Practical tools to stay strong, sharp, and relevant — at 40/50 and beyond
Strength + fitness checkups. Focus + habits scorecards. Role-fit and “re-positioning” kits. Built for busy mid-life professionals who want leverage, not noise.
Pick one. Get clarity fast. Then execute.
Identity Before Tactics & How to Use this Sheet
Decide who you are becoming, then make it real with proof. I’ve further built on the concept of ‘votes for identity’ from James Clear book ‘Atomic Habits’.
This is a compact version of the more detailed Career Identity Proof Sheet. It’s a simple way to do that:
- Pick an identity (how you want to be known)
- Pick 2 proof actions
- Do them in 48 hours
Not huge changes. Just small, visible evidence that upgrades your self-image so the tactics finally have traction.
Try different identities, shuffle proof ideas, generate 3 options, and keep the combo that feels like your “normal Tuesday” standard. However, be truly honest with yourself. I cannot see your name, your selections, and the final sheet result, completely anonymous.
Identity Proof
Strategic Assessment
Identity before tactics. Proof beats promises.
Identity Proof is not paperwork. It is a 48-hour loop:
- Choose identity (who you are becoming).
- Create proof (two actions that are hard to argue with).
- Let the evidence change your self-image (and then your tactics become obvious).
1. The Arena
Context determines value. Where do you need to be relevant right now?
Corporate Matrix
Navigating politics, scale, and slow-moving hierarchies.
SME / Growth
Building the plane while flying it. Chaos, speed, and multiple hats.
Solo / Consultant
You are the product. Selling pure expertise in a noisy market.
2. Define Your Role
Based on your arena, which tailored archetype fits your next chapter?
3. Identify The Trap
What is the specific stereotype you are actively avoiding?
The Pivot Point
“Experience is vague. Specificity is valuable.”
In the next step, define the exact leverage you have in your arena. Be specific.
5. The Deep Work
Define your strategic positioning.
1. Your Unfair Advantage (Role Specific) 2. What assumption about you is wrong? (Role Specific) 3. Primary Friction Point (Context Specific) 4. Key Stakeholder Alignment (Context Specific)6. The Proof (48 Hours)
Select exactly 2 actions to complete in the next 48 hours.
Compiling Strategic Brief…
Aligning Archetype and Context.
Strategic Identity Brief
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New to 25@50?
Start with the playbook, then choose your track.
PS: If you found this useful, bookmark 25@50 and come back next week and run the sheet again with a new identity. That’s how you build a reputation in public without trying to “act young.”
Coming Soon – A Detailed Version of the Career Identity Proof Sheet
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