In this episode of Purpose After Parenting, host Deanna Pecina discusses the theory of Happenstance Learning and its application in navigating midlife transitions. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, Deanna explores how embracing unexpected events can lead to new opportunities and growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Happenstance Learning Theory: An introduction to John Krumboltz's theory, which emphasizes the role of chance events in shaping our careers and lives.
• Five Key Skills:
  • Curiosity: Stay eager to explore new opportunities and experiences.
  • Persistence: Continue pursuing goals despite setbacks.
  • Flexibility: Adapt to new situations and change plans when necessary.
  • Optimism: Maintain a positive outlook and believe good things can come from unexpected events.
  • Risk-Taking: Be willing to step out of your comfort zone to seize opportunities.
• Personal Stories: Deanna shares her own experiences with unexpected career changes and how they led to personal growth and new opportunities.
• Adapting to Change: Tips for staying resilient and adaptable in the face of life’s unpredictability.
• Generational Insights: Discussing how different generations approach career stability and flexibility, with statistics on job tenure for Millennials and Gen Z.

Tune in to this episode of Purpose After Parenting to learn how to embrace unexpected opportunities, develop essential skills for navigating midlife transitions, and turn chance events into stepping stones for personal and professional growth.

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In this episode, host Deanna Pecina introduces the final part of the four-part series on the Purpose Path Blueprint. The Purpose Path is a framework designed to help midlife moms navigate the transition from full-time parenting to designing their next chapter. This episode focuses on the "Information" component of the blueprint, which involves gathering the necessary information to make informed decisions about career changes or starting a business. Deanna shares valuable insights and strategies for identifying transferable skills, using self-assessment tools, conducting a gap analysis, and seeking professional guidance. By the end of the episode, listeners will have a clear understanding of how to gather the information needed to pursue their desired career paths.

Key Takeaways:

• The Purpose Path Blueprint consists of four components: Intention, Individuals, Issues, and Information.
• When considering a career change, it is important to identify transferable skills that can be applied to different jobs or careers.
• Online self-assessment tools, such as the DISC profile and MyNextMove.org, can provide valuable insights into personality, strengths, and potential career paths.
• Conducting a gap analysis helps identify the skills needed for a desired career and highlights any gaps in the current skill set.
• Seeking professional guidance, such as working with a career coach or mentor, can provide personalized advice and help set realistic goals.

Notable Quotes:

• "Don't let the fact that when you look at a job description that you don't match every single little thing keep you from seeking out opportunities to bridge those gaps." - Deanna Pecina

Resources:

• MyNextMove.org

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In this episode, host Deanna Pecina explores the third step of the Purpose Path Blueprint: Issues. She discusses how to identify signs of stagnation and psychological barriers that keep us stuck. Deanna emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and expanding our networks to break through these barriers and move towards a more engaged and fulfilling life.

Key themes: purpose after parenting, midlife transitions, feeling stuck, psychological barriers, lifelong learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Feeling stuck can manifest as a lack of motivation, drifting, and disconnection from activities that once brought joy and passion.
• To identify what's keeping you stuck, ask yourself questions like: Have I stopped setting new goals? Am I feeling disconnected from my professional or personal communities? What interests have changed or emerged in the past five years?
• Psychological barriers, such as fear and self-doubt, often contribute to feeling irrelevant. Challenge negative thoughts and restructure your thinking through cognitive restructuring techniques.
• Lifelong learning is crucial for personal growth and stepping into your purpose. Take small steps to learn something new every day, whether through online courses, books, or podcasts.
• Expanding your network and staying connected with like-minded individuals can provide support and inspiration on your journey to rediscovering your purpose.

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“I love Purpose After Parenting!” ← if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more women, just like you, on their motherhood journey. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

In this episode, host Deanna Pecina, discusses the importance of self-knowledge in finding and fulfilling your purpose. She introduces three powerful tools for self-discovery: DISC, Enneagram, and Human Design. By understanding your behavioral traits, core motivations, and energy type, you can make conscious choices that align with your authentic self and lead to a more fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-knowledge is crucial for finding and fulfilling your purpose after kids.
• The DISC assessment helps you understand your behavioral traits and how to communicate effectively with others.
• The Enneagram provides insights into your core motivations and fears, guiding you towards a life that fulfills your desires.
• Human Design offers a unique map of your individual energy and decision-making style, allowing you to work with your natural flow and make aligned choices.
• Understanding these tools can help you navigate career choices, improve relationships, and support personal growth.

Listen to the full episode to gain insights into your own self-discovery journey and learn how to align your life with your authentic self.

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In this episode of 'Your Purpose After Kids,' host Deanna Pecina, dives into the crucial topic of transitioning from mere intention to actionable intentionality, especially targeted at midlife moms facing an empty nest. She distinguishes between the wishful thinking of intention and the concrete action plans of intentionality, providing listeners with a roadmap through her Purpose Path. This path includes understanding oneself and others, identifying challenges, gathering information, and finally, setting a concrete purpose goal. Deanna emphasizes accountability and a support system as essential components to ensure success. The episode includes a call to action for listeners to start small, utilize resources, and actively participate in the journey from intention to intentionality, underlining the essence of taking control and moving forward with clarity in life's next chapter.

Key Takeaways:

• Intention is a wish or desire, while intentionality is the deliberate pursuit of your intentions through planning, taking steps, and making a conscious effort to turn your wishes into reality.
• Intentionality helps eliminate decision fatigue and allows you to channel your energy into specific actions, keeping you focused on your goals and moving in the right direction.
• Intentionality boosts motivation by releasing dopamine and positive reinforcement, keeping you energized and motivated to keep moving forward.
• Sharing your goals and plans with others fosters accountability and increases the likelihood of sticking to your plan.
• Intentionality helps combat procrastination and self-doubt by providing a clear plan, taking action, and building confidence through progress.

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“I love Purpose After Parenting!” ← if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more women, just like you, on their motherhood journey. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

This episode of Your Purpose After Kids explores the journey of rediscovering one's purpose beyond parenting, especially for midlife moms facing an empty nest. Deanna discusses the significance of understanding different generations—from the Silent Generation to Generation Z—highlighting their core values, characteristics, and the misconceptions surrounding them. The episode emphasizes the unique contributions and opportunities available for older workers and midlifers looking to start new careers, businesses, or return to school. Leveraging personal and professional experiences, Deanna encourages listeners to embrace their age and experience as strengths in their next chapters. The show provides insights on how historical, social, and economic events shape generational mindsets, potentially leading to communication gaps and conflicts but also offering a rich tapestry of perspectives beneficial in diverse environments. Deanna also introduces tools and resources for listeners to identify their strengths and align their future endeavors with their life's purpose.

00:00 Welcome to Your Purpose After Kids: Navigating Midlife Transitions

01:13 Understanding Generational Differences: From Silent Generation to Gen Z

05:30 Exploring Core Values and Characteristics Across Generations

07:55 Bridging the Divide: Addressing Misconceptions and Conflicts

10:25 Embracing Midlife Opportunities: Starting New Ventures and Learning

11:24 Leveraging Experience: The Value of Older Workers in Today's Workforce

15:28 Finding Your Next Chapter: Tools and Encouragement for Midlife Growth

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“I love Purpose After Parenting!” ← if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more women, just like you, on their motherhood journey. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

In this episode, Deanna introduces the concept of a life story interview, a method developed by Dan McAdams at Northwestern University. She explains that this interview is not therapy or focused on diagnosing problems, but rather a personal exploration of one's identity and the meaning derived from life experiences. Deanna guides listeners through the process of creating their own life story, including identifying key chapters, pivotal moments, childhood and adulthood memories, and future aspirations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's personal ideology and values to plan for the future. By engaging in this process, individuals can gain a new perspective on their lives and shape their future with intention.

Key Takeaways:

• The life story interview is a method to explore one's personal narrative and understand how experiences shape identity and worldview.
• The interview consists of identifying key chapters, pivotal moments, childhood and adulthood memories, and future aspirations.
• Reflecting on challenges, such as health issues, losses, failures, and regrets, provides insight into personal growth and resilience.
• Understanding personal values and beliefs helps make sense of past experiences and guides future decision-making.
• Engaging in the life story interview process can lead to a new perspective on one's life and empower individuals to create the future they desire.

Resources:

• Deanna's website
• Take the "What's Your Purpose?" quiz

To listen to the full episode and gain a deeper understanding of the life story interview process, tune in to the podcast "Your Purpose After Kids" with Deanna. Discover how exploring your personal narrative can help you create meaning, understand your values, and shape your future with intention. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from Deanna and her guests.

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“I love Purpose After Parenting!” ← if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more women, just like you, on their motherhood journey. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

In this  episode, your host, Deanna Pecina, tackles the often-overlooked opportunity that comes with feeling uncomfortable in midlife. As our roles as mothers evolve and we face new challenges, discomfort becomes an inevitable part of our journey. Yet, within this discomfort lies the potential for incredible growth and self-discovery. This episode navigates the concept of being comfortable with being uncomfortable, providing a roadmap for using these feelings as a catalyst for personal and professional development.

Deanna breaks down the reasons behind the discomfort many midlife women experience. From identity shifts and career transitions to the physical changes brought on by perimenopause, this episode doesn’t shy away from the realities of this transformative period. More importantly, Deanna offers actionable advice and practical exercises designed to help you manage and embrace these feelings of unease.

Questions to Reflect On:

• "What aspects of my current life make me uncomfortable, and why?"
• "How have I responded to discomfort in the past, and what can I learn from those experiences?"
• "In what areas of my life am I avoiding change due to fear of discomfort?"
• "What small, manageable step can I take today to embrace discomfort and spur growth?"

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“I love Purpose After Parenting!” ← if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more women, just like you, on their motherhood journey. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

In this episode, your host, Deanna Pecina, dives into the concept of discovering your "zone of genius" as a midlife mom. She explores the four different zones of genius and competence and helps you identify the unique talents, passions, and strengths that can bring you a deep sense of fulfillment. With practical exercises and insightful questions, Deanna guides you through the process of uncovering your zone of genius and creating a plan to operate within it. If you're ready to embrace your purpose and thrive in this new chapter of life, join Deanna as she shares expert insights and personal anecdotes to help you navigate the journey of rediscovering your passion after the kids have flown the nest. So grab your cup of something warm and let's dive into the world of discovering your zone of genius.

Questions to ask yourself:

“What do I most love to do? (I love it so much I can do it for long periods without getting tired or bored).”

“What work do I do that doesn’t seem like work ?”

“In my work, what produces the highest ratio of abundance and satisfaction to the amount of time spent?”

“What is my unique ability?” (What can I do that others are unlikely to be able to do at this level?)

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“I love Purpose After Parenting!” ← if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more women, just like you, on their motherhood journey. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

In this episode, host Deanna shares her exciting plans for the show's new direction as "Your Purpose After Kids." She opens up about her personal journey and her decision to shift the focus of the podcast from parenting to helping midlife moms navigate life after their kids have grown. Deanna discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with this stage of life and sets the stage for a supportive and inspiring community of women who are striving not just to survive, but to thrive. Tune in to hear Deanna's vision for the future of the podcast and how she plans to guide listeners through the process of rediscovering their purpose and passion. Don't miss out on being a part of this empowering community - join us for an insightful and inspiring episode!

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INSTAGRAM: @deannapecina

“I love Purpose After Parenting!” ← if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more women, just like you, on their motherhood journey. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!