From Hobby to Career: A Sailing Passion That Sets Sail on New Horizons

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from-hobby-to-career-a-sailing-passion-that-sets-sail-on-new-horizons

There comes a moment in life when we pause and reflect on our passions, questioning if it’s possible to transform them into fulfilling career. In a remarkable testimonial, Benoit shares his inspiring journey of turning a lifelong hobby to a career that brings autonomy, passion, and fulfillment. Let’s dive into his story and explore the transformative power of pursuing work that ignites our souls.

Chapter 1: A Lifetime on the Waves

From an early age, sailing had captivated our protagonist’s heart. As a hobbyist, he honed his skills, becoming an instructor and even participating in competitions. The sheer joy and exhilaration of being out on the water sparked a dream within him – to make sailing not just a hobby, but a way of life.

Chapter 2: The Awakening

One day, the realization hit home: “the clock is ticking. Today I can do it, physically and mentally. Make my hobby my work. Earn my autonomy through a job I am passionate about”.  He recognized that the present moment was ripe with the physical and mental capacity to turn his passion into their livelihood. This led to a burning desire to embrace autonomy through work that truly resonated with his soul.

Chapter 3: Testing the Waters

With determination in their heart, Benoit embarked on a year-long journey of exploration. He studied the market, assessed demand, and asked himself crucial questions: “Is this truly what I want to do? Will I find joy and fulfillment in this new career path?”

Chapter 4: Setting Sail on New Horizons

After careful consideration and soul-searching, the decision was made. He chose to seize the opportunity and pursue his passion for sailing as a profession. The journey from hobbyist to professional skipper had begun.

Chapter 5: Embracing the Journey

As he navigated the waves of his new career, challenges and triumphs awaited. Yet, every hurdle was met with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The joy of transforming his passion into his work fueled his determination to excel in his chosen path.

 

The story of Benoit’s journey from hobby to career serves as an inspiration to us all. It reminds us of the immense power that lies within our passions and the possibilities that arise when we have the courage to pursue them. By taking the time for self-reflection, assessing the market, and answering crucial questions, we too can set sail on new horizons and discover the fulfillment that comes from aligning our work with our deepest passions.

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Unlock the Power of Priorities to Navigate the Second Act of Life

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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first steps.” As we enter the second act of life, in a testimonial that resonates deeply, Ed Kushins shares his five inspiring long-term priorities, offering us valuable insights and guiding principles for our own journeys:

Appreciate and Make Happiness a Priority

One of the greatest joys in life is appreciating and nurturing our relationships. Making our partners happy should be a top priority. Taking the time to show love, support, and gratitude can create a strong foundation for a fulfilling second act.

Invest in Your Health

Our health is an invaluable asset that enables us to fully experience and enjoy life’s adventures. Prioritizing self-care, adopting healthy habits, and seeking medical guidance when needed ensure that we have the vitality and energy to pursue our dreams.

Pursue New Ventures

The second act is an opportunity to explore new passions and embark on exciting ventures. Just as Ed Kushins launched VacationPropertyPartners.com, we too can find fulfillment by turning our interests into tangible projects. Embracing entrepreneurship or starting a new creative endeavor can infuse our lives with purpose and accomplishment. Read Ed Kushin’s full interview. 

Share Your Stories

Each of us possesses a unique story worth sharing. Writing or dictating a memoir is a powerful way to reflect on our experiences, lessons learned, and wisdom gained. Leaving a legacy for future generations ensures that our life’s journey continues to inspire and guide others.

Harness the Superpower of Decision-Making

Understanding how we make personal and professional decisions is a superpower that empowers us to navigate life with confidence. Ed Kushins’ book-in-progress about the decision-making process is a testament to the value of introspection and self-awareness. By examining our decision-making patterns, we can make informed choices that align with our values and aspirations.

As we embark on our own journeys in the second act of life, let’s take inspiration from Ed Kushins’ priorities and set our own long-term goals. Here are a few steps to get started:

Reflection: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Consider your passions, values, and aspirations for this new chapter.

Prioritization: Identify the five key areas that you want to prioritize in your professional and personal life. Think about what will bring you the most fulfillment and happiness.

Action Planning: Break down each priority into actionable steps. Create a roadmap that outlines how you will work towards these goals over time.

Accountability and Adaptation: Find ways to hold yourself accountable to your priorities. Share them with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor who can provide support and guidance along the way. Be open to adapting your priorities as circumstances evolve.

 

Remember, the second act of life is an opportunity to embrace change, discover new passions, and create a fulfilling future. By setting long-term priorities, we can navigate this journey with intention, purpose, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

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Will You Need Extensive Training for a Successful Career Transition?

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Dispelling misconceptions is crucial when it comes to career transitions. One common misconception is the belief that extensive training is always required. However, once you gain crystal-clear clarity about your desired path, it becomes a matter of focused execution. Training is not a barrier but a stepping stone to a successful career transition. Let me share a story that illustrates this truth.

Imagine transitioning from a CEO role in the media industry to becoming a skipper, cruising clients in the luxurious Mediterranean aboard a sailing boat. One of my clients undertook this remarkable journey. While he had some sailing experience, he recognized the need to obtain a professional skipper degree. With unwavering commitment, he dedicated six months to intensive training and proudly graduated with honors. This example highlights that motivation is at the core of embracing training opportunities. As Brave Start’s recent survey revealed, the drive to learn remains undiminished with age, accompanied by the self-awareness and perspective that come with experience.

Key Questions to Consider:

Assess your motivation

Congratulations if you’re ready to embark on a daring 360-degree career shift, like my sailor client. However, be mindful of the implications. It requires time, financial investment, unwavering commitment, and a radical change in lifestyle. You may prefer a more gradual approach, such as taking evening classes alongside your current routine. In any case, be aware that success hinges on a powerful motivation fueled by clear and compelling goals.

Be candid

While your ability to anticipate based on past experiences is valuable, it can hinder the learning process. While this skill makes you a powerhouse to resolve problems in a known environment, familiarity may cloud your ability to absorb new knowledge, especially If you’re training in a field you already know. Make a conscious effort to set aside what you think you know and approach your training with a fresh, open mindset.

Awaken your learning ally

Tap into your innate characteristics to accelerate your learning journey. If you thrive on competition, aim to excel and graduate first in your training group. If perfectionism drives you, indulge it and let it fuel your hunger for knowledge. If you’re naturally reflective, relish the opportunity to dive deep into subjects, granting yourself the luxury of being a student once more.

Training is not an insurmountable obstacle in your successful career transition. It is one of the most common misconceptions about career transition. By dispelling misconceptions, we unlock the doors to self-growth and learning. Embrace the opportunities that training provides, fueled by your unwavering motivation and guided by a clear vision of your goals. Let go of preconceived notions, approach your training with a fresh perspective, and utilize your unique traits as catalysts for accelerated learning. Embrace this transformative journey as you expand your horizons, embrace new skills, and unlock your true potential.

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Why It’s Never Too Late to Embark on a Career Change

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why-its-never-too-late-to-embark-on-a-career-change-alexandra-humbel-origetAlexandra Humbel

Aging, a topic often shrouded in taboo, gives rise to intriguing misconceptions. This becomes particularly relevant when you find yourself officially part of the “senior” or “older” workforce, where retirement seems to be the only visible perspective for your future. But what if retirement isn’t what you desire? What if you’re considering a career change instead? You may be asking yourself, “How old is too old to succeed in a new job?” The truth is, the same age as if you were to remain in the status quo. Aging is an inevitable part of life. However, you have choices, and starting a new career that brings you daily joy is absolutely within your reach.

Embracing a career change that sets your heart ablaze each morning may come with a different lifestyle—a life where you can find a harmonious balance between work and leisure. According to the latest Aegon research on retirement, older professionals no longer seek the traditional “cliff edge” retirement. Instead, they yearn for a smoother transition toward a work-life balance that caters to their evolving needs.

Here are a few essential truths to dispel the misconceptions surrounding age and career change:

Age is Not a Barrier to Success

Success knows no age limit. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, pursuing a new career path is entirely feasible. Your experience, wisdom, and unique perspective can be invaluable assets that set you apart from your younger counterparts. Embrace the belief that your skills and talents are timeless and that the right opportunity will welcome you with open arms.

Choices and Possibilities Abound

You have the power to create your narrative. Career transitions offer a chance for reinvention and the pursuit of passion. Embrace the freedom to explore new industries, acquire new skills, and tap into hidden talents. Consider seeking guidance from career coaches, mentors, or support groups to help navigate your journey. Embrace the opportunities that arise and trust in your ability to adapt and thrive.

Work-Life Balance Takes Center Stage

The desire for a fulfilling work-life balance transcends age. As an experienced professional, you may be seeking a career that aligns more harmoniously with your priorities. You have the autonomy to craft a life where work and leisure coexist in a way that nourishes your overall well-being. Embrace the notion that age is not a limitation but a catalyst for embracing a fulfilling life on your terms.

Redefining Retirement

Retirement is no longer limited to a binary concept of working or not working. It has evolved into a flexible and personalized concept tailored to individual needs. Many older professionals are embracing “phased retirement” or “encore careers” that allow them to gradually transition into new roles or pursue entrepreneurial ventures. The key is to envision retirement as a period of continued growth and exploration rather than a sudden endpoint.

 

Age should never be an obstacle when considering a career transition. It is one of the most common misconceptions about career transitions, as you can read here. Embrace the truth that age brings wisdom, resilience, and a wealth of experience that can enhance your journey. Break free from the misconceptions surrounding age and embrace the choices and possibilities that lie ahead. Let go of societal expectations and redefine retirement on your terms. Remember, it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure and create a career that brings you joy, purpose, and a fulfilling work-life balance.

So, dare to step into the realm of career transitions and prove that age is but a number on the path to success and personal fulfillment. The road ahead is yours to explore, regardless of the years that have passed. Embrace the opportunities and embrace the beauty of reinvention.

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Unleashing the Renaissance: Thriving as a Multi-Talented Professional

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Unleashing the Renaissance: Thriving as a Multi-Talented Professional - Alexandra Humbel CoachingAlexandra Humbel Coaching

Are you excelling in multiple areas or disciplines? If so, you may be a Renaissance person. In my coaching practice, I have the privilege of working with highly talented individuals who possess expertise in diverse domains. Some of them are experts in a particular field, while others are equally adept in multiple areas. How is this possible, and what does it mean for you?

The “Renaissance” historical period in Europe from the 14th to 17th centuries, is known for its extraordinary cultural and intellectual achievements. Some notable Renaissance individuals include Leonardo da Vinci, who was not only a brilliant painter but also an accomplished scientist, engineer, and inventor; Michelangelo, renowned for his mastery in sculpting, painting, and architecture; and Galileo Galilei, a physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher. Their multidimensional expertise allowed them to make significant contributions in various fields and drive groundbreaking advancements.

Today, the term “Renaissance person” is applied more broadly to individuals who excel in multiple professional domains, bringing a unique perspective to their endeavors. These individuals can be artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, inventors, writers, or professionals who have mastered diverse disciplines and can apply their knowledge and skills in different contexts.

Renaissance individuals inspire others with their commitment to lifelong learning, adaptability, and pursuit of excellence across various fields. They demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary thinking, showing that expertise in one area can enrich and inform expertise in another.

Why do we often find more Renaissance types among experienced professionals?

As professionals progress in their careers, they accumulate a diverse set of skills and expertise. These layers of skills may not immediately reveal how they can work together, but even dormant skills have the potential to be utilized in new projects.

Renaissance individuals possess a mindset of continuous curiosity and learning. They naturally gravitate toward acquiring new skills, whether it’s sailing, coding, learning Mandarin, or exploring watercolor painting.

Dr. Arthur C. Brooks, in his book “From Strength to Strength,” refers to crystallized intelligence as the knowledge, skills, and expertise accumulated through experience, education, and cultural exposure. It encompasses verbal comprehension, vocabulary, factual knowledge, and the ability to apply learned information to solve new problems.

Why is being a Renaissance person an opportunity?

When reinventing your professional life, you may have more options than you initially realize. While embracing a single passion and utilizing your skillset in one job is a great choice to celebrate, it might not be the best option for everyone. You may yearn for diversity in your work agenda. If you decide to explore this path, it’s crucial to ask yourself the right questions:

Financial considerations: What impact will multiple revenue streams have on your finances? Managing multiple activities comes with administrative duties and tax rules that may affect your time or require additional skills to handle effectively.

Time management: How much time do you plan to allocate to each activity? Ensuring discipline and productivity in each chosen area will be essential to your success.

Personal branding: How will you present yourself to clients, partners, and stakeholders? People sometimes struggle to embrace multi-talented individuals who engage in multiple businesses or activities simultaneously. It is vital to present yourself with clarity and confidence so that your unique profile stands out as a source of inspiration.

Despite the challenges specific to their work-life choices, multi-talented professionals are increasingly thriving in the workplace. When their combined talents have a positive impact on their world, they become successful, fulfilled, and happy Renaissance individuals. They bring forth innovative ideas and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills.

As you recognize the diverse range of your talents and expertise, remember to embrace your Renaissance nature and make the most of the opportunities it presents. By harnessing your multidimensional abilities, you can make a profound impact across different domains and contribute to the betterment of society.

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Breaking Free from Boreout: Empowering Your Career with Coaching

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Breaking Free from Boreout: Empowering Your Career with Coaching - Alexandra Humbel CoachingAlexandra Humbel Coaching

In the realm of work, burnout and boreout represent two distinct challenges that can leave us feeling depleted and unfulfilled. While burnout is commonly associated with overwhelming stress, its often-overlooked counterpart, boreout, is characterized by a lack of stimulation, disengagement, and a persistent sense of emptiness. If you find yourself caught in the doldrums of boreout, fear not! Coaching can be your guiding light towards a revitalized professional path.

Amidst the sea of monotony, coaching offers a valuable resource for individuals seeking to break free from boreout’s grip. Here’s why:

Gaining Clarity: A Beacon of Rediscovery

Boreout can leave you adrift, feeling disconnected from your professional purpose. But with a coach by your side, you embark on an exhilarating journey of self-exploration. Together, you’ll delve into your passions, values, and strengths, unveiling the hidden gems that truly motivate and inspire you. Through purposeful questions and transformative exercises, clarity will emerge, revealing a path brimming with renewed purpose and meaning.

Rediscovering Engagement: Igniting the Flame Within

Rekindling the fire of enthusiasm is a powerful antidote to boreout’s numbing effects. With a coach as your ally, you’ll rediscover the exhilaration of work that aligns with your unique talents and interests. Whether it involves injecting fresh challenges into your current role or embarking on a quest for an alternative career path, your coach will guide you towards opportunities that reignite your passion and restore a sense of engagement. Together, you’ll navigate uncharted territories and unlock a world of possibilities.

Goal Setting and Accountability: Charting a Course Towards Fulfilment

Overcoming boreout requires purposeful action and a plan tailored to your aspirations. Your coach will help you set goals, breaking them down into actionable steps that bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. With unwavering support and accountability, they’ll guide you through the transformational process of finding greater fulfillment and purpose in your professional life. Together, you’ll celebrate milestones achieved and witness the blossoming of your potential.

Skill Development: Nurturing Growth and Unleashing Potential

Boreout often stems from a hunger for growth and development. Your coach will help identify areas where you can enhance your skills and craft a personalized development plan, including courses, workshops, and experiences that expand your knowledge and empower you to embrace new challenges. Step by step, you’ll cultivate the expertise needed to reignite your passion for work and forge a fulfilling path ahead.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Harnessing Inner Strength

Boreout can breed self-doubt and a negative mindset, but together with your coach, you’ll challenge and conquer these limiting beliefs. They’ll guide you in reframing your thoughts, fostering a resilient and empowering perspective. With newfound confidence, you’ll embrace untapped possibilities and seize opportunities that align with your true potential. Your coach will be your unwavering ally, supporting you every step of the way.

Support and Encouragement: A Safe Haven for Your Journey

In the face of boreout, having someone who understands and provides unwavering support can make all the difference. Your coach creates a safe space where you can express your frustrations, vent your feelings, and process emotions without judgment

 

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Embracing a Fulfilling Career Transition After Overcoming Burnout

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Embracing a Fulfilling Career Transition After Overcoming Burnout - Alexandra Humbel CoachingAlexandra Humbel Coaching

Congratulations on your incredible journey of recovery from burnout! Your eagerness to move forward is a testament to your inner strength and resilience. As you embark on a new chapter, remember to approach your career transition with a warm heart and assertive determination. Just as a runner patiently rebuilds their strength after a knee injury, you have the power to redefine success and create a path that brings you fulfillment and joy.

Embrace the Power of Slowing Down

Now is the time to honor your healing process and allow yourself to slow down without guilt. Recognize that burnout has shaped you, revealing your values, highlighting the need for self-care, and awakening your desire for a more fulfilling work life. Embrace this opportunity to reflect on the changes within you. What transformations have occurred? What are the longings that stir within your heart? Release what no longer serves you and embrace the aspects that have become more important and desirable. Seek the support of a compassionate companion who can guide you on this journey of self-discovery.

Uncover Opportunities in the Aftermath

While burnout may have caused pain, it has also cleared a path for new possibilities. Consider this phase as a doorway to exciting opportunities. Revisit the dreams and aspirations you held before burnout entered your life. Did you envision exploring a different industry, pursuing further education, making a job change, relocating, adjusting your work hours, or starting your own business? Reconnect with these aspirations and embrace the potential for a fresh start. Allow yourself to envision a future filled with purpose and meaning.

Embrace Change or Rediscover Your Brilliance

As a coach, I have witnessed incredible transformations in those recovering from burnout. Some individuals embark on a courageous journey, leveraging their regained energy and drive to pursue a new career path that aligns with their authentic selves. They fearlessly embrace change, knowing that the path they tread was always meant for them. Others discover that the pain of burnout stemmed from specific circumstances and not the work itself. They rekindle their passion and recognize the brilliance they bring to their field. With renewed determination, they continue to excel and make a meaningful impact.

You are on a remarkable journey of embracing a fulfilling career transition after overcoming burnout. With every step, remember to be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress. Embrace the warmth of self-reflection, and the unwavering belief in your ability to create a fulfilling professional life. Trust that the challenges you have overcome have prepared you for this transformative journey. You have what it takes to shape your future with purpose and resilience. Embrace this opportunity, and with each stride forward, you will find yourself closer to a career that brings you true happiness and fulfillment.

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