Make a Manifesto?
At first, the idea of writing a midlife manifesto intimidated me. Not the writing part. I write all of the time, every morning, in fact. I’ve filled notebook after notebook and still do.
But the “Voice” nudged me to tell myself, “I’m not there yet. I don’t want to get this wrong. It’s too important.” I bet you know that infamous voice of doubt, too.
The truth is, you can’t get it wrong. It all comes from within you. You don’t have to be looking for the important stuff anyplace else. And you are ready when you feel ready.
So, come on. Feel what’s calling you. Write it down. Make it your truth. You’ll be better for it, and so will the world.
STEP 1: List the areas you wish to address
- Home
- Health
- Relationships
- Work
- Worldview
- Spirituality
- Wealth
- Fun
The above are suggestions. Change it to suit you. Add to or take away. Make more general or more specific. This is yours. (For me it’s Home, Health, Relationships, Work & Fun.)
STEP 2: For each area make a statement of
- Your values
- Your beliefs
- Your intentions
You’ll want to aim for being concise but all-inclusive at the same time. Shorter is punchier and easier to remember. Think “motto” or “words to live by.”
STEP 3: Keep your manifesto handy for
- Clarity
- Focus
- Prioritization
- Motivation
- Sharing
- Momentum
You’ll be surprised how often you can use your manifesto. You’ll find that it can kee you on track. I use mine as a guide whenever I post something on line.
STEP 4: Have fun putting it together
- Write it out long-hand and make your own drawings, illustrations, embellishments
- Play with formats, materials, media
- Use online graphic tools, like canva.com
- Use your own combination
- Google ” images for personal manifesto” for ideas
- Just get it down & done
Making your midlife manifesto can be as simple* as that. It is going to reflect where you have been, where you are now, and where you intend to go.
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What are your ideas for your manifesto? Let us know in the comments below.
This would also be a great pre-retirement planning tool. I’ve seen too many retirements fail because, after a couple of weeks – then what? They just didn’t think it through.
I agree, Alana. I hope it also helps people to commit to their choices. A kind of “think it through, see it through!”
Excellent step-by-step instructions. Thinking this exercise could help 17-year-olds too.
Great idea, Mithra. I love any tool that can be repurposed.
These are brilliant writing prompts, and a lovely way to flesh out challenges as well as determining future goals. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks Rachel. I love your words “to flesh out challenges.” That’s exactly it!
I like this, especially when one is sorting out life–or making a big decision–or just needing to LOOK at their life with details added. Thanks.
I agree, Beth. I actually use mine to guide me in how I want to be when I interact online. It helps me to keep focused and be consistent.
This is great—and my favorite part is step #4!
Thanks. I love #4, too. I like to use some of the great online graphic tools on my own personal projects like this before I use the tools on things I publish.
Never thought of doing a manifesto before. Sounds like great fun and something that you continue to work on as your life unfolds.
Absolutely something to continue to work on because our lives continue to unfold, Joyce. I found making a manifesto helped keep my on track. I found this time of life very excting, but I’m not so good about focusing as I once was.
I love this, Jane! I can see utilizing this at any stage of life where you find yourself pausing, perhaps a little lost. My daughter went through a wrenching divorce a year ago, and this would have helped her tremendously. And my niece just graduated from college; I think this will benefit her, as well. I’ve actually printed it out to put on my bulletin board because I think it will serve as a great reminder/nudge that there are many areas of our lives which need to be tended consistently in order to live a well-rounded, fulfilled life. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Stephanie. I agree,the guidelines can be used during any transitional time. We change and grow throughout our lives. And that’s a good thing!