Join Chip Conley, former hospitality CEO and founder of the Modern Elder Academy, as he explores the untold potential of midlife. He shares insights on reframing our approaches to age and career, revealing how challenges can spur personal growth. Discover the transformative power of curiosity, as Chip recounts stories of people reigniting their passions—like the attorney who turned to baking. He emphasizes the value of mentorship and intergenerational collaboration, proving that midlife can be a vibrant stage filled with possibilities.
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insights INSIGHT
Midlife Unraveling
Midlife often brings disappointment as reality falls short of expectations.
This "unraveling" can be positive, prompting reflection and life edits.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Conley's Lifequake
Chip Conley faced a personal "lifequake" in his mid-40s with various crises.
This led to a realization he could "curate" his life differently and edit what wasn't working.
insights INSIGHT
Ageism and Self-Perception
Society's ageism and focus on physical decline contribute to negative midlife perception.
People fixate on the physical "playing field" while neglecting other aspects like emotional and spiritual growth.
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In 'The Road to Character,' David Brooks delves into the lives of some of the world’s greatest thinkers and leaders to illustrate how they built strong inner characters. The book contrasts 'résumé virtues' (external achievements) with 'eulogy virtues' (internal character strengths like kindness, bravery, and honesty). Brooks examines figures such as Frances Perkins, Dwight Eisenhower, Dorothy Day, and others, highlighting their personal struggles and the virtues they developed. He argues that modern society often prioritizes external success over internal character, and he provides practical advice on how to rebalance these aspects of life. The book is a call to rethink priorities and strive for a life marked by humility, moral depth, and meaningful relationships[2][4][5].
Wisdom at Work
Chip Conley
Chip Conley's "Wisdom at Work" explores the concept of the modern elder, emphasizing the value of experience and wisdom in today's rapidly changing world. The book challenges traditional notions of aging and retirement, suggesting that older individuals can maintain relevance and contribute significantly to society. Conley shares his personal journey, including near-death experiences and career transitions, to illustrate his points. He offers practical advice and strategies for navigating midlife transitions, fostering creativity, and cultivating wisdom. The book encourages readers to embrace lifelong learning and find purpose in their second half of life.
Research shows that happiness bottoms out for people in their mid to late 40s. We might struggle with mid-career slumps, caring for both children and aging parents, and existential questions about whether everything has turned out as we'd planned. But Chip Conley says we can approach this phase of our personal and profesional lives with a different perspective. He's a former hospitality industry CEO and founder of the Modern Elder Academy, and he explains how to reframe our thinking about middle age, find new energy, and become more fulfilled and successful people at work and home. Conley wrote the book Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age.
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