I have only just discovered you and your writing, so I have little knowledge of what you do, but … I did leave academe at mid-life/mid-career and it was one of the best things I ever did. I loved my subject matter and my students but the harassing chatter of academic “requirements” did not fit my introverted nature. I downsized life, salary, employment, and bought 26 acres in a poor, rural area thus initiating 23 wonderful years. Eventually age made access to at least semi-urban amenities necessary, but I did what was closest to my heart while I was young enough to do it. I am so glad I did.
ah the great mid-life 'reset' (as I'm calling mine :) ).. way to go Scott! and i agree with many of the comments... you are very authentic and approachable which is refreshing in the "thought leader space". I really enjoyed the "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks which illuminates leaving one's comfort (and socially reinforced) "zone of excellence" and going for that "zone of genius" :)
Merci infiniment pour vos mots si lumineuses et sincères !
J'espère que vos idées et rêves se réaliseront pour vous et pour ceux que vous continuerez à inspirer !
Ça" sent "dans vos paroles le " parfum" du désir généreux d'aider, de transmettre des belles valeurs autour de vous et cela est si "contagieux "!!
Bon courage sur le chemin de vos rêves et laissez-vous aller ,ne prévoyez pas trop de choses ,ne vous compliquer pas le chemin, c'est dans la non action ,dans l'incertitude, dans le non agir que les idées les plus inspirantes finissent par sortir en surface spontanément !!
The timbre of your words really touched me in this note. You know we say, and write many things, but sometimes the person inside can more clearly be seen, and felt. Thank you! You know, I’d have probably joined in for your work a long time ago, but I’m at a different place in my life… at 71 years old, I’m no longer reaching, there is really no inclination to climb, to build, to strive. But there are moments when I feel who you are, and this note you’ve sent is one of them… like times in the past when you’ve shared how you kind of sneaked into the Psychology program, loved that! I just want you to know that while I haven’t joined anything, it is more a matter of my stage of life. I’ve felt a great benefit, and inspiration from your life, shared, and I feel so much is yet to come… just… bless you, and thank you!
Sounds like you might have entered your "mid-life developmental phase"! Great. Good on you for embracing it. I'm now in my early 70's. I went through it too. Well worth it in the long run.
Can I offer you the benefit of my experience? I'm also a psychologist (Educational & Developmental). In my humble opinion, your psychology is yet to "get" Attachment. Attachment is a technical term in developmental psychology. It is the underlying powerhouse dynamic, not just in childhood but throughout life. It's the most important force shaping babies' brain development (check out those Romanian orphans discovered in vast institutions after the fall of Communism).
Check out the world's longest study on happiness (also a TED talk). This Harvard study of adult development found "strong correlation between deep relationships and wellbeing" such that people lived 7-9 years longer (Waldinger & Schulz, 2023) as a result.
We are "herd" animals. Our relatedness is who we are, whether it's in-depth, long-term intimacy, friendship/companionship, or casual, ordinary neighborliness.
American culture - even down to how your constitution is worded - is exceedingly individualistic. You guys have a blind spot here. This blind spot is a huge opportunity, Scott. And you'll be doing the world a favor!!!
Really happy for you Scott! You’re so talented and it’s wonderful that you’re making a big changes to realize your dreams. I took your Transcend course and really loved it!! I wish you all the best in all your new endeavors!
Scott, you continue to show us how to live life, by leaning into the changes that are calling to us. You set such a clear example of following those creative nudges to see where they might lead and what you will learn along the journey. I am so eager to see what unfolds for you! And, on the other hand, you also stay well connected to the purpose of helping us in our own self actualization. Thank you for offering your Beautiful Minds newsletter for free, throwing your net wide and drawing more people into this personal transformational integration. Anytime I see your name pop up in my inbox, a big smile comes across my face!
Wow, that is big news—mazel tov!! I’m surprised/not surprised that you’re leaving academia. In Carl Jung’s words it maybe feels like you’ve been “walking in shoes too small for you.” All the best.
Life is precious and so are you, dear Scott. Thank you for inspiring us with your courage to follow your heart. To me you already are a magician (your book Transcend has had a major influence on me personally and professionally). I cannot wait to see your next wave of magic. With peace and love from Amsterdam
I can understand that you feel like u have to deliver more to us subscribers but I’m so greatful for the Spotify meditation you have shared. As a teacher with a light ADHD I really feel inspired to be me even if I doubt my capacity a lot because my job is so challenging but utterly meaningful. I’m so happy to know that you want to do more for students and teachers.
Oh my goodness, these are such exciting develops!! I can’t wait to see them come to life. My team and I are also putting together our first interactive show, based on the workshops we have been doing using the voice as source of inspiration, respiration and embodied aspiration. Yes—bring in that Opera for sure!!! Rock it out and if I can ever be of any help in any way, please let me know! ✨✨
I loved Ungifted. I only wished over the years that you seemed to put distance between your authentic total self and reaching success later.Both were Nilofer Merchant’s ONLYNESS
I have only just discovered you and your writing, so I have little knowledge of what you do, but … I did leave academe at mid-life/mid-career and it was one of the best things I ever did. I loved my subject matter and my students but the harassing chatter of academic “requirements” did not fit my introverted nature. I downsized life, salary, employment, and bought 26 acres in a poor, rural area thus initiating 23 wonderful years. Eventually age made access to at least semi-urban amenities necessary, but I did what was closest to my heart while I was young enough to do it. I am so glad I did.
I LOVE THIS!!!! Thanks for sharing.
I love the description of your future work: magic/wonder incorporated into what you will do and how you are thinking. Fare Forward!
Thanks Patricia!!
ah the great mid-life 'reset' (as I'm calling mine :) ).. way to go Scott! and i agree with many of the comments... you are very authentic and approachable which is refreshing in the "thought leader space". I really enjoyed the "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks which illuminates leaving one's comfort (and socially reinforced) "zone of excellence" and going for that "zone of genius" :)
here's to you making the leap Scott! Enjoy!
Merci infiniment pour vos mots si lumineuses et sincères !
J'espère que vos idées et rêves se réaliseront pour vous et pour ceux que vous continuerez à inspirer !
Ça" sent "dans vos paroles le " parfum" du désir généreux d'aider, de transmettre des belles valeurs autour de vous et cela est si "contagieux "!!
Bon courage sur le chemin de vos rêves et laissez-vous aller ,ne prévoyez pas trop de choses ,ne vous compliquer pas le chemin, c'est dans la non action ,dans l'incertitude, dans le non agir que les idées les plus inspirantes finissent par sortir en surface spontanément !!
Merci infiniment pour votre message encourageant. Cela me touche beaucoup !
The timbre of your words really touched me in this note. You know we say, and write many things, but sometimes the person inside can more clearly be seen, and felt. Thank you! You know, I’d have probably joined in for your work a long time ago, but I’m at a different place in my life… at 71 years old, I’m no longer reaching, there is really no inclination to climb, to build, to strive. But there are moments when I feel who you are, and this note you’ve sent is one of them… like times in the past when you’ve shared how you kind of sneaked into the Psychology program, loved that! I just want you to know that while I haven’t joined anything, it is more a matter of my stage of life. I’ve felt a great benefit, and inspiration from your life, shared, and I feel so much is yet to come… just… bless you, and thank you!
Sounds like you might have entered your "mid-life developmental phase"! Great. Good on you for embracing it. I'm now in my early 70's. I went through it too. Well worth it in the long run.
Can I offer you the benefit of my experience? I'm also a psychologist (Educational & Developmental). In my humble opinion, your psychology is yet to "get" Attachment. Attachment is a technical term in developmental psychology. It is the underlying powerhouse dynamic, not just in childhood but throughout life. It's the most important force shaping babies' brain development (check out those Romanian orphans discovered in vast institutions after the fall of Communism).
Check out the world's longest study on happiness (also a TED talk). This Harvard study of adult development found "strong correlation between deep relationships and wellbeing" such that people lived 7-9 years longer (Waldinger & Schulz, 2023) as a result.
We are "herd" animals. Our relatedness is who we are, whether it's in-depth, long-term intimacy, friendship/companionship, or casual, ordinary neighborliness.
American culture - even down to how your constitution is worded - is exceedingly individualistic. You guys have a blind spot here. This blind spot is a huge opportunity, Scott. And you'll be doing the world a favor!!!
Thanks, I'll definitely consider this!
Really happy for you Scott! You’re so talented and it’s wonderful that you’re making a big changes to realize your dreams. I took your Transcend course and really loved it!! I wish you all the best in all your new endeavors!
Thanks Jill!
Scott, you continue to show us how to live life, by leaning into the changes that are calling to us. You set such a clear example of following those creative nudges to see where they might lead and what you will learn along the journey. I am so eager to see what unfolds for you! And, on the other hand, you also stay well connected to the purpose of helping us in our own self actualization. Thank you for offering your Beautiful Minds newsletter for free, throwing your net wide and drawing more people into this personal transformational integration. Anytime I see your name pop up in my inbox, a big smile comes across my face!
awwww thanks, means a lot!
Wow, that is big news—mazel tov!! I’m surprised/not surprised that you’re leaving academia. In Carl Jung’s words it maybe feels like you’ve been “walking in shoes too small for you.” All the best.
That's exactly how I feel!!! It's so confining. Thank you!!!
Life is precious and so are you, dear Scott. Thank you for inspiring us with your courage to follow your heart. To me you already are a magician (your book Transcend has had a major influence on me personally and professionally). I cannot wait to see your next wave of magic. With peace and love from Amsterdam
How very kind. Thank you Pieter!!!
All the best Scott. Love your work.
Thanks Freddy :)
I can understand that you feel like u have to deliver more to us subscribers but I’m so greatful for the Spotify meditation you have shared. As a teacher with a light ADHD I really feel inspired to be me even if I doubt my capacity a lot because my job is so challenging but utterly meaningful. I’m so happy to know that you want to do more for students and teachers.
Oh I'm so happy to hear you like that ADHD meditation album!! Wahoo!!
You re an inspiration :)). Thanks for all your contributions to help others explore their ideal self 🫶🏿. Hope to personally meet you one day!
THANK YOU!!!
Oh my goodness, these are such exciting develops!! I can’t wait to see them come to life. My team and I are also putting together our first interactive show, based on the workshops we have been doing using the voice as source of inspiration, respiration and embodied aspiration. Yes—bring in that Opera for sure!!! Rock it out and if I can ever be of any help in any way, please let me know! ✨✨
Oh Jennifer, you always bring me so much joy!!!
I loved Ungifted. I only wished over the years that you seemed to put distance between your authentic total self and reaching success later.Both were Nilofer Merchant’s ONLYNESS
Thanks Edwin, but I'm not sure what you mean! Can you elaborate?