The Power of Workview and Lifeview

Have you ever felt like you’re living a life that is feeling a bit unfamiliar? Or, that you are going through daily motions, but not truly connected to a lot of things? I know that I did. Many people, particularly those facing a transition like retirement or a layoff, find themselves at a crossroads, questioning their direction.

This is where the concepts of workview and lifeview come into play when considering a map of our lives. These powerful concepts, introduced in "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, can help you think about and design a life that is both fulfilling and authentically yours as you transition into the second half of life.

Understanding Workview and Lifeview

• Workview is essentially your compass for the world of work. It's about understanding:

  • Your skills: What are you good at? What talents do you possess?

  • Your interests: What activities energize and engage you? What do you enjoy doing?

  Lifeview, on the other hand, is your broader perspective on life itself. It encompasses:

• Your well-being: What do you need to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally?

• Your values: What principles guide your engagement and actions?

• Your relationships: What role do relationships play in your life? Who are the people who matter most?

• Your personal growth: What are your aspirations for learning, development, and self-discovery?

Why Define Your Workview and Lifeview?

Defining your workview and lifeview is not about creating rigidity. It's about gaining clarity and creating a dynamic roadmap for a life. It's about making choices that bring you closer to your goals and values, rather than drifting through life on autopilot or falling into retirement without a direction or a handful of ‘mini-purposes’.  Your workview is how most people view the first half of life, while lifeview can become a powerful framework for the second half of life.

Here's how defining and distinguishing your workview and lifeview can benefit you:

• Purpose and Direction: When you understand your values, skills, and interests, you can make more informed choices about the second half of life. You can pursue opportunities that align with your passions and contribute to your sense of purpose in retirement.

• Increased Fulfillment: Aligning your lifeview with the second half of life can lead to greater satisfaction and a deeper sense of fulfillment. When your life is in harmony with your values and aspirations you gain a greater source of meaning and purpose.

• Improved Decision-Making: When faced with difficult choices, your lifeview can serve as guiding principles. They can help you weigh your options and make decisions that are in line with your long-term goals and aspirations.

• Enhanced Well-being: When your lifeview and life are in sync, it can positively impact your overall well-being. You'll likely experience reduced stress, increased happiness, and a stronger sense of balance in your life.

• Greater Resilience: Defining your lifeview can also make you more resilient in the face of challenges. When you have a strong sense of self and a clear direction, you're better equipped to navigate setbacks and bounce back from adversity.

Designing a Life You Love

Defining your lifeview is an ongoing process. It's about reflection, experimentation, and adjustment as you evolve and grow. The sources offer a wealth of exercises and activities to help you along the way.

Here are some ideas to get started:

• Retirement Life Design Assessment: Take some time to reflect on your values, skills, and interests. Consider what activities energize you and what causes you care about.

• Odyssey Plans: Brainstorm multiple possibilities for your retirement phase, encompassing different activities, lifestyles, and goals. Explore different scenarios and imagine yourself living out each one. This exercise can help you discover hidden passions and broaden your perspective on what's possible.

• Prototyping: Once you have some ideas from your Odyssey Plans, test them out in small, manageable ways. If you're considering a venture, for example, volunteer or take a course to gain insight.

Remember: Retirement, a layoff, or any significant life transition is not an ending; it's a new beginning. By embracing the power of lifeview, you can design a future that is filled with purpose, meaning, and joy.

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