30 Aug

What’s Your Next Chapter?

I’m celebrating a decade since I took on this new career path, I’ll explain below. August happens to be my birthday month, and on the 27th, I celebrated another year with this fun activity I do each year called Pillars of a Balance Life. Oh, and I’m a size XL if you want to get me something special on my b-day. ?

A DECADE IN REVIEW

On Oahu, in 2013, I started exploring something. A curiosity became a passion, turned into a side hustle with twists and turns and, eventually, led me to explore new skills as an emcee, auctioneer, professional speaker, and workshop facilitator. Along the way, I developed my subject matter expertise in positive psychology, leadership, organization development, trust, and a whole slew of other topic areas. A decade later, I’m both surprised and, at times, stunned by where I am and what I’m doing through my company, Focus on the 40.

Has it been easy?

No.

Harder than any other job?

Not really.

Has it been a linear path?

Heck no.

Have I made mistakes?

UM, YEAH. All caps for emphasis and this is bolded, highlighted and underlined for effect.

Have I made more mistakes than with other jobs?

Not really. Ask any of my former employers, LOL.

Is this career different than what I expected?

Yep. And it will continue to evolve and I look forward to this unknown.

Have I learned so much about this world, myself and how do this work better?

Heck yeah! And I’m surrounded by good people who support my advancement. Some of these people are free, some I pay for their support (coaches, consultants, assistant).

Do I love this work?

YEP! YEP! YEP!

And Focus on the 40 is not just work. It’s my calling. And I want to help you and your team find ease and energy in the hard work you do every day.

RESILIENCE REFLECTION

I’ve overcome a lot during this latest decade. This chapter of my life has resilience is baked into all of those successes. In the process I dropped some old labels, added some new shiny ones and overcame a good bit of imposter syndrome in the process.

You’ve overcome things as well.

Can you articulate what you have overcome?

If you’re curious about your resilience start with this short survey and you’ll get an introspective activity called “Your Life in 5 Parts” for free.

My birthday gift to you! You might be surprised at how resilient you are.

Speaking of chapters of life, I’ve been working on the next big thing, and have not been blogging much lately because…(drum roll please) I’ve been distracted finishing the second manuscript of my new book on workplace happiness and I’m excited to release the book this year! Stay tuned.

Anthony Poponi lives in Bend, Oregon a is an energetic and funny professional speaker and an expert in human happiness and workplace culture. His company, called Focus on the 40, offers live and virtual programs as well as books and printed resources. When he’s not working, you’ll find Anthony outdoors being frequently humbled by rivers, trails and slopes or holding a microphone as emcee, improv performer and stand-up comedian.

Follow him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypoponi