The Retired Achiever

I am writing this blog as we wind down from a three-day weekend. I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve benefitted from slowing down, relaxing, and catching my breath.

That has been the story of my year so far. I set the intention back in December to slow down and clarify what is most important to me at this point in my life.

I coined the phrase with my coach that I want to experience my life through the mindset of a “Retired Achiever, ” focused not so much on everything I can do but rather on people, places, and projects that interest and energize me.

My intentions for the year were to get healthier and clearer on what is most important to me and why, to live in a state of being rather than a state of doing.

This has been a necessity for me as I began the year knowing that I had some health issues and surgeries to deal with wrapped around some long-anticipated travel plans. Taken on their own, each of the medical procedures was pretty routine, as routine as surgery is, I suppose, but coming back to back-to-back at three-month intervals did take a toll on me physically and mentally. 

I am pleased to share it has all worked out it, though there are days my knee has other ideas!

Slowing down did not mean stopping it meant living with more intention, making better choices, and being more present in my relationships and interactions with others. I had great trips to Alaska, Ireland, and Santa Fe, and while I could not fully participate in every activity when I did, I was all in and showed a side of myself that people seldom see. 

I can honestly say that I’ve grown as a person and never felt more settled. My self-awareness is deepening, my priorities are clearer, my relationships are growing stronger, and I am growing more curious about the people I am meeting and our similarities and differences. 

My new perspectives have allowed me to show up differently in my relationships, coaching, and photography. 

Drawing on the metaphor of photography, I have become more focused, see a broader array of color and possibilities in the subjects before me, and take more creative risks. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing the world differently.

I am very proud of the picture of the hummingbird that accompanies this blog simply because it illustrates the joy that can be derived from slowing down from your frenetic moments and thinking about what you want for yourself.

If you could give yourself the gift of slowing down and getting focused, how would you feel? What could you achieve for yourself and those around you?

My invitation is to give yourself the gift of an hour this week to slow down and think about this question. 

Then, schedule a Creation Call with me and add some color, shape, and dimension to your next steps in slowing down to create the life you want for yourself.

As a coach, my goal is to work with a small group of clients committed to slowing down and getting focused on their highest priorities. If that is you, there is no better time to schedule a call to explore what we can create together.

The only risk or obligation you will have is to slow down long enough to allow yourself to become clear and focused.

Create with Alec – https://calendly.com/agaconsulting/create2024?month=2024-09