On Purpose
The Science of Thriving After Retirement
Retirement is the single largest identity shift many of us will ever face. Your old identity will abruptly dissolve. Without a new strategy to replace the structure and identity of your old life, your biology will notice and your vibrancy will suffer. On Purpose provides a roadmap that fills the gap in your retirement conversations and planning.
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About the Book
Most high-achieving leaders reach retirement only to face a sudden 'identity collapse.' When the professional signals that defined your self vanish overnight, the result isn't just boredom—it's an unhealthy state, affecting your biology.
On Purpose introduces the concept of Minimum Viable Purpose—a practical framework to rebuild your identity by deploying your hard-earned wisdom in new, impactful domains without the burnout of your primary career.
This isn't about fading away into leisure; it's about re-engineering your expertise to remain visible, relevant, healthy, vibrant and essentially on purpose for the next great chapter of your life.
Who It’s For
01
High-achieving leaders about to retire
Accomplished professionals considering retirement looking to ensure meaningful life impact in new domains.
02
Already retired high achievers looking for more
Retired achievers who are bored with what retirement means to them and are seeking a more vibrant life.
03
Thoughtful Middle Stage Professionals
Middle stage professionals who want to ensure their identities are not solely wound up in their jobs.
04
Transition seekers
Anyone navigating the shift from full-time productivity to a full life defined by intentional contribution.
Framework Overview
Identity Collapse
The sudden loss of professional signals and labels when leaving a high-powered career. What do you say when someone asks what you do, now that you are retired?
Five Domains
Where might you find purpose in your newly retired state. Here are some suggestions from areas that you probably didn't realize your career was already providing these.
Iteration
Don't wait to get things exactly right in your retirement. Start now, learn and adjust until you get it as right as you can. The journey is just as important as the result.
Minimum Viable Purpose
It doesn't take much to get your signals firing at a sufficient level to keep you vibrant. This doesn't have to be as grand as second act or an encore. Finding something that matters, where you matter defines your direction.
Purpose Portfolio
Diversifying your activities across multiple domains to ensure resilience and fulfillment. Don't get stuck when a single purpose fizzles.
Explorer's Advantage
You may be surprised to find that the most exciting and healthiest activities in retirement are in areas completely new and different from your job.
From the Preface
“Retirement isn’t just the end of a career; it’s often the beginning of an identity crisis you didn’t prepare for. When the signals of work disappear, we must find a minimum viable purpose to keep our bearings and thrive in the next domain.”
— Les Trachtman, On Purpose
Les Trachtman
Les Trachtman is a seasoned CEO and the author of the critically acclaimed business guide, 'Don’t F**k It Up.' With decades of leadership experience navigating high-stakes corporate environments, Les now turns his strategic lens toward the most significant transition of all: retirement. In 'On Purpose,' he distills his background in identifying hidden value and scaling impact into a practical framework for high-achievers looking to build a meaningful retirement and remain vibrant as they do.