Experience Is Your Edge—Here’s How to Build on It

Hello ,

Happy New Year! May this year bring you exciting opportunities, meaningful connections, and the fulfilment of your aspirations. Here’s to making it a truly remarkable one together!

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions.

When I decide to change something, I just dive right in—like starting strength training five years ago, committing to regular walking, and even taking up Krav Maga in 2024.

If it works, it becomes a habit.

But when it comes to my business, I’ve realised that spontaneity has limits. The attraction of shiny new tools, ideas, and training programs often leaves me scattered and overspent.

Still, 2024 ended on a high note: the Wisepreneurs podcast reached 66 episodes.

As I approach 69, I’m reflecting deeply on how I want to continue working.

What does it mean to sustain a thriving business while embracing the wisdom and agility that come with age?

None of us knows our “use-by date.” I hope to have many productive years ahead, but this awareness has inspired me to rethink my approach to work and life.

2025 is my year for clarity and purpose.

Here’s my plan:

• Be Discerning: Select what I read and absorb with care.
• Be Systematic: Organise my knowledge using tools like DevonThink.
• Stay Focused: Streamline notes and ideas with Obsidian.
• Think Strategically: Apply Peter Compo’s Emergent Approach to Strategy (episode 62).
• Stay Organised: Use Tonianne DeMaria’s Personal Kanban system (episode 63).
• Be Disciplined: Complete the training courses I’ve purchased.
• Be Meta-Effective: Hone my cognitive productivity skills.
• Stay Agile: Automate or optimise my work to save time for what truly matters.

And, of course, I will share with you what I mean about each of these and how I go.

But this isn’t just about me. These shifts resonate with the unique journey of Wisepreneurs like you—independent professionals, often post-work, leveraging a lifetime of expertise in new and meaningful ways.

What Does This Look Like for You?

As Wisepreneurs, you’re not merely staying relevant—you’re redefining what it means to thrive in this stage of life.

Here’s how you can align your journey with your expertise and aspirations:

• Stay Sharp: Your expertise is your superpower. Use innovative systems to organise your work, declutter your mind, and focus on what matters most.
• Learn with Purpose: Avoid the rabbit hole of endless courses and trends. Pursue learning that enriches your field and aligns with your goals.
• Build Resilience: Self-employment isn’t always easy, but financial buffers, strong peer connections, and celebrating small wins can keep you grounded.
• Make an Impact: As a mentor, expert, and collaborator, you’re in a unique position to inspire others and lead by example.

This stage of life is about more than work; it’s about transforming experience into purpose, growth, and fulfilment.

Through the Wisepreneurs podcast (returning in April), articles, and tools, I’m here to share insights, frameworks, and strategies designed to:

• Enhance your productivity and focus.

• Align lifelong learning with real-world impact.

• Build a sustainable business around your expertise.

This isn’t about merely surviving—it’s about thriving.

Let’s do this together

What’s your biggest challenge as an independent professional? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response. Your experience matters and your next chapter is yours to define.

This is our opportunity to turn aspirations into reality—not just for 2025, but for the years to come

Cheers
Nigel