Time in Transition

Standing Firm Amidst Change - 2010

Bridger-Teton National Forest, WY

The New Year: A Fine Time for Introspection and Renewal

In the course of 365 days of the year, we live our roles at home and work that we have set for ourselves. We perform our various tasks, whether planned or improvised, usually without reflecting on our character and purpose. Most of us are pretty clear on that and our understanding seems to lie within rather dormant…until life's major events get our serious attention.

My Exclamation Point

I refer to these as life’s exclamation points. These are events such triumph, tragedy and end of career transition.

For most of my life I lived splendidly. So it was, until I experienced one of my life’s exclamation points that suddenly and unexpectedly ended my career as a Plastic Surgeon. Cancer has a very emphatic way of doing that. Treatment was immediate, the cure took longer. Thankfully, cancer is a thing of the past… for real. I am thankful to be cured and well!

As my storm subsided, I asked myself what to do next. My initial response was: “I am I Plastic Surgeon.”  Now, I am someone who has real clarity of identity, my character. Yet, initially my response was to describe myself by my professional title.  As I could no longer operate, that did not provide actionable answers. I thought about it further.

The Change in Perspective

The next day, the moment of epiphany occurred when I changed my perspective. I reaffirmed that Who I am is described by my character, not my title. Furthermore, my career had ended but my purpose in life had not. 

I also recognized that my initial description represented a morphing of internal identity with my professional role. This was beneficial, indeed critical to provide me with the confidence to achieve great things…that often seemed easy. However, that perspective was no longer advantageous as my career had ended. It was now time to reflect deeply and develop the clarity that illuminated my experience. 

I concluded that Who I am is much, much more than a Plastic Surgeon. Among other things, my person is manifested in various personas such as son, husband, father, leader, consultant, passionate landscape photographer and fly fisherman…as well as a long-time Eagle Scout! 

These convictions broadened my thinking and opened the door to consider other roles I could develop and be fulfilled. 

A Common Experience 

My story is unique to me but variations of it play out daily for others in ways large and small. Yet, the central theme is remarkably similar. It is common for individuals from all walks of life to describe themselves by What they do, their vocation, occupation or profession. It is reinforced from within as well as from our very culture.

I believe that such a perspective is self-limiting for ourselves and others…and it is much too common. 

I also know that this change of perspective, of your personal philosophy is at once liberating and exhilarating. Such an evolution of your perspective will reveal to you an universe of personal and professional development possibilities.

Time to Take Action

When we encounter one of life's exclamation points like divorce, bereavement, mid or end of career transition it is time to pause and reflect inwardly. The path to health, happiness and sometimes our very survival whether psychological or physical begins best with getting very clear about Who we are. I mean our core values that comprise our character.

That clarity of self has a way of creating a certain conviction of the purpose of our lives. And that inevitably illuminates the path we must take to live a life of happiness, health and fulfillment.

My experience and that of others I have helped over the years is, to some degree, dramatic. Fortunately, for most of you it is less so and for that, I am glad. Nevertheless, from my experiences and focused learning, these important concepts have emerged that I bring to your attention.

I know that such a deliberate approach to understanding and achieving clarity of identity and conviction of purpose is essential to overcome not only enormous challenges, but to foster your personal and professional development. I encourage you to bring forth from within you the courage you need to fulfill your dreams and destiny.

I believe that you have within you the resources to fuel the creation of your future.  I encourage you to begin today, as you anticipate New Year's Day, 2023.

My best wishes to you and your family!

Date Updated: December 10, 2022

PS: By the way, do you want to learn more from me about how to create a positive End of Career Transition and a fulfilling life beyond? I would like to help you. I provide consulting and coaching services that are tailored to your specific needs. Click here to apply for an introductory conversation.

Reflecting on the Face of Half Dome - 2008

Yosemite National Park, CA