Service and Satisfaction

Flowing Amidst Enduring Nature - 2009

Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains N. P.

The Reciprocity of Service and Satisfaction

I have previously discussed the importance of expressing gratitude to those who have had a positive influence on our lives. Our expressions of heartfelt gratitude creates joy for those who have given of themselves for our benefit. It also provides satisfaction to ourselves.

Early Experiences…a Prelude

Early life, while in college, I would visit my high school. It was fun to reminisce fond memories. But my strongest motivation for those visits, was to seek out my teachers and mentors. To simply see them again and more importantly, to express my gratitude to them. I recall very well the great smiles on their radiant faces. 

I learned from those early experiences how gratifying it was to acknowledge those who were an important part of my education and development.

As my years of education and training continued, I had opportunities to teach and mentor younger students and residents. Later, I served for decades in various leadership roles within and outside of the medical profession. As I did so, I developed my leadership skills and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served.

Along the way, I was gratified that in in the course of providing a direct benefit to others, I was "giving back.” 

The decades have passed and new experiences have built upon the previous ones. Then came the time when my career ended and I created my second career.

I transitioned from a career as a Plastic Surgeon to become a consultant/coach to medical and other highly skilled professionals, specializing in End of Career Transition.

My personal experience as well as that from guiding others in their transition, has taught me a great deal. One lesson is that as we plan our End of Career Transition, there is yet another great opportunity to experience personal fulfillment from actively expressing gratitude in the service of others.

What to Do Next?

It is common for individuals from all walks of life, as they envision their End of Career, to seek an answer to the question: "What am I going to do after I “retire.” 

A common approach is to think primarily about those long deferred activities that fulfill their desire to have fun. And rightfully so.

Well earned, well deserved!

However, it is also the case, that while pleasure is derived from such activities, to focus narrowly on them often results in feeling a lack of fulfillment. There is a reason for it.

You have probably heard the phrase: "you can only play so much golf.”  Or fish or travel, or…fill in the blanks.

So now, after years of deferring hobbies and activities you were looking forward to, you may feel disappointment. You find that they are not enough. And this happens precisely at the time when you were expecting the opposite.

You feel that your sense of fulfillment is lacking.

 Why?

 Needs and Desires

Those whom I have guided have been instrumental in providing the answer. And it has been reinforced by my personal experience and considerable study of this matter.

The principal reason for this phenomenon is that as some individuals plan their End of Career and the next phase of their life, they focus on fulfilling their desires. That is, to have well deserved fun in some fashion.

However, there is often insufficient attention given to fulfilling their purpose in life. This is a need, a necessity that is deeply ingrained within us. 

Yes, your career has ended, but it does not mean that your purpose in life has ended as well. It endures.

It is a deeply ingrained human trait that has a way of persisting. It requires attention and nurturing because it is necessary to fulfill it in order to achieve optimal fulfillment during the next great phase of your life as well.

The Other Factors: Identity and Relevance

For many people, their career fulfills their purpose. At some point in time, well before they end their career, they recognize that its end will no longer provide a means to fulfill their life’s purpose.

There are some who strongly identify Who they are with their title, their professional role. For them, their end of career can become a source of preoccupation. Specifically, about the perceived anticipation of loss of identity and relevance in the future.

This is yet another factor that drives the need for the pursuit of balancing your needs and desires.

Undoubtably, those that are most successful, at a deep personal level, in the next phase of their lives, are those individuals who satisfy both concerns effectively.

In Search of Balance and Equanimity

The question then, is how to satisfy the ongoing need to fulfill your purpose. To find a way to apply your hard earned skills and blend it with a healthy dose of fun, whatever that may be.

With an understanding of these life principles, you will be prepared to provide your own answers.

Please consider how you can apply your knowledge, experience and wisdom to fulfill your purpose in life and simultaneously provide a valuable service to others whose lives you will positively impact.

As you do so, I believe that your degree of satisfaction will take it quantum leap as you continue to experience serving the best interests of others.

“To give back” is a magnificent expression of gratitude.

It is certainly true that “it is in teaching that we learn." I believe it is also true that by serving others to directly improve their human condition, we simultaneously enhance our own.

My best wishes to you and your family!

Updated: June 25, 2022

PS: By the way, do you want to learn more about how to prepare yourself and your practice for a fulfilling End of Career Transition and life beyond? I would like to help you. I provide consulting/coaching services that are tailored to your specific needs. Click here to request a complimentary introductory conversation.

Flowing with Purpose - 2009

Big Creek Detail, Great Smoky Mountains N. P.