesh Joseph, Flickr.com)

Fuel is the starting source for producing energy and, just as with our home heating systems, our bodies require fuel in order to avoid depletion and keep going. You can’t run on empty. Becoming worn out not only affects physical health, but, in a domino effect, may also place a (literal and figurative) drag on your mental, emotional, and relational well-being.

In my May 27th Ageless Beat blog, Time Out, I wrote about the value of renewing in order to de-stress and be more productive again. This week, I want to add to that by mentioning some simple tidbits and energizing options you can try right now, regardless of finances, location, age or other circumstances.

In her article, 12 Weekend Habits of Highly Successful People, Emma Rushton suggests that the most productive and prosperous among us typically view weekends as secret weapons for success. She is quick to add that the same actions can be done all week, as well, adding a quote of Aristotle’s, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Rushton offers collected tidbits of wisdom from such famous high-powered people as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Anna Wintour, Timothy Ferris, and Warren Buffet. Among their suggested practices, which can be beneficial for professional, as well as personal fulfillment, are:

* Don’t multi-task, as it reduces effectiveness. Instead, be present for each single activity.

* Stay Active as an active body is key for an active mind.

* Prioritize what’s important to keep work-life harmony in balance.

* Make time for hobbies, which make for an interesting life while also fostering creativity and relieving stress (Do you prefer Indoors? Outdoors? Participation or observation? Are you a puzzle fan? An athlete? Do you ride horses, do yoga, love to collect a particular item, enjoy reading or writing, make original crafts or models, sing, work with technology/electronics, cook, collect, keep bees, etc.?).

* Practice stillness (Since recovering from surgery, I have found this to be especially helpful, particularly while sitting in my back yard on a beautiful day as I did this past Memorial Day weekend and appreciating the added healthful benefit of viewing flowers, trees and wildlife).

* Take time to reflect and assess what works and doesn’t, which activities to continue or release, what will work best to amp up your ability to be energized and successful.

* Give back – in addition to feeling great it can help re-energize your thinking in other areas.

I would also add, give fuel to yourself … you cannot live your fullest life, or even be there for those you care about, if you are on empty. Even doing just one energy-enhancing action today can begin to make a difference.

Have you felt depleted at any time lately? What did you do to re-fuel?

(Image Credit: Statue of Buddha in meditation position, garden, View Ave NW, Seattle, Washington, USA by Wonderlane, Flickr.com)