What’s Next? This Powerful Experiment Can Help.

What if the next two years could redefine the next two decades of your life?

Many of us hit moments when we pause and wonder: Am I on the right track? Sometimes it’s a subtle nagging feeling that something’s missing; other times, it’s a louder question about what’s next. Even though I’ve spent years developing tools, frameworks, and entire bodies of work to guide people through these very questions, I recently found myself at that same crossroads. I was approaching 58, staring at the horizon of 60, and asking myself: Is the way I feel about my work and life today how I want to feel for the next chapter?

The answer wasn’t an outright no, but it wasn’t a definitive yes either. And for someone who knows their Sparketype, values, and purpose-driven quests, this realization came as a surprise. I had spent years intentionally building a life that aligned with what lights me up, surrounded by projects and people that matter. Yet, when I looked at the details of my day-to-day experience, I knew I wanted something more—or at least, something different.

That’s when I launched what I’ve come to call my “2x20” (said “two by twenty).?

It’s a deeply personal experiment to spend two full years exploring, then setting in motion the next 20. It’s a chance to step back, reflect, and recalibrate every area of life—work, relationships, health, and beyond—while focusing on three defining qualities I want to center my life around: simplicity, significance,and joy.?

This experiment isn’t just about asking big questions; it’s about taking action, running experiments, and using what I learn to create a life that feels meaningful, sustainable, and alive.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to rethink your path—not in a way that throws everything out, but in a way that refines and realigns—it’s worth asking: What could your next season look like if you made the space to design it with intention?

Here are a few guiding prompts:

1. Anchor Yourself with a Guiding Question

Instead of getting stuck in overthinking, I grounded my experiment with one question: What might I learn, do, or build in the next two years that would center the next 20 around simplicity, significance, and joy? This guiding question helped me move from mental paralysis to action, providing clarity and a framework for running meaningful experiments.

Why it matters: A well-crafted question becomes a lens for decision-making. It cuts through distractions and creates a north star for action. Try asking yourself: What do I want my next season of life to feel like?

2. Experiment Your Way to Answers

Most of us try to think our way to clarity. But for me, it’s about doing. Over the last 13 months, I’ve been running experiments across three areas of life—vitality, connection, and contribution. From committing to early morning hikes to testing new creative outlets like public writing, these experiments have been eye-opening.

Why it matters: Action generates data—both hard evidence and intuitive insight. Whether a trial succeeds or fails, you gain clarity. The key is to keep experimenting without rushing to lock into one path too early. It elevates play, learning, and exploration over any overly-heavy mandate to succeed.

3. Create Guardrails Without Rigidity

While my 2x20 has structure, I’ve kept it flexible. I use simple rules, like always running experiments and avoiding prolonged inaction. It’s all about learning and doing. Yet I resist the Maker’s urge to commit too soon–to shift into “build” more–ensuring that I stay open to discovery rather than locking into decisions prematurely.

Why it matters: Flexibility allows for serendipity. If your structure feels too rigid, it can stifle creativity and overwhelm you with pressure. Design systems that keep you accountable while leaving space for exploration.

4. Align with Core Values

At the heart of this experiment are three defining values: simplicity, significance, and joy. These are the focus more, yours will be different. Simplicity reduces stress and complexity in both work and life. Significance ensures that what I do feels deeply meaningful to me. And joy reminds me to focus on what brings lightness and connection to the moment.

Why it matters: Clarity on your core values filters decisions. Whether it's pursuing a new project or saying no to distractions, aligning with your values keeps you grounded and purposeful

5. Focus on Long-Term Impact

This project isn’t just about the next two years; it’s about setting up the next 20 for sustainability and fulfillment. By framing experiments with a long-term lens, I’ve been more thoughtful about what I pursue and why. It’s not about what’s trendy now—it’s about what I believe will have the capacity to endure as a driving interest for years to come.

Why it matters: Thinking long-term shifts your perspective. Instead of chasing fleeting goals, you start crafting a life of depth, impact, and sustainability.

This journey has taught me that growth isn’t about radical transformation overnight; it’s about small, intentional shifts that add up over time. If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to reflect on your own next season. What might you learn, do, or build to shape the life you want to live?

For deeper insights, join me in this week’s SPARKED podcast episode where I share the full story behind my 2x20, the experiments I’ve run, and the lessons I’ve learned. If you’re at a crossroads, it might just spark an idea for your next chapter. Let’s explore what’s possible—together.

How to Take Worthy Risks, and Not be Reckless: When Jonathan was 16, thrill-seeking was the name of the game. Fast cars, late nights, and a whole lot of recklessness. Looking back, it’s clear: he and and his friends were lucky to survive. But as adults, navigating risk is a different beast. How do we balance the growth that comes from risk with the danger of recklessness? Explore this fine line and uncover strategies to take chances that matter—without tipping into disaster.

Harness the Power of Others’ Wisdom: 5 Strategies for Growth: Unlocking the insights of those around you can lead to powerful personal and professional breakthroughs. These five strategies will help you cultivate curiosity, ask meaningful questions, and listen with intent, allowing you to learn from others’ experiences. By fostering trust and reflecting on what you’ve heard, you can deepen relationships, improve decision-making, and gain new perspectives. Whether at work or in life, these steps offer a path to greater understanding and growth.?

Breaking Free from Cynicism: The Key to Thriving at Work: Recent research shows that cynicism limits success rather than propelling it. Cynics often earn less, experience lower job satisfaction, and are less likely to rise to leadership roles. This is because success isn’t the ruthless, winner-take-all game they expect. Instead, workplaces thrive on trust, collaboration, and creativity—qualities that cynicism erodes. Learn how to break the cycle and foster both individual and collective achievement.

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