The Crossroads Workshops

Additional information

• Call for specific dates and availability.
• All workshops commence at Barasa Consulting, LLC, 218 North Jefferson, 4th, Chicago, IL.
• Bob Barasa acts as facilitator for all workshops.
• Subsequent sessions are scheduled 1 to 2 weeks apart by agreement of all, and not on regular workshop start times.
• A complimentary copy of The Crossroads of the Over-50 Attorney is included in the workshop materials. Discount the workshop fee by pre-purchase of Crossroads; cost and shipping.
• Custom workshops are available for independently formed groups.

Session 1—"Greatness: Our Talent, Humanity, and Capacity"

Have you ever thought of yourself as a "visionary?" Now, you are. Personal greatness is a powerful force of mind, body, and spirit. It is the very best of who we are. In this session, the relevance and magnitude of individual greatness in creating and pursuing vision is spotlighted.

Often the visions and possibilities of our earlier years had to be placed on hold while we built our careers. This session utilizes this powerful force of mind, body, and spirit to identify and develop exciting and fulfilling visions.

Session 2—"Callings: The Call of Our Wild"

This is a more particular focus on individual callings; our most exciting and "alive" visions. Some are obvious while others are still undiscovered. Vision naturally evolves and transforms over time with continued creativity and effort.

Our passions and values usually generate our most exciting callings in life. We all have a "Call of the Wild" within us but often these passions and visions have been in quasi-hibernation.

Some preliminary queries might be: What would your three best friends say your real passion is right now? In what area of life do you find great inspiration? What are you fervently drawn toward?

Session 3—"Obstacles, Barriers, and the Comfort Zone"

We examine the typical obstacles such as time and money. Then we analyze the most inhibiting force of all: the instinct to maintain a predictable, safe, reliable, and comfortable existence, sometimes known as the "comfort zone" or "golden handcuffs."

There’s a risk factor involved in pursuing our vision that inhibits all of us, but there is also an overriding reward.

Session 4—"A Journey Aligned with Values: Fulfillment"

Here we focus on the benefit of aligning vision with values. Enjoyment throughout the "journey" is the primary goal, and it is also critical to a vibrant continued effort. Choosing visions that are aligned with one’s highest values generates fulfillment and passion during the whole journey.

On the other hand, choosing a goal that is predominantly egocentric makes the journey more difficult and less fulfilling. For example, choosing to climb Mount Everest mostly to impress one’s friends transforms the 2 years of preparation and the sometimes-fatal climb to the summit into uninspired work.

Session 5—"Laughter: The Important Asset of Joy and Camaraderie"

During our journey toward vision and greater fulfillment, laughter and camaraderie replenishes our spirit and fills us with energy. After an evening of laughter with friends, have you ever asked yourself the question, "Why don’t we do this more often?"

Sharing each other’s vision and journey is a powerful asset and helps avoid exhaustion and a feeling of isolation.

Session 6—"Raising the Bar, Flirting with the Extraordinary"

In this session, we "flirt" with a vision multiplied by "extraordinary." Our tendency is to play it safe and maintain predictability.

Extraordinary is really the standard of greatness you have always sensed was possible. What would it be like if your goal was "extraordinary" in whatever visions you choose?