The Art of Encore Living Origin Story

Are you navigating the second half of life with a nagging sense that you’ve not yet fully embraced or engaged with your unique gift or life’s true calling?

For many of us, the second half of life is a time for reflecting on the meaning of life.¹

More to the point, it is a time to reflect on the meaning of your life.

If you’re lucky, the work of making a living and raising a family has been rewarding.

And if you’re REALLY fortunate, that work aligned with who you are, what you’re good at, and where you belong.

That kind of work feels meaningful and fulfilling—more of a vocation than merely an occupation.

I’m VERY fortunate. I made a living doing work I was called to several times—husband, father, musician, teacher, and now an encore life coach.

But if you haven’t found your soul’s true calling, you must know it’s not your fault.

Institutionalized education and occupation systematically indoctrinated you to ignore and deny your dreams.

Instead of nurturing your innate instincts for creativity, collaboration, and curiosity, society compelled you to comply, compete, and settle for the status quo.

And yet…

You can define your game (the work you GET to do)² anytime you choose and decide to do the inside-out work of reconnecting with who you really are, what you’re really good at, and where you really belong.

This guide is designed to provide you with time-tested wisdom to help you begin to discover, develop, and deliver the difference only you can make so you can live your legacy.³

You’ll be seeking the edges of your understanding and ability. That is, after all, where growth occurs.

Why I Wrote This Guide

I wrote this book⁴ because, although I have heard and heeded my life’s next calling, I have at least as often ignored or misunderstood it.

If you doubt or even fear how to discern and embrace your “what’s next,” I want you to know I understand and empathize with you.

Why?

Because I am you.

My attempt to inspire you to pursue developing your potential and delivering on your promise is also a reminder to myself to do the same.

As I encourage you to embrace uncertainty and sit with the tension of navigating a path into possibility without a roadmap, I’m also encouraging myself to continue my journey.

Ventures (and adventures) into vocation require this kind of exhortation because the path is not singular or often well-marked.

Maps can only take you where others have been or want you to go.

The nine steps in this guide will serve as a compass for finding your way into your calling.

About the Links

The links throughout this text take you to resources and tools to go further and deeper with the principles and practices unpacked in this text.

Please click these links and read or watch these additional resources. They are intended to help you go deeper with the ideas and catalyze your progress.

Do the Work

Also, remember to do the work.

The nine steps include a call to action to “Do the Work.” 

These are not just questions you can meditate on, journal about, and discuss. They are appeals to put the principles and practices to work.

And pay attention to the information and exercises in the Appendixes. Leaning into that material will provide traction and momentum for your journey.

I also encourage you to seek fellow travelers.⁵ This work is more enjoyable (and effective) when done with and for others.

Finally, please share this guide with anyone who may benefit, especially if they are willing to explore encore living with you.

Join the Community

Join a free community of subscribers⁶ going further with the principles and practices with additional content and virtual gatherings.

When you’re ready to take a bolder step into possibility with the principles, practices, and processes shared in this guide, email me⁷ to set up a complimentary “catalyst call” to help you define where you want to be and develop a plan to get you there.

Mastering the art of encore living is a lifelong pursuit. Let’s begin.

This article is the republished introduction to my handbook, “The Art of Encore Living.” See the links in the footnotes to access additional chapters⁸ or to purchase the complete guide for $1 on Amazon,⁹  or access the entire course for free.¹⁰

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose

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