Monday Morning Musings - Your Second Act

Dear Muse,

Today's Monday Morning Musings may not resonate with everyone, but I encourage you to stay with me on this journey of self-reflection and discovery. We're about to delve into the profound insights of Dr. Arthur Brooks , NY Times best-selling author, Harvard Business School professor, devout Catholic, and former French hornist. My executive coach, Jill Nykoliation , introduced me to his work, which has deeply resonated with me.

Brooks shares four key concepts that have profoundly impacted my perspective:

Fluid Intelligence Curve: The trajectory of expertise in our chosen fields, peaking in our late thirties or early forties before gradually declining.

Striver's Curse: The paradox of striving for excellence, only to find ourselves discontented with our successes and relationships.

Crystallized Intelligence: The wisdom gained from experience, enabling us to teach others, synthesize ideas, and recognize patterns.

Second Curve: Discovering fulfillment, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life.

How do we know when it's time to seek our second curve? According to Brooks, a telltale sign is when we no longer derive the same joy and fulfillment from our work as we once did. Personally, I've experienced this transition firsthand.

In the podcast “Cracking the Code to Happiness with Rich Roll ," Dr. Brooks shares his perspective on happiness. He believes it's not merely a feeling; rather, it's a delicate balance of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. Reflecting on my own journey during my "Year of Re" in 2023, I realized true happiness lies not in constant striving, but in finding balance and meaning in our pursuits. I gained immense perspective on what no longer served me, what I need (my faith and commitment to God and family), and what I want (and more importantly what I do not want) for my next assignment.

I invite you to pause today and ask yourself, "What moments in your life have brought you the most fulfillment and joy, and how have they shaped your understanding of happiness and purpose?"

I've come to embrace Dr. Brooks' philosophy and my own second curve with renewed joy and purpose, finding fulfillment in mentoring, advising, and sharing knowledge with others. Joining The North as an advisor and this very newsletter and our budding community serve as a testament to this newfound purpose.

Dr. Brooks eloquently reminds us that our work should aim to refresh the souls of others, a sentiment that deeply resonates with me as I embrace this new chapter. Each person’s second curve will look a little different; changing how one thinks is critical to seeing and seizing it.

I highly recommend Dr. Brooks' book, NY Times best-seller "From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life ", for those seeking guidance on navigating life's second act. Get ready to have your mind blown ??. And you don't have to thank me later.

If you are open to it, let's embark on this journey together, examining the season or curve we find ourselves in.

Go forth, my Muse, and be great! I am rooting for you, always.

Musically yours,

Amani D.