Why You Need a Life Plan — Before It’s Too Late

I’ve been reflecting on how much of my own identity was tied to my career. For years, the titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments became shorthand for who I was. But when I stepped back from the corporate world, I realized how disorienting it can be when that role no longer defines you.

That’s why my recent conversation on Midlife Remix with Keith Lawrence resonated so deeply. Keith spent over 30 years as a senior leader at Procter & Gamble before pivoting to become a life planning coach, speaker, and co-author of Your Retirement Quest. His book has guided thousands of people in writing intentional life plans, having courageous conversations, and creating resilience for the road ahead.

Keith began our conversation with a blunt truth:

“The people whose identity is tied to their work… when that work goes away, many get lost. For them, work is purpose, importance, growth, learning, making money. But once it ends, they’re stuck. The only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions.”

This is so true and deep. I’ve seen it in my coaching practice: professionals who have excelled in their careers but feel completely unmoored when they start imagining life beyond it.

The Gen X Reality

For Gen X professionals, this challenge is exceptionally pressing. We’re in peak earning years, often stretched thin between caring for kids and aging parents, while still carrying demanding roles. At the same time, the world of work is undergoing rapid change. Keith reminded me that half of the jobs that exist today may not be around in five years due to AI and other disruptive forces.

It’s no wonder so many people in midlife feel restless, anxious, or stuck.

What a Life Plan Really Is

Keith makes it clear: a life plan is not just about finances or retirement. It’s about creating a blueprint for living with clarity and purpose.

He encourages his clients to start with a clean sheet of paper while they’re still working:

• What would your next chapter look like if your job title didn’t define you?

• Where do your strengths and passions meet a real need in the world?

• What small experiments can you try now to test new directions?

  
  

Most importantly, he urges people not to wait. The time to create a life plan is now, before you’re forced into change.

One of Keith’s most powerful reminders is this:

“You’ll run out of meaning before you run out of money.”

Many Gen Xers assume they need just one more promotion, one more significant role, or one more push before they can truly focus on what matters. However, the truth is that chasing “one more” often leads to sacrificing health, relationships, and fulfillment.

A written life plan isn’t about control. It’s about clarity and making sure the ladder you’re climbing is leaning against the right wall.

Start Before It’s Too Late

Here’s what I took away from our conversation:

• Start now. Don’t wait until your job ends.

• Write it down. Even a rough sketch brings clarity.

• Talk with your partner and family. Alignment matters.

• Try things in small, low-risk ways. Action creates momentum.

Midlife isn’t about starting over. It’s about moving forward with intention.

Want the full story? Hear the complete conversation with Jack Swift, including real-world examples, lessons learned, and practical tips to impact on your career and life: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Substack

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