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Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement
“Accessible, practical, and important.”
—Kathy L. Brown, Independent Book Review
Embark on a journey to a new, energizing chapter of life.
At the crossroads of professional and personal life, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons struggled to redefine purpose in life after a high-powered career. Searching for answers, she embarked on a transformative journey to discover new approaches to purpose, balance, and resilience.
If the prospect of retirement sparks anxiety, fear not—this comprehensive guide, crafted for high-achieving professionals, redefines retirement as a gateway to new opportunities, meaning, and accomplishment. Fusing the author’s expertise with cutting-edge research, it unveils a proven approach for envisioning, planning, and executing an ideal retirement.
In A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement, Elizabeth shatters stereotypes, offering strategies for embracing change, strategically navigating transitions, and carrying your existential motivators into retirement. Ditch quantitative success measures for qualitative ones, leverage strategic instability for continuous growth, and develop the mindset of a creator instead of a reactor. From expanding your relationship portfolio to adopting a strategy of confident control, the book presents actionable exercises to design a satisfying new life complete with meaningful engagement.
Unlike conventional retirement guides, Encore reframes retirement as a dynamic transition, akin to a graduation or promotion, positioning it as an opportunity for personal growth. For professionals seeking a productive, engaged, and purposeful next chapter, this guide is your go-to resource, offering a wealth of possibilities for resilience, reinvention, and a fulfilling encore.
Embark on a journey to a new, energizing chapter of life.
At the crossroads of professional and personal life, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons struggled to redefine purpose in life after a high-powered career. Searching for answers, she embarked on a transformative journey to discover new approaches to purpose, balance, and resilience.
If the prospect of retirement sparks anxiety, fear not—this comprehensive guide, crafted for high-achieving professionals, redefines retirement as a gateway to new opportunities, meaning, and accomplishment. Fusing the author’s expertise with cutting-edge research, it unveils a proven approach for envisioning, planning, and executing an ideal retirement.
In A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement, Elizabeth shatters stereotypes, offering strategies for embracing change, strategically navigating transitions, and carrying your existential motivators into retirement. Ditch quantitative success measures for qualitative ones, leverage strategic instability for continuous growth, and develop the mindset of a creator instead of a reactor. From expanding your relationship portfolio to adopting a strategy of confident control, the book presents actionable exercises to design a satisfying new life complete with meaningful engagement.
Unlike conventional retirement guides, Encore reframes retirement as a dynamic transition, akin to a graduation or promotion, positioning it as an opportunity for personal growth. For professionals seeking a productive, engaged, and purposeful next chapter, this guide is your go-to resource, offering a wealth of possibilities for resilience, reinvention, and a fulfilling encore.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 12, 2025
Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement
Right off the bat, Zelinka hit me in the feels with her brief, but powerful description of a “human doing”, contrasted with that of a “human being”.
Are we “human doings”, instead of “human beings”?
As a lifelong high achiever, Zelinka worked day and night to ace her school grades, to graduate with high honors while working full time, and to start a family while working at one of the world’s top international firms. She had always believed you could power through life’s obstacles through hard work.
By age 35, she had already hit a tough, but necessary wall of reality: she was burnt out, and struggling in career, marriage and motherhood. When her high achiever inner child was out of answers, she resigned from her high powered law firm, sold her house, and moved to Tucson, Arizona. She had basically, in her own words, “front ended” her retirement by borrowing a decade early from it, by focusing on her family and motherhood, and then making some money later. That might mean her retirement could come at seventy instead of sixty, but it was a necessary choice.. until she found herself without answers again.
After basing a greater part of her self in her achievements and work, retiring from it to a place where no one had ever heard (nor cared to hear) of her prestigious law firm meant she quickly found her self esteem crumbling.
As she broke down, she journaled, realizing how she had become a “human doing”, and was now on her way to metamorphosize, through books of identity, spirituality and motivation, into a human being. She became a business owner and writer, but that did not happen overnight.
In her book, Zelinka tackles an often ignored and misunderstood subject: the confusing taboo of retirement, and how even the word retire, with its roots in Middle French, is uncomfortable because it means to “withdraw of pull back”.
But, why isn’t it seen as moving forward in a different way?
After creating her Encore program project, Zelinka worked over fifteen years guiding clients who had gone through a similar process as her to design a thoughtful plan for their next years after retirement, and explain to us readers, the emotional and mental stages that take place during the retirement process, and how to navigate these uncertain waters with compassion, love, and excitement.
Right off the bat, Zelinka hit me in the feels with her brief, but powerful description of a “human doing”, contrasted with that of a “human being”.
Are we “human doings”, instead of “human beings”?
As a lifelong high achiever, Zelinka worked day and night to ace her school grades, to graduate with high honors while working full time, and to start a family while working at one of the world’s top international firms. She had always believed you could power through life’s obstacles through hard work.
By age 35, she had already hit a tough, but necessary wall of reality: she was burnt out, and struggling in career, marriage and motherhood. When her high achiever inner child was out of answers, she resigned from her high powered law firm, sold her house, and moved to Tucson, Arizona. She had basically, in her own words, “front ended” her retirement by borrowing a decade early from it, by focusing on her family and motherhood, and then making some money later. That might mean her retirement could come at seventy instead of sixty, but it was a necessary choice.. until she found herself without answers again.
After basing a greater part of her self in her achievements and work, retiring from it to a place where no one had ever heard (nor cared to hear) of her prestigious law firm meant she quickly found her self esteem crumbling.
As she broke down, she journaled, realizing how she had become a “human doing”, and was now on her way to metamorphosize, through books of identity, spirituality and motivation, into a human being. She became a business owner and writer, but that did not happen overnight.
In her book, Zelinka tackles an often ignored and misunderstood subject: the confusing taboo of retirement, and how even the word retire, with its roots in Middle French, is uncomfortable because it means to “withdraw of pull back”.
But, why isn’t it seen as moving forward in a different way?
After creating her Encore program project, Zelinka worked over fifteen years guiding clients who had gone through a similar process as her to design a thoughtful plan for their next years after retirement, and explain to us readers, the emotional and mental stages that take place during the retirement process, and how to navigate these uncertain waters with compassion, love, and excitement.
January 4, 2025
Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons' Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement is a vital resource for anyone facing the daunting transition from career to retirement. In a space often clouded by fear and uncertainty, Parsons highlights the inherent opportunities within this life stage. She expertly discusses the psychological aspects of retiring, addressing the anxiety and identity struggles that accompany the exit from a high-profile career. The book is filled with insightful passages and wisdom. The author observes that “the impending loss of a key professional role can feel like an approaching avalanche that will sweep all else along with it.” This powerful metaphor captures the overwhelming nature of retirement anxiety, illustrating how high achievers feel stripped of their identities as they transition. Parsons also introduces the transformative idea that retirement should be framed as “graduation” rather than “withdrawal.” She emphasizes the importance of re-examining purpose and motivation: “Understanding how one’s profession helps answer their core motivational desires for communion, agency, and coherence is important to designing new ways to meet those needs." Parsons offers an empowering message by encouraging readers to embrace their passions and explore new avenues for contribution. Her pioneering guidance illustrates how individuals can reshape their identities beyond professional titles and achieve fulfillment in their following life stages. "You want to move from reactor to creator," she advises, heralding a future ripe with potential and reinvention. In doing so, she deftly conveys that retirement can be a vibrant and enriching new chapter rather than a simple conclusion.
April 26, 2025
This book is a helpful guide for people who have worked hard all their lives and are now ready to wind down. Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons shares her own story of moving from a high level busy career to a more of a restful & balanced life. She embraces retirement and explains that retirement doesn’t mean stopping everything. It is a fresh chance to find new purpose and joy. The book helps with few simple steps and exercises to work for you plan this new chapter of life.If you think like you'll feel anxious, lost or purposeless after stepping away from your career then this book is a guide to help you create a happy and active retirement which feels just as rewarding as work life.
The author writes about her years of experience as a retirement coach and, more importantly, her personal experience. She tackles multiple topics that one might need to prepare for on their retirement journey, be it financial, emotional, or social. To give you an idea of the range of topics covers, Parsons talks to things like how to shift your mentality from that of a saver to that of a spender, how to get on the same page as your spouse or partner about what your retirement years are going to look like, and even how and when to break the news and the pros and cons of different approaches.This book gives a very positive and proactive outlook on retirement.
The author writes about her years of experience as a retirement coach and, more importantly, her personal experience. She tackles multiple topics that one might need to prepare for on their retirement journey, be it financial, emotional, or social. To give you an idea of the range of topics covers, Parsons talks to things like how to shift your mentality from that of a saver to that of a spender, how to get on the same page as your spouse or partner about what your retirement years are going to look like, and even how and when to break the news and the pros and cons of different approaches.This book gives a very positive and proactive outlook on retirement.
March 8, 2025
Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Retirement is an engaging and enlightening book that will prepare people of all ages – middle and late middle especially – to prepare for their retirement.
The author, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, writes about her years of experience as a retirement coach and, more importantly, her personal experience. She tackles multiple topics that one might need to prepare for on their retirement journey, be it financial, emotional, or social. To give you an idea of the range of topics covers, Parsons talks to things like how to shift your mentality from that of a saver to that of a spender, how to get on the same page as your spouse or partner about what your retirement years are going to look like, and even how and when to break the news and the pros and cons of different approaches.
What is really refreshing about the book is the stories of the people who she had guided on their retirement journey. Not only do they inspire confidence, they also show that this phase of life looks different for everyone and that there is no right way to do it. However, one can be prepared to make the most of these years.
The author, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, writes about her years of experience as a retirement coach and, more importantly, her personal experience. She tackles multiple topics that one might need to prepare for on their retirement journey, be it financial, emotional, or social. To give you an idea of the range of topics covers, Parsons talks to things like how to shift your mentality from that of a saver to that of a spender, how to get on the same page as your spouse or partner about what your retirement years are going to look like, and even how and when to break the news and the pros and cons of different approaches.
What is really refreshing about the book is the stories of the people who she had guided on their retirement journey. Not only do they inspire confidence, they also show that this phase of life looks different for everyone and that there is no right way to do it. However, one can be prepared to make the most of these years.
March 7, 2025
This is an important book for people "transitioning" into the retirement phase of life. The author, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, brought a beautiful new way of looking at retirement to the forefront. Right off the bat, she introduces the concept of "human doings" vs. "human beings." I dropped my jaw at that idea.
This book is meant for those folks who have given their lives to their careers and are unsure what the sum meaning of it all meant, and how to move into the next phase of a professional life with purpose and intention. Parsons gently urges us to reconsider what success looks like by offering a financial, psychological, and professional guide to thriving in retirement. Unlike most other books about retirement, this book offers a human approach. While there is science-backed data, the true success of this book is the personal stories, the author's personal insights.
This would be a wonderful read for anyone thinking about retiring, or has retired. The wisdomfound in these pages will be infinitely helpful and comforting.
This book is meant for those folks who have given their lives to their careers and are unsure what the sum meaning of it all meant, and how to move into the next phase of a professional life with purpose and intention. Parsons gently urges us to reconsider what success looks like by offering a financial, psychological, and professional guide to thriving in retirement. Unlike most other books about retirement, this book offers a human approach. While there is science-backed data, the true success of this book is the personal stories, the author's personal insights.
This would be a wonderful read for anyone thinking about retiring, or has retired. The wisdomfound in these pages will be infinitely helpful and comforting.
February 23, 2025
When most people think of retiring, they are filled with fear because to "retire," means to quit or come to an end. Most people have been at their last held career for most of their lives and it has become their identity. They aren't human beings but human doings.
Zelinka Parsons learned at an early age to become an overachiever, make high marks in school, become a member of a prestigious law firm, and become a mother before age 35. But when she began to experience burn-out, at 35, she retired. It was then, that she began to seek different answers of how to move forward while answering the age-old question of "who am I?"
Fast forward and she found a new career in helping scores of retirees and those soon to retire how to navigate and find their second chapter in their lives.
I'd highly recommend this book if you're looking for your second chapter or soon to be looking for your second chapter in life.
Zelinka Parsons learned at an early age to become an overachiever, make high marks in school, become a member of a prestigious law firm, and become a mother before age 35. But when she began to experience burn-out, at 35, she retired. It was then, that she began to seek different answers of how to move forward while answering the age-old question of "who am I?"
Fast forward and she found a new career in helping scores of retirees and those soon to retire how to navigate and find their second chapter in their lives.
I'd highly recommend this book if you're looking for your second chapter or soon to be looking for your second chapter in life.
February 27, 2025
Redefining Retirement
Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on retirement, reframing it as a new chapter of growth rather than an end to productivity. While the book is designed for seasoned professionals preparing to leave their careers, I found its wisdom relevant even at my stage in life. The idea of transitioning from a “human doing” to a “human being” was particularly thought-provoking, reminding me that fulfillment isn’t solely tied to career success but to purpose and intentional living.
What makes Encore stand out is its blend of research-backed strategies, personal insights, and real-life stories that bring the concepts to life. Parsons doesn’t just offer abstract advice—she provides a roadmap for navigating change with confidence and curiosity. This book would be a thoughtful and inspiring gift for anyone nearing retirement, offering them the tools to embrace this transition with excitement rather than uncertainty.
Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on retirement, reframing it as a new chapter of growth rather than an end to productivity. While the book is designed for seasoned professionals preparing to leave their careers, I found its wisdom relevant even at my stage in life. The idea of transitioning from a “human doing” to a “human being” was particularly thought-provoking, reminding me that fulfillment isn’t solely tied to career success but to purpose and intentional living.
What makes Encore stand out is its blend of research-backed strategies, personal insights, and real-life stories that bring the concepts to life. Parsons doesn’t just offer abstract advice—she provides a roadmap for navigating change with confidence and curiosity. This book would be a thoughtful and inspiring gift for anyone nearing retirement, offering them the tools to embrace this transition with excitement rather than uncertainty.
February 26, 2025
Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about shifting gears, and this book captures that perfectly. Parsons speaks directly to high achievers who aren’t content with just “taking it easy.”
Instead of seeing retirement as an endpoint, she reframes it as a new beginning—one filled with purpose, fulfilment, and even adventure.
What I loved most about this book is how practical and engaging it is. Parsons doesn’t just throw vague advice at you; she breaks things down into actionable steps.
It’s clear she understands the mindset of driven individuals who have spent years excelling in their careers and now wonder, What’s next?
If you’re the type who’s always been goal-oriented and you’re wondering how to channel that energy into your next phase of life, Encore is exactly what you need. Highly recommended for anyone who sees retirement as a fresh start rather than a finish line!
Instead of seeing retirement as an endpoint, she reframes it as a new beginning—one filled with purpose, fulfilment, and even adventure.
What I loved most about this book is how practical and engaging it is. Parsons doesn’t just throw vague advice at you; she breaks things down into actionable steps.
It’s clear she understands the mindset of driven individuals who have spent years excelling in their careers and now wonder, What’s next?
If you’re the type who’s always been goal-oriented and you’re wondering how to channel that energy into your next phase of life, Encore is exactly what you need. Highly recommended for anyone who sees retirement as a fresh start rather than a finish line!
March 5, 2025
What a well thought out and researched book! I'm not anywhere close to retirement but thought there was a lot of good information in here that one can start implementing now, especially when thinking about the future as retirement will eventually happen for everyone (hopefully). I like that this isn't just a list of things to do but that real life people and experiences are shared and how one can truly make retirement their own...not everyone will want to just sit around and relax, though that's okay too. It was a rewarding experience reading this and though I'm sure the author has real, paying clients seeking her guidance, I appreciate that she's put down this valuable information into a book that anyone can access. I particularly loved Chapter Eleven and the ultimate motto to enjoy the ride that is life.
February 15, 2025
Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement by Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons is a part-memoire-part-guide that focuses on transitioning to retirement among individuals. Particularly career-driven individuals who have a history of success.
As someone who went through the process and guided dozens of others through the same, Parsons delivers practical and emotional advice. Her stories, borne from real experiences of hers and her clients in the Encore program, allow readers to gain actionable information while understanding that they are not alone in their feelings of anxiety during retirement.
This is a great book. I would recommend it for anyone who is in or about to enter the process of retirement.
As someone who went through the process and guided dozens of others through the same, Parsons delivers practical and emotional advice. Her stories, borne from real experiences of hers and her clients in the Encore program, allow readers to gain actionable information while understanding that they are not alone in their feelings of anxiety during retirement.
This is a great book. I would recommend it for anyone who is in or about to enter the process of retirement.
April 17, 2025
Encore is a useful and easy-to-read book for people who worked hard at their jobs and want a happy and satisfying retirement. The author, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, tells her own story and actual stories of people whom she assisted. She demonstrates that retirement doesn't necessarily have to be about slowing down. It can be a period where individuals can expand, experiment with new things, and live life anew. The book provides straightforward guidance, easy exercises, and intelligent concepts to assist you in preparing for this next phase of life. It makes you consider what is truly important and how to remain engaged and content. A fine guidebook for anyone seeking more than mere relaxation in retirement.
February 14, 2025
Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons’ Encore is a well-crafted guide for high achievers looking to transition into retirement with purpose and fulfillment. The book offers insightful advice on redefining success, staying engaged, and finding joy beyond a traditional career. Parsons’ writing is both practical and encouraging, providing strategies to navigate this major life change. While some sections may feel more relevant to professionals with structured careers, the overall message is valuable for anyone seeking a meaningful post-work life. A great read for those who want to make retirement an exciting new chapter rather than just an endpoint!
April 19, 2025
I love this book Encore! If you are someone who has spent your whole life working hard and doesn’t know what comes next, this book is for you. Retirement isn’t about sitting around and doing nothing, it’s about finding new ways to stay excited and fulfilled. The author gives clear, practical advice on how to figure out what really matters to you and how to build a retirement that feels rewarding. The exercises are easy to follow and will help you think. After reading this book, I felt way more confident about the next chapter of my life. If you want retirement to be a fresh start and not an ending, then this book is definitely for you.
May 7, 2025
Words of wisdom for the second innings!
Encore is a thoughtful and inspiring read for anyone standing at the edge of retirement, especially those used to fast-paced, achievement-driven careers. What I liked most about the book is how it takes something that often feels uncertain i.e. retirement and turns it into a phase full of possibility. Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons shares her own journey with honesty and care, making it easy to connect with her story. The book doesn’t just talk about what to expect in retirement; it gives you real tools and exercises to help you shape what you want this new chapter to look like.
Encore is a thoughtful and inspiring read for anyone standing at the edge of retirement, especially those used to fast-paced, achievement-driven careers. What I liked most about the book is how it takes something that often feels uncertain i.e. retirement and turns it into a phase full of possibility. Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons shares her own journey with honesty and care, making it easy to connect with her story. The book doesn’t just talk about what to expect in retirement; it gives you real tools and exercises to help you shape what you want this new chapter to look like.
February 25, 2025
Designed for seasoned professionals nearing the end of their careers, this book serves as a psychological and financial guide to thriving after retirement. Using an assortment of stories from people who she’s guided through the retirement process in real life, author Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons provides comfort and inspiration to readers at a time when they may need it most.
Encore is one of the most practical yet compassionate guidebooks I have read in a while. I would highly recommend this book for those going through the retirement phase.
Encore is one of the most practical yet compassionate guidebooks I have read in a while. I would highly recommend this book for those going through the retirement phase.
April 12, 2025
Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement offers a very unique perspective on retirement.
The book makes us think of retirement not just as a period of relaxation, but it encourages us to consider it as an opportunity to apply our skills, passion, and enthusiasm in fresh and meaningful ways. We can explore new hobbies, peruse new interests and create a happy fulfilling life even after wrapping up our career. It’s like seeing retirement with an intention of engaging in activities which were previously on hold.
The book makes us think of retirement not just as a period of relaxation, but it encourages us to consider it as an opportunity to apply our skills, passion, and enthusiasm in fresh and meaningful ways. We can explore new hobbies, peruse new interests and create a happy fulfilling life even after wrapping up our career. It’s like seeing retirement with an intention of engaging in activities which were previously on hold.
April 12, 2025
This book is a helpful guide for people who have worked hard all their lives and are now ready to wind down. Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons shares her own story of moving from a high level busy career to a more of a restful & balanced life. She embraces retirement and explains that retirement doesn’t mean stopping everything. It is a fresh chance to find new purpose and joy. The book helps with few simple steps and exercises to work for you plan this new chapter of life.
April 19, 2025
I was not sure what to expect from this book, but it was really helpful. The author talks about retirement in a way that makes sense, like it’s just another phase of life, not something to be scared of. I liked the tips on staying active and connected to people, which is more like friendly advice. If you’re nervous about retirement or just want some ideas on how to make the most of it, this is a great book to start with.
April 13, 2025
This book resonated with me. Author Elizabeth understands that for high achievers, our work becomes a big part of who we are. So, when that work is gone, it feels like a real loss. That's where this book comes as a source of encouragement. Author helps us to actively plan out our retirement like what to do next, how you can still have an exciting life after retirement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
What stood out to me from this book is it's focus on positively viewing retirement as a great opportunity.
It really motivates you to take control of your retirement and actively shape it into something meaningful and enjoyable.
Author Elizabeth encourages you to see the possibilities and embrace this new phase of life will enthusiasm.
It really motivates you to take control of your retirement and actively shape it into something meaningful and enjoyable.
Author Elizabeth encourages you to see the possibilities and embrace this new phase of life will enthusiasm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
If you think like you'll feel anxious, lost or purposeless after stepping away from your career then this book is a guide to help you create a happy and active retirement which feels just as rewarding as work life.
This book gives a very positive and proactive outlook on retirement.
This book gives a very positive and proactive outlook on retirement.
April 15, 2025
What I really appreciate about this book is its positive and forward-looking tone. It made the idea of retirement feels exciting.
It acknowledges that it can be tough to leave your career behind but then it gives you practical ways to find new purpose and build a new identity beyond your career.
It acknowledges that it can be tough to leave your career behind but then it gives you practical ways to find new purpose and build a new identity beyond your career.
April 13, 2025
I enjoyed how well this book understood the mindset of high achievers and addressed the potential challenges they might face in retirement. This book isn't just theoretical but it offers actionable way forward on transitioning into retirement.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews