I am happy to share here how the Septimal Law applies to life after 50, and what you can do about it.

In Part Sixteen of the Master Key System, Charles Haanel talks about the Septimal Law, a law of Periodicity.  He says:  “Everything that lives has periods of birth, growth, fruitage, and decline.”  

This reminds me of the song by the Byrds:

To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose
Under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose
Under heaven.

Songwriters: Peter Seeger / Adapted By Peter Link

The Septimal Law

There are many 7’s in the Laws we study during the Master Key Experience (MKE):  Seven Laws of the Mind and Seven Ways to Learn to name two.  Similarly, Deepak Chopra also has Seven Spiritual Laws.  There are also seven days of the week, and seven colors in the rainbow.  But I found this concept of breaking down our life into seven-year sections quite intriguing. 

Haanel talks about the first 50 years:

Life is growth, and growth is change, each seven year period takes us into a new cycle.  The first seven years is the period of infancy.  The next seven the period of childhood, representing the beginning of individual responsibility.  The next seven represents the period of adolescence.  The fourth period marks the attainment of full growth.  The fifth period is the constructive period, when men begin to acquire property, possessions, a home and family.  The next from 35 to 42, is a period of reactions and changes, and this in turn is followed by a period of reconstruction, adjustment and recuperation, so as to be ready for a new cycle of sevens, beginning with the fiftieth year. 

Charles Haanel, Master Key System, Part Sixteen Introduction

Life after 50

I am well past 50 years old, and that led me to thinking – “what’s next?”  I don’t think it would work to just repeat the first 50 years.  Maybe going backwards? So what would life after 50 look like? I have heard that the end of life is sometimes like the beginning, when you sleep a lot, puree your food, and maybe even wear diapers – but hopefully not! 

Being healthy and active, I plan to live until I am 100 or thereabouts.  So I made up my own cycles for Life After 50. 

Tell me if you agree or not!

Age 50-57  – Awakening – Some folks call this the ‘mid-life crisis’ time, but I would prefer to think of it as a mid-life awakening.  This is when people start to re-evaluate their life, think about what they have done so far, and what they still want to accomplish.  At this stage, you still have many years ahead (God willing) so you can make some new plans.  Be bold!

Age 57-64  – Productivity – I am in this phase now.  I am still actively working, I have a home based business, I am a Guide with the MKE, and I am writing a book.  I think it is safe to say that I am productive.  I just need to remember to focus on the present, so that I can be effective, not just busy!  Napoleon Hill notes in Think and Grow Rich that most noteworthy accomplishments occur after the age of 40, even more so after the age of 50.  I have seen a recent post on Facebook highlighting how the decades after age 50 are the most productive.

Age 64-71 – Transformation – This is when many people retire from their career or life’s work.  But what’s next?  There can be a career after the career, or maybe a grand adventure.  This can be an optimal time to travel, and do all those things you always hoped that you could do.  Providing, of course, that you planned well for financial and physical health, and having a plan for life after 50.  

Age 71-78  – I Please Me – Though I am still quite a ways from this phase, I fell like folks in this age group are done with doing things to please others.  They are ready to please themselves – do what they want, spend time with who they want.  If they are lucky enough to be grandparents, they probably lavish love and attention on the young people in their lives – happy to give unconditional love, but just as happy to hand back the child to the parents when they have had enough.

Age 78-85  – Wisdom – I believe we can gain wisdom at any age, but we often think of older people as wise.  After all, they have had many life experiences, especially in their life after 50, and probably have learned a great deal from both their successes and their failures.  People in this age group today would have lived through World War II, the advent of computers, technology and the information age, as well as the introduction of television.

Age 85-92  – Slowing Down – At some point we must all slow down.  This could come sooner or later, but personally I hope to be quite active into my 80’s.  Maybe then, when I slow down, build puzzles and play cribbage.  Or maybe I will still run or walk marathons?

Age 92-?  – Elder Years – May you live long enough and be healthy enough to enjoy this final stage of life, a full life after 50.  This could be a time of reflection.  A friend who is 94 years old just published a book, her memoir of a life well lived.  Betty White was active in the Entertainment industry until her death this year at age 99.  

How Can You Apply This in Your Life?

How are YOU shaping up for life after 50? 

Well, first of all, take care of yourself.  In order to fully LIVE your second 50 years, you need HEALTH, that is  physical, mental and spiritual.  I know some things are out of our control.  But we can stay healthy physically by eating and drinking in a healthy way, getting enough rest and exercise, staying up to date with visits to the doctor and vaccines.  We can take care of our mental health by taking measures to reduce stress in our life, even during our life after 50, to nurture a loving community of family and friends, to seek help and counseling as needed.  Spiritual health can include church, meditation, or other spiritual practices. I cover more on this in my personal blog. 

I challenge you to THRIVE, not just to survive!  In order to make the most of those next 50 years, we need a high level of personal awareness.  My friend Monica wrote a blog about Transforming Your Life.    She encourages us to take an active role in that transformation, keeping your focus on what you want in your life.

One way to thrive and transform is to join the MKE Movement.  You learn about the way your mind works, how to be a Self-Directed Thinker, and how to set and achieve goals, even if you’re in your life after 50.  You receive guided support through the process, with your own Guide / Life Coach.  Get on the list HERE! Do it now!