2025 Ins & Outs

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year—and welcome to 2025! I’m excited to share this week’s newsletter, where I dive into the “Ins and Outs” for 2025 from a Third Act perspective. If you’re new here, I’m a Third Act Consultant, which means I help people plan and thrive in life’s post-career chapter.

For this edition, I’ve recorded a video (scroll down to watch) that unpacks 10 key shifts you can make in 2025 to live this stage of your life more intentionally. Read on for the highlights—and be sure to watch the full video for deeper insights and stories!

1. Out: “Retirement”

In: Thinking About “What’s Next or Your Third Act”

The word retirement often carries the implication of “slowing down,” but for many of us, this Third Act is anything but. Rather than viewing this as an exit ramp, see it as a wide-open highway of possibility. You’re done with your main career? Fantastic—now’s the perfect time to decide how you truly want to live, contribute, and grow over the next 20, 30, or even 40 years.

2. Out: Not Planning for This Stage

In: Having a Plan

Whether you’re still a few years away from leaving your primary career or you’ve already made the leap, a plan is key. Ask yourself how you’ll spend your time, where you’ll live, and how you’ll nurture your relationships, health, and new ventures. Be intentional—your Third Act can be the most fulfilling chapter yet!

3. Out: Huge Homes

In: Downsizing

Especially for empty nesters, maintaining a large home you no longer need can be an unnecessary drain on resources. Downsizing frees up funds for new experiences, travel, and passions—plus, it simplifies life. Less maintenance, less clutter, more freedom.

4. Out: Accumulating “Things”

In: Investing in Experiences

Do you truly need more stuff? For 2025, consider putting your energy (and budget) toward experiences: culinary classes, concerts, sports events, or simply traveling somewhere new. These moments create lasting memories and personal growth in a way that material possessions rarely do.

5. Out: Playing It Safe

In: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Your Third Act is the perfect time for personal growth. Try activities or learn skills you’ve never attempted before—anything from a new sport to a new language or volunteer role. Don’t be afraid of a little discomfort; that’s where the magic happens!

6. Out: Relying on Career Identity Alone

In: Building an “Identity Portfolio”

Many of us have defined ourselves by our professions for decades. As you shift to this next stage, create new identities around your interests, hobbies, relationships, and personal missions. Cultivate multiple facets of who you are, rather than leaning on a single label. Here’s my post with specific steps to build your identity portfolio.

7. Out: Going It Alone

In: Hiring a Third Act Consultant

Yes, I’m tooting my own horn here—but having someone knowledgeable to walk alongside you can make all the difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities (or uncertainties) around your purpose, health, location, or relationships, consider working with a Third Act Consultant to clarify, plan, and implement your next steps.

8. Out: Nonstop TV-Watching

In: Exploring New Hobbies

Look, I love good TV as much as anyone—but when it becomes your primary pastime, life can get a bit stagnant. Instead, experiment with hobbies you’ve always been curious about: art classes, mountain biking, book clubs, docent work at a local museum...the possibilities are endless.

9. Out: “Friends” by Default

In: Curating a Supportive Community

Colleagues and subordinates may have felt like your entire social world during your career. Now, it’s time to nurture (and possibly reevaluate) those relationships. Seek out people who inspire you, share your new interests, and enrich your life. Quality matters more than quantity.

10. Out: Health Denial

In: “Health is Wealth”

Finally, no more putting off those checkups! Prioritize your health with regular doctor visits, bloodwork, dental exams, and eye appointments. Whether your goal is longevity, more energy, or simply feeling your best day-to-day, consistent preventive care is crucial.

Watch the Full Video

I explore each of these Ins & Outs in even greater detail (with plenty of personal stories!) in my latest video.

Stay tuned for weekly content about travel, health, relationships, identity, spirituality, doing good and starting a new venture as it relates to your third act/the next chapter in your life ✨

Please subscribe and forward this newsletter to others who are thinking about planning their third act. Thanks for your support 🙏.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2025,

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara

P.S.S. If you are curious about my consulting work, there are two options to work with me: deep-dive, transformative 1:1 consulting or a 90-minute intensive, quickstart session. Details about both options can be found here.