What Stephen Covey’s Timeless Wisdom Can Teach Us About Purpose and Possibility After 55
At Lifeshiift, we often talk about transitions—not as endings, but as powerful invitations to begin again. Whether you’re retiring from a career, downsizing your home, navigating loss, becoming a caregiver, or simply asking, “What now?”, you’re not alone. This next chapter—your third act—is wide open with potential.
One of the most important guides to my own personal growth in my career was The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Having recently revisited the habits, surprisingly, it still offers practical wisdom for this very stage of life.
Here’s how each habit speaks directly to those of us who are redefining what purpose, fulfillment, and success look like after 55.
1. Be Proactive
You are not a supporting character in someone else’s life. This chapter belongs to you. When the kids are grown, the job is done, or life takes an unexpected turn, it can be easy to drift. But Habit 1 reminds us that we have agency. You get to choose your response. You get to shape your future.
Try this: Start your day with one intentional choice that’s just for you. A walk? A call? A “no” to something that drains you?
2. Begin with the End in Mind
What kind of life do you want to live now—and how do you want to be remembered? This habit is an invitation to pause and reflect. In this season, success might mean peace, creativity, adventure, or contribution. What matters most to you now?
Try this: Write your personal mission statement for this chapter. Or better still, write your obituary the way you would like people to remember you. You would be amazed at what surfaces in your mind.
3. Put First Things First
Your time is sacred. Spend it on what feeds your spirit. After years of looking after others, now’s the time to honour your own priorities. This habit is about aligning your daily actions with what really matters—not just filling your calendar.
Try this: Choose one thing each week that brings you joy or rest. Put it on your calendar and protect it like you would a doctor’s appointment.
4. Think Win-Win
Relationships at this stage can be complex—and rich with growth. Whether it’s with adult children, aging parents, a partner, or new friendships, Habit 4 teaches us to look for mutual benefit. It also means spending time with people who lift your spirit. It’s not about being right—it’s about building respect and support.
Try this: The next time a relationship feels tense, ask yourself: “What would a win-win look like for both of us?”
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listening is one of the most generous acts of love. When navigating change—grief, health shifts, moving homes—it’s easy to feel misunderstood. This habit reminds us to listen first, deeply. And to seek conversations, not lectures.
Try this: In your next important conversation, simply ask, “What’s most important for me to hear right now?”
6. Synergize
Magic happens in community. Don’t go it alone. This habit is about collaboration, creativity, and collective strength. When women come together—whether in a book club, retreat, or support circle—something powerful happens. Ideas spark. Dreams reignite.
Try this: Say yes to a new group or experience. Especially one that connects you with women walking a similar path.
7. Sharpen the Saw
This habit helps you put all the habits into practice. By focusing on your body, mind, spirit and social circle, you continue your growth path at this stage of your life. Making sure on a weekly basis, you take small steps that get you where you want to go.
Try this: Create a simple “replenishment ritual.” Use Lifeshiift’s weekly scheduler to be intentional about your time. Take quiet time each week to decide where you are going and then commit to it. Get yours by signing up on the pop up on this page!
This Is Your Time
The 7 Habits aren’t about climbing the ladder faster. They’re about gliding through that upward spiral that takes you to your best self.
You’ve already lived many lives—daughter, partner, mother, professional, caregiver. This next one is yours to define. There is no one path, but there is a path—and it starts with one habit at a time.
So tell us— Which habit is calling you most right now?
