Leading Your Life: Crafting a Powerful Second Half

We’ve all heard of the Nobel Prize, but did you know that its founder, Alfred Nobel, didn’t start out with such noble intentions? His turning point came in a rather unexpected way. One morning, Nobel woke up to find his own obituary in the newspaper—a mix-up caused by a reporter who mistakenly thought Alfred had died when it was actually his brother. The obituary labeled him the "merchant of death," condemning him for creating explosives that had made mass destruction more efficient. This shocking glimpse into how the world saw him forced Nobel to reflect on his legacy. Realizing he didn’t want to be remembered this way, he made a profound decision to use his fortune to celebrate the very best of humanity, leading to the creation of the Nobel Prizes in science, literature, and peace.

This story got me thinking about how we often view life as a pre-staged process: we learn, we work, and then we retire. But is life really just one career followed by a gradual fading into retirement? What about having a second half? Or looking at life in quarters? And what is the legacy we leave behind? Is it ever too late to do something different, something truly impactful that defines how we’ll be remembered?

The answer is a resounding NO, as Dilys Price would tell you. At 84, Dilys gave a TED Talk that radiated with the energy of someone half her age. She spoke about how it’s never too late to find your passion and live a fulfilling life. Dilys shared that she had been afraid of almost everything before she took up skydiving at the age of 54. That age was a turning point for her because her mother had died at 54, and the fear of dying at the same age caused her to re-examine her life. That leap of faith didn’t just help her conquer her fears—it led her to discover her true passion, which in turn inspired her to found a charity that helps people with disabilities. Through her experiences, Dilys emphasized that overcoming fear, finding your passion, and helping others are essential ingredients to living a life that’s truly fulfilling.

This idea resonates with my own journey and the courage it took to embark on a path that challenged me. About ten years ago, I realized that I was too focused on being cerebral, often intellectualizing everything to the point where it hindered my relationships. I knew something had to change. I needed to connect with people on a deeper, more intuitive level, and that’s when I decided to embark on a journey of right-brain training.

I started with exercises designed to activate the creative and emotional side of my brain—the side that had been long neglected. These exercises weren’t just about sparking creativity; they were about cultivating a new approach to life, one that emphasized connection over analysis. One of the most transformative practices I adopted was using art as a medium. I picked up the pencil, which I hadn’t used for drawing in at least twenty years. Whether it was drawing, sketching, or simply appreciating the beauty in everyday things, art became my way of tapping into emotions and experiences that I couldn’t quite capture with words. For those not inclined toward art, even using your non-dominant hand more often—like switching the side of your mouse or brushing your teeth—can help.

This shift didn’t just improve my relationships—it gave me new dimensions in every aspect of my life. Through exercising the creative, I started to appreciate the subtleties, the unspoken connections, and the rich textures of life that make it meaningful. For example, at work, I could generate different diverging options using my creative brain and then use my rational side to converge on a solution. I also became more emotionally attuned to others, and my management of relationships improved significantly.

As you consider how to redefine your own legacy, here are three tips to help you expand your horizons:

1. Expand Your Network: Get to know people beyond your usual work or social circles. Aim to make one new friend each year who brings a different perspective into your life. This small but deliberate action can broaden your worldview and enrich your experiences.

2. Learn a New Skill: Push yourself to learn something you never thought you’d want to. Whether it’s picking up a musical instrument, learning to code, or even mastering a new language, the key is to step outside your comfort zone. New skills can ignite passions you didn’t know you had.

3. Seek New Experiences: Look for experiences that you’d never have tried before. It might be something adventurous like skydiving, inspired by Dilys Price, or something reflective like traveling solo. These experiences can open up new dimensions in your life, offering fresh perspectives and renewed energy.

Leaders have a unique opportunity to shape not only their own legacy but also the futures of those they lead. Life is like a canvas—you have the ability to paint over old strokes and create something entirely new. By embracing change, encouraging others to explore new paths, and continually transforming ourselves, we can create a lasting impact that extends far beyond our immediate careers. The best chapters of our lives might just be the ones we have yet to write.

So, as you look at the canvas of your life, what new strokes will you add today? Start now—your legacy is waiting to be shaped.