Hi Jonathan! It’s interesting for me to look back and think that I first met you when I was 24. On Thursday I turn 37. This 2x20 project has me thinking about how I might want to spend my 40s and 50s. As a “seasoned” millennial (love that), I’ve spent a lot of time hustling and building for other people. When I was in the immersion, you helped me identify that storytelling was a USP for me. I’ve always wanted to be an author and I’m FINALLY coming around to integrating it all. I love this idea of running some experiments and will get thinking on that.🙂
Omg, so much time and change. Seasoned millennial is just so much better than what the official folks use, - "geriatric." Like, really?! Can't wait to see where the storytelling/author journey takes you, Ashley.
I listened to the episode yesterday. There was so much there I resonated with. I realized that I have been in my own 2x20 experiment since last year when I turned the big 6-0. You offered a lot of kindling wood for the next phase. It's a great conversation for us Gen-X'ers to be having. Thank you Jonathan.
It is a magical time. And I really appreciate your pivot with Substack. I'm a builder too. Earlier this year, I found myself trapped in old patterns of growth strategies and monetization. Like you said, just because I know how to do it doesn't mean I have to do it. Thanks again.
It’d be interesting to know how many people do something new (or return to early pursuits) when they go through the midlife passage. Even if you love what you did the bulk of your pre-50 career, it’s probably rare not to reassess and decide whether to keep going in same activity.
Such an interesting question, Courtney. For me, a big part is returning to early pursuits, which is another way of saying, returning to who I've always known myself to be.
Yes. A Maker! I relate to your 2-year journey to figure out what you most want to do in the next 20-plus years. I've been reading up on different creative people I’ve always liked, to see where they are now or where they ended up before they passed, whether they seemed happy or defeated, whether they tried new mediums, and where they lived. Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler are my current inspiration (their enjoyment of life, the fact that they continue to write books and make pottery, respectively). And I like Seth Rogen’s remarks about wanting to make physical items (pottery). I really, really want to make physical items again and like you, am returning to earlier pursuits.
Brilliant, Jonathan. The Opposite-of-Bougie is clever. There's a hunger among the 45-55 group for this, and your experience in consulting and design assures them a custom adventure--with you and the other cool kids you bring into your cohorts.
Love that word, "hunger," Georgia. One of the interesting dances is about whether it becomes a hungry ghost, or a hungry host for curiosity and joy. But, a hunger it is.
Thoroughly enjoyed this as a 55 year old with kids just about launched - what's next for ME?? Loved the 3 buckets of vitality, connection and contribution, and also the notion of small experiments. Leading with curiosity, what could be better for a Maven. I will definitely listen to the podcast!
So awesome, Jonathan! You are demonstrating that finding joy is more likely if you live creatively and tolerate uncertainty. All the breadcrumbs started showing up when I made that change 2 years ago 💓
I've learned that pretty much everything worth aspiring to is on the other side of uncertainty, Maria. So, it's all about building the skills and practices that let us embrace it. Of course, easier said than done! LOL
So true! I listened to the new 2×20 GLP episode with my astrologer perspective and it struck me that the Pluto in Virgo generation (now in our 50s-60s) had the imprint of obsession/power (Pluto) of categorizing and perfecting (Virgo) things, systems, and people, and perhaps we over did, we over complicated.
We also have Uranus in Libra, which is drawn to the weird, yet doesn't want to be outted as weird ourselves! (I call it “The Breakfast Club” Uranus placement)
Now, Pluto in Aquarius is at an angle to our natal Pluto which pushes us to break out of the boxes (think one identity for life, which you spoke of in the episode) we have found ourselves in, and instead to use Virgo’s other superpowers of hard work, mentoring and being mentored, discernment, and service in continuing our transformation (Pluto) all while risking looking ‘weird’ (Uranus) to the status quo!
I have been following this 2x20 with interest. At 50, and with my youngest graduating college next month, I find myself at a natural turning point, and as a Maven, I have a tendency to get restless. I am feeling that itch to move on to something new or at least to adjust in a pretty significant way.
After a good amount of soul searching, I am starting to run small experiments, but am having a hard time imagining myself taking a bigger leap, so I like this notion of taking 2 years to hone in. I plan to delegate more of my daily work tasks, to focus more on building out a team, so I can take a step back from the day-to-day doing. With this, I hope to travel more and focus on creative projects, so that over the next few years, that can take center stage. I appreciate the guidance and the inspiration.
I, too, hike every day, year round, in the mountains of Colorado (even in our April/May blizzards), though sometimes with snowshoes or touring skis, and lately with Yaktrax. The hour outside with my dog each day is a ritual without which I would be a different person.
That is the beauty of blending small experiments and a spacious 2 year window. It gives time for those experiments to start to build into something bigger over a longer window of time, and helps keep the "scaries" at bay along the way. And, at the same time, it's a short enough window that you can taste what's potentially on the other side. And, love hiking in these Colorado mountains, brings a lot of peace and ideation to my days.
Wow, food for thought, an incredible way of looking at life, and I think as I approach 40 it is something to consider, I will be embarking on my own 2 x 20 journey to discover, experiment, explore and work to make them the best, fullest years of my life! Thank you for sharing so generously Jonathan
Cool. I started the same thing in 2005, when i realized my life was shit and i hated everything about it. I realized i got myself into the mess and i was the one to get myself out. I have been intentionally living ever since. Its not all butterflies and rainbows and has taken way more than 2 years to sort it out, with plenty of massive road blocks along the way, but finally feel things are coming together.
What a great way to live! In anticipation of what is next instead of lamenting opportunities missed. Thanks Jonathan! Appreciate this article and your work on GrowthDay.
Hi Jonathan! It’s interesting for me to look back and think that I first met you when I was 24. On Thursday I turn 37. This 2x20 project has me thinking about how I might want to spend my 40s and 50s. As a “seasoned” millennial (love that), I’ve spent a lot of time hustling and building for other people. When I was in the immersion, you helped me identify that storytelling was a USP for me. I’ve always wanted to be an author and I’m FINALLY coming around to integrating it all. I love this idea of running some experiments and will get thinking on that.🙂
Omg, so much time and change. Seasoned millennial is just so much better than what the official folks use, - "geriatric." Like, really?! Can't wait to see where the storytelling/author journey takes you, Ashley.
That’s a book title there … “Life in perpetual beta.” Love that subheading and all of this.
I listened to the episode yesterday. There was so much there I resonated with. I realized that I have been in my own 2x20 experiment since last year when I turned the big 6-0. You offered a lot of kindling wood for the next phase. It's a great conversation for us Gen-X'ers to be having. Thank you Jonathan.
So happy that a lot resonated, Cara. It's kind of a magical time to be running experiments, once we take the lens of adventure, rather than must.
It is a magical time. And I really appreciate your pivot with Substack. I'm a builder too. Earlier this year, I found myself trapped in old patterns of growth strategies and monetization. Like you said, just because I know how to do it doesn't mean I have to do it. Thanks again.
It’d be interesting to know how many people do something new (or return to early pursuits) when they go through the midlife passage. Even if you love what you did the bulk of your pre-50 career, it’s probably rare not to reassess and decide whether to keep going in same activity.
Such an interesting question, Courtney. For me, a big part is returning to early pursuits, which is another way of saying, returning to who I've always known myself to be.
Yes. A Maker! I relate to your 2-year journey to figure out what you most want to do in the next 20-plus years. I've been reading up on different creative people I’ve always liked, to see where they are now or where they ended up before they passed, whether they seemed happy or defeated, whether they tried new mediums, and where they lived. Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler are my current inspiration (their enjoyment of life, the fact that they continue to write books and make pottery, respectively). And I like Seth Rogen’s remarks about wanting to make physical items (pottery). I really, really want to make physical items again and like you, am returning to earlier pursuits.
Brilliant, Jonathan. The Opposite-of-Bougie is clever. There's a hunger among the 45-55 group for this, and your experience in consulting and design assures them a custom adventure--with you and the other cool kids you bring into your cohorts.
Love that word, "hunger," Georgia. One of the interesting dances is about whether it becomes a hungry ghost, or a hungry host for curiosity and joy. But, a hunger it is.
You are never too old to join the circus, Jonathan....and ps-love this idea!
Ha! Love this, Delia. Circus-bound!
Thoroughly enjoyed this as a 55 year old with kids just about launched - what's next for ME?? Loved the 3 buckets of vitality, connection and contribution, and also the notion of small experiments. Leading with curiosity, what could be better for a Maven. I will definitely listen to the podcast!
So glad you loved the concept of the buckets and small experiments, Amanda. It makes it more fun, and keeps the lens expansive.
So awesome, Jonathan! You are demonstrating that finding joy is more likely if you live creatively and tolerate uncertainty. All the breadcrumbs started showing up when I made that change 2 years ago 💓
I've learned that pretty much everything worth aspiring to is on the other side of uncertainty, Maria. So, it's all about building the skills and practices that let us embrace it. Of course, easier said than done! LOL
So true! I listened to the new 2×20 GLP episode with my astrologer perspective and it struck me that the Pluto in Virgo generation (now in our 50s-60s) had the imprint of obsession/power (Pluto) of categorizing and perfecting (Virgo) things, systems, and people, and perhaps we over did, we over complicated.
We also have Uranus in Libra, which is drawn to the weird, yet doesn't want to be outted as weird ourselves! (I call it “The Breakfast Club” Uranus placement)
Now, Pluto in Aquarius is at an angle to our natal Pluto which pushes us to break out of the boxes (think one identity for life, which you spoke of in the episode) we have found ourselves in, and instead to use Virgo’s other superpowers of hard work, mentoring and being mentored, discernment, and service in continuing our transformation (Pluto) all while risking looking ‘weird’ (Uranus) to the status quo!
LOL indeed- easier said than done!
Chunky bars! Snow pants! Shipped over "perfect!" This is such a great update and I ahve added the podcast episode to play next time I'm in the car!
Chunky was the best, tho that may also be my 11 year old brain speaking!
I have been following this 2x20 with interest. At 50, and with my youngest graduating college next month, I find myself at a natural turning point, and as a Maven, I have a tendency to get restless. I am feeling that itch to move on to something new or at least to adjust in a pretty significant way.
After a good amount of soul searching, I am starting to run small experiments, but am having a hard time imagining myself taking a bigger leap, so I like this notion of taking 2 years to hone in. I plan to delegate more of my daily work tasks, to focus more on building out a team, so I can take a step back from the day-to-day doing. With this, I hope to travel more and focus on creative projects, so that over the next few years, that can take center stage. I appreciate the guidance and the inspiration.
I, too, hike every day, year round, in the mountains of Colorado (even in our April/May blizzards), though sometimes with snowshoes or touring skis, and lately with Yaktrax. The hour outside with my dog each day is a ritual without which I would be a different person.
That is the beauty of blending small experiments and a spacious 2 year window. It gives time for those experiments to start to build into something bigger over a longer window of time, and helps keep the "scaries" at bay along the way. And, at the same time, it's a short enough window that you can taste what's potentially on the other side. And, love hiking in these Colorado mountains, brings a lot of peace and ideation to my days.
Wow, food for thought, an incredible way of looking at life, and I think as I approach 40 it is something to consider, I will be embarking on my own 2 x 20 journey to discover, experiment, explore and work to make them the best, fullest years of my life! Thank you for sharing so generously Jonathan
Love it, Samantha. Exploring the 2x20 framework as you approach 40 is great way to play your way into the next season.
Welcome to your weirdo artist. Now the next level good life begins!
Indeed it does, Cynthia!
Cool. I started the same thing in 2005, when i realized my life was shit and i hated everything about it. I realized i got myself into the mess and i was the one to get myself out. I have been intentionally living ever since. Its not all butterflies and rainbows and has taken way more than 2 years to sort it out, with plenty of massive road blocks along the way, but finally feel things are coming together.
"which feels a lot like trying to assemble IKEA furniture with interpretive dance instructions"
I thought IKEA instructions ARE interpretive dance instructions.
What a great way to live! In anticipation of what is next instead of lamenting opportunities missed. Thanks Jonathan! Appreciate this article and your work on GrowthDay.
Awesome!! Just loaded the podcast on Spotify. Here we go.