Midlife is an exhilarating phase in our lives, where we have accumulated diverse experiences and created our own unique paths—be it through family, career, or personal interests. It’s a time when many of us feel compelled to give back to others. Interestingly, studies indicate that we are inherently inclined to contribute during this midlife stage. Devora Krasnianski speaks with Dr. Deborah Heiser of the Mentor Project who shared insightful perspectives on various avenues for giving back, such as philanthropy, volunteering, and mentoring.
SHOW NOTES
03:21 Why midlife is a great time in our lives.
06:37 At midlife, we become generative and want to give back.
12:45 Develop new expertise, based on past experience and passions.
14:06 When we are more intentional about what we are doing, we do better work.
16:06 The Mentor Project – giving a piece of ourselves to someone else.
19:31 The difference between mentoring and volunteering.
21:07 Difference between mentoring and charging for your time/services.
23:09 Mentoring is about helping someone move forward as opposed to giving over our values.
24:25 Lateral mentoring – mentoring peers.
27:35 Ask for lateral mentoring, ask for help.
30:18 So many people in midlife are mentoring.
34:56 Leaving a legacy- mentoring is not pushing our values.
36:12 Being a mentor and a learner. (Learning from people younger than us.)
39:23 Everyone can be generative. Everyone has something they can mentor in.
47:15 Wrap up.
