Gareth’s GAME Plan: Finding a Purposeful Encore Career

At several points in life, we find ourselves at a crossroads. One chapter closes, and another beckons—a new journey full of potential but often accompanied by uncertainty. This is where having a GAME Plan becomes essential.

The GAME Plan framework offers a structured yet deeply personal approach to navigating life’s transitions. It focuses on setting Goals for your favourite future, identifying the Actions needed to overcome obstacles, planning the Means—whether through earnings, savings, or a network of social and environmental support—and Executing with accountability through coaching.

For Gareth Southgate, this period of reflection and redirection marks a significant milestone. After a celebrated career as England’s football manager, Gareth has stepped back to explore what’s next. His journey, as he shared recently on LinkedIn, is not just about finding another job but about discovering a new purpose—one that reflects his passions, talents, and values.

Finding Direction Through Values and Purpose

Central to setting meaningful goals is understanding who you are and why you’re here. In the GAME Plan process, this begins with a personal values assessment and a human capital audit. These tools help identify your core strengths and uncover the unique contributions you can make to the world.

Gareth’s reflections highlight the importance of purpose in sustaining motivation through life’s challenges. Reflecting on his time as England manager, he spoke of the profound sense of responsibility and fulfilment he experienced, whether representing millions during the national anthem or standing tall during moments of public scrutiny.

As he puts it, “This higher purpose kept me on track, gave me structure, and made my life more fulfilling.”

This underscores a vital lesson: purpose isn’t just about what we do—it’s about who we serve and why it matters. When we align our talents with the needs of others, we find deeper meaning and satisfaction.

Embracing Exploration and Growth

Transitions like Gareth’s are not just about “what’s next” but also “what’s possible.” During this time, he has embraced a period of exploration, connecting with new people, seeking fresh perspectives, and remaining open to unexpected opportunities. His willingness to step outside the familiar world of football is a powerful reminder that we grow when we challenge ourselves.

The GAME Plan’s emphasis on structured self-enquiry helps create clarity in moments of uncertainty. By identifying the actions needed to move forward and establishing a solid foundation of resources—be it financial, social, or environmental—you build the confidence to navigate the unknown.

Lessons from Gareth’s Journey

Gareth’s advice resonates with anyone contemplating a new chapter:

• Keep learning. Personal growth opens doors to opportunities you may never have considered.
• Expand your network. Conversations with diverse individuals can spark ideas and solutions.
• Take your time. Exploration is not about having all the answers but about discovering the right questions.
• Focus on purpose. When your work aligns with your values, it fuels resilience and fulfilment.

Your GAME Plan Starts Here

Whether you’re stepping back after decades in a high-profile role or simply seeking a fresh start, the GAME Plan process offers a roadmap. By aligning your goals with your values and leveraging your unique human capital, you can create a life that’s not just successful but deeply meaningful.

If you’re ready to explore your next chapter and uncover your purpose, let’s build your GAME Plan together. With the right support and strategy, your encore career could be your most rewarding yet.

Gareth’s Character Statement

Who I Am I am Gareth Southgate, a leader, coach, and mentor with a deep commitment to fostering growth and development in others. Over the years, I have built my career on a foundation of resilience, integrity, and purpose. Whether it was on the pitch as a player, or on the sidelines as a manager, I’ve sought to inspire excellence while staying true to my values of respect, fairness, and teamwork.

What I Value I value authenticity, responsibility, and collaboration. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the most meaningful progress comes from working together towards a shared goal. I believe in the power of purpose to drive us through challenges and in the importance of inspiring others to achieve their best. Representing my country taught me the value of service to something greater than oneself, and I hold this lesson close as I look to the future.

My Strengths I am calm under pressure, a natural communicator, and a strategic thinker. I bring a unique ability to see the big picture while remaining focused on the finer details that drive success. My time leading the England team through pivotal moments has honed my leadership skills, teaching me how to stay composed and empathetic even in the face of adversity.

What Drives Me What truly motivates me is making a positive difference. Whether it’s guiding individuals to achieve their potential or contributing to projects that have a lasting impact, I am energised by the idea of creating meaningful change. I am drawn to opportunities that allow me to connect, inspire, and lead with purpose.

My Vision for the Future As I embark on this new chapter, I am excited to explore a range of possibilities outside football. I aim to apply the lessons I’ve learned in leadership, teamwork, and personal growth to new challenges, building on my passion for inspiring others. My vision is to continue making a difference, whether by championing important causes, mentoring emerging talent, or contributing to innovative projects that align with my values.

My Why At the heart of everything I do is a desire to lead with purpose and integrity. I want to use my experience and skills to contribute positively to the world, helping others find their own path to fulfilment. By staying true to who I am and embracing new opportunities, I hope to continue serving and inspiring others in ways that matter.

This Character Statement embodies Gareth’s journey so far and sets the stage for his encore career. If you’re inspired by his story and ready to craft your own, why not explore how a GAME Plan can help you find clarity, purpose, and direction?

Gareth’s Personal SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• Proven Leadership: Gareth’s experience as England manager demonstrates his ability to lead under pressure, inspire teams, and deliver results at the highest level.
• Clear Communication Skills: Known for his composed and thoughtful approach, Gareth excels in fostering understanding and building trust.
• Resilience: Overcoming challenges, whether on the pitch or in high-pressure roles, has strengthened Gareth’s ability to navigate uncertainty and remain focused.
• Strategic Vision: Gareth can see the bigger picture, ensuring that short-term actions align with long-term goals.
• Empathy and Integrity: His genuine care for others and unwavering commitment to fairness make him a respected and inspiring figure.

Weaknesses

• Reluctance to Step Away from Familiarity: Having spent decades in football, Gareth may find it challenging to confidently navigate entirely new industries.
• Need for Broader Professional Network: While well-connected in sports, he may need to expand his network into new sectors to discover diverse opportunities.
• High Standards: Gareth’s pursuit of excellence could occasionally lead to overthinking or self-doubt, particularly in unfamiliar territory.

Opportunities

• Encore Career with Purpose: The chance to leverage his leadership and mentoring skills in sectors like education, consultancy, or philanthropy.
• Public Speaking and Advocacy: Gareth’s inspiring journey positions him well for keynote speaking engagements and championing causes he’s passionate about.
• Mentoring Future Leaders: Using his experience to guide individuals or organisations in achieving their potential could be highly rewarding.
• Cross-Sector Innovation: Collaborating with people from different industries can spark new ideas and enable Gareth to apply his skills in creative ways.
• Building Legacy Projects: Opportunities to work on initiatives that leave a lasting impact, such as programmes for youth development or leadership training.

Threats

• Uncertainty of Transition: Shifting away from a football-centric career could bring challenges in terms of identity and confidence in a new environment.
• Market Competition: Entering established sectors without prior experience might require Gareth to work harder to stand out and prove his value.
• Pressure to Replicate Past Success: There may be an expectation to match the high-profile achievements of his England tenure, which could create stress.
• Risk of Overcommitment: Gareth’s desire to make a difference could lead to taking on too much, hindering his ability to focus on personal goals.

This SWOT analysis offers a snapshot of Gareth’s potential and the areas to address as he maps out his next steps. With the right support and strategy, his strengths can shine even brighter, and challenges can be turned into opportunities. A GAME Plan could help Gareth focus on his goals, overcome obstacles, and build the purposeful encore career he’s envisioning.

If you’re at a similar crossroads, why not create your own SWOT analysis and explore how to maximise your strengths and navigate new opportunities?

Here is a ChatGPT prompt that will help you do just that: CLICK HERE, TO BEGIN!

Q&A: The GAME Plan – Your Guide to Purposeful Transitions

Q: What is the GAME Plan? The GAME Plan is a framework designed to help you navigate life’s transitions with clarity and purpose. It focuses on four key steps:

1. Setting Achievable Goals – Defining your vision for the future and identifying what truly matters to you.
2. Identifying Actions – Mapping out practical steps to overcome barriers and achieve your objectives.
3. Securing Means – Ensuring you have the necessary resources, such as financial stability, social networks, and environmental support.
4. Supporting Execution – Providing ongoing coaching and accountability to help you stay on track.

It’s a personalised, structured approach that empowers you to take charge of your journey with confidence.

Q: Why is it important to set achievable goals? Achievable goals provide direction and focus, ensuring your efforts align with what truly matters to you. By breaking down big dreams into smaller, actionable steps, you’ll find it easier to build momentum and stay motivated. The GAME Plan helps you set goals that reflect your values, purpose, and aspirations, creating a roadmap to your favourite future.

Q: How does the GAME Plan help me overcome barriers? Transitions often come with challenges, from self-doubt to practical obstacles like time or finances. The GAME Plan helps you identify potential barriers and develop strategies to overcome them. By breaking down complex challenges into manageable actions, you’ll feel more equipped to tackle them head-on.

Q: What does “securing means” mean in practice? Securing means is about ensuring you have the resources needed to support your goals. This might include financial planning, building a strong social network, or creating an environment that fosters success. The GAME Plan helps you assess your current resources and identify what’s missing, so you can build a foundation that supports long-term growth and stability.

Q: How does coaching support the execution of my plan? Coaching provides accountability, encouragement, and guidance as you work towards your goals. A coach can help you stay focused, refine your strategies, and navigate setbacks, ensuring you remain on track. The GAME Plan integrates coaching to give you the support and clarity you need, turning aspirations into actions.

Q: Is the GAME Plan suitable for everyone? Absolutely. Whether you’re exploring an encore career, transitioning into a new phase of life, or simply seeking clarity on your next steps, the GAME Plan can be tailored to your unique needs. It’s a flexible, supportive framework that adapts to your individual journey.

Q: How do I get started with a GAME Plan? The first step is to reflect on where you are now and where you want to go. A values assessment and a review of your human capital—your skills, strengths, and potential—are excellent starting points. From there, the GAME Plan framework will guide you through setting goals, planning actions, securing resources, and following through with coaching.

If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to learn more about how the GAME Plan can help you create a purposeful, fulfilling future. Together, we can turn your crossroads into an exciting new chapter. Visit the Academy of Life Planning for more details.