Welcome to the third and last part of the Passion vs Purpose Series. It has been quite the journey writing these entries and I hope that this one will resonate with many of you. All three parts have been written from a very personal perspective, based on most of my own experiences. The thing is, when I got into coaching I had to begin coaching myself and that meant taking a closer look at my own questions and direction in life. Like any part of coaching, you come face to face with uncomfortable questions and more often than not, are forced to confront some demons that block the path.
Life after 55 often feels like a new chapter, and for me it feels more like at new chapter that began in the spin cycle of the washing machine —sometimes exciting, sometimes uncertain. For many of us, the children are grown up, careers are winding down, and the path ahead feels open but unfamiliar. It’s a time that can spark big questions:
- What’s next for me?
- Do I follow my passions or pursue a deeper purpose?
- What if I fail at something new?
These are normal and even necessary questions. And the good news? This chapter is a golden opportunity to rediscover yourself and live more authentically than ever before.
Why Fear Holds Us Back—and Why It’s Never Too Late
Let’s be honest: starting something new at 55 or beyond can feel scary. The fear of failure, judgment, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone might keep you standing still. By the time we hit the 50s we have settled into a comfortable and safe zone and have convinced ourselves that it’s too late to start something new. Or even worse, are too scared to attempt it. But consider this: fear often signals growth. It means you’re on the edge of something transformative. Many people discover their most fulfilling passions and purposes later in life—when they have the wisdom, time, and perspective to truly embrace them. This stage of life is not an ending; it’s a beginning.
The Freedom of the Empty Nest
With children grown and independent, the space that once revolved around caregiving is now yours to fill. Instead of feeling a void, think of this as a blank canvas. What have you always wanted to do but set aside? The key is to view this time not as “empty” but as open. Go bold, go wild, be adventurous and most importantly, don’t let any precepts of the past hold you back. Unlearn everything you were forced to contend with and settle for. This is your time to reclaim YOU and reinvent yourself to emerge as your authentic self. It might be scary, yes, I can certainly attest to that, and those around you might be shocked, but I’ll tell you a secret – you should be living your life for yourself now, placing yourself first at long last. No more planning your life around a school calendar or schedule, after-school activities and PTA meetings. Your time as the parent on duty 24/7 is over. Congratulations! You got promoted from micro-management to customer service. Take a deep breath and let go.
Retirement: A New Kind of Purpose
Retirement doesn’t have to mean stepping away from productivity or meaning—it’s an opportunity to redefine both. Whether you pursue part-time work, volunteer, or finally start that small business you’ve dreamed of, this stage of life is fertile ground for purpose-driven projects. Here’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: purpose doesn’t require a pay-check. It could be mentoring younger generations, organising a community group, or even sharing your life’s lessons through storytelling or blogging. Purpose is about impact, not income. Again, let me emphasise the importance of unlearning the social pressures and precepts we grew with. Give back to the universe by being the best version of yourself now that you’ve made all the major mistakes and learned the most valuable lessons.
Aligning Passion and Purpose
Start small, especially if diving into something big feels overwhelming, start with small, manageable steps. Love gardening? Start a community garden. Enjoy writing? Try journaling or submitting a short piece to a local publication, and while you’re at it, why not blog? Your 50s and 60s are an ideal time to learn something new. Exploring new skills not only reignites your passion but also connects you with others on similar journeys.
Your life experience is rich with clues to your purpose. What challenges have you overcome? What brings you joy? Reflecting on these questions can help you see how your past has uniquely prepared you for this moment. My advice? Let go of perfection. You don’t have to “get it right” immediately. Exploration is part of the journey and for this, dig deep into your memories and try to remember that curiosity you had in your 20s about yourself and the world. Allow yourself to try, fail, and try again. Starting something new at any age is an act of courage, but starting after 55 is an act of wisdom.
You’ve lived enough to know what truly matters.
It’s never too late to live a life full of passion and purpose.
Related entries:
Passion vs. Purpose Series I: An Inspired Life for 18-25
Passion vs. Purpose Series II: Finding Your North Star After 40
The Esoteric Frog 
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