Transition is upon us, with many people feeling left in the messy middle. One theme has emerged in my conversations: People want to live on purpose. Creating a life filled with people, places, and things you love sounds enticing, but does it also seem overwhelming? You’re not alone if you’re unsure where to start.
Here’s the good news: It’s possible to break down big goals into manageable, realistic, and attainable pieces. What’s more, you can take charge of your next chapter by using your favorite people skills—like shrewd problem solving, creative thinking, and powerful collaborations.
In the September series, Pivot with Purpose, we’ll meet four people who have discovered meaningful new paths. Their stories will provide an inspiring roadmap, whether you’re already in transition or mulling your next big move.
Lyn Slater didn’t set out to be a fashionista. She was working as a social worker and decided to take a class to ease the mental load of her daily grind. She signed up at The Fashion Institute of Technology after learning their classes weren’t limited to designers—a happy accident.
Lyn loved frequenting consignment shops and had a knack for paring striking black and white choices with bold pops of color. A fellow student loved her style so much that she dubbed Lyn “The Accidental Icon”—another happy accident.
Soon, Slater posted photos and blogged about her favorite designers, especially Japanese artists. Her posts quickly led to almost a million social media followers.
Now in her 70s, Lyn has traded social work for writing, with plenty of offline time for exploration since she believes, “You need equal amounts [of] an analog life and digital one.” She says, “Because I’m constantly reinventing myself, my life is always a surprise. I’m an improvisational person. I’m very in the moment. That thinking has served me well. It has created endless adventures, surprises, incredible friendships, and profound learning.”
The word “purpose” can feel heavy, weighty, and serious. However, here’s what the case study shows: People who are living their purpose aren’t stern, grim, or trying to capitalize on a splashy trend. Their enthusiasm and authenticity make them a natural magnet for lucky breaks and positive attention.
You may be thinking, This sounds good, but my mental chatter keeps telling me a million reasons why it won’t work. Reframe what your mind is telling you like a road trip. The nervous backseat driver, overanalyzing every possible direction, rarely gets to the destination faster.
By contrast, imagine a driver who thinks on their feet when they hit a surprise roadblock. The person who is agile, taking a sudden thunderstorm in stride. And bonus points if they keep their sense of humor and crack a few jokes along the way.
Likewise, you can practice the same qualities as you reinvent. Competencies such as handling adversity, listening to your instincts, being curious, and having the courage to follow that curiosity make for more than an enjoyable trip—they’re also valuable marketable skills. So, calm your concerns and cast yourself in a new role. Although you’re navigating twists and turns of a new road, you can also be the driver who’s cool, calm, and killing it.
Here are three mindset swaps to kickstart your next era:
The bottom line is simple: Having fun and living life on purpose can go hand in hand. So, take the pressure off and release the anxiety and stress that comes with needing a picture-perfect plan. Start with an intentional direction, but don’t overthink it. Make the most of a new path that includes fresh alliances, fun explorations, and the joy of happy accidents.