Eyal N. Danon - The Principle of 18: Getting the Most Out of Every Stage of Your Life

THE PRINCIPLE OF

ALSO BY EYAL N. DANON:

THE GOLDEN KEY OF GANGOTRI

BEFORE THE KIDS AND MORTGAGE: ONE COUPLES ESCAPE FROM THE ORDINARY

EYAL N. DANON

The Principle of 18:

Getting the Most Out of Every Stage of Your Life

2022, Eyal N. Danon

All rights reserved.

Published by Blue Branch Press, Tenafly, NJ

ISBN 978-1-7362994-4-9 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-7362994-5-6 (eBook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021922846

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise whether now or hereafter known), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for insertion in a magazine, newspaper, broadcast, website, blog or other outlet in conformity with United States and International Fair Use or comparable guidelines to such copyright exceptions.

This book is intended to provide accurate information with regard to its subject matter and reflects the opinion and perspective of the author. However, in times of rapid change, ensuring all information provided is entirely accurate and up-to-date at all times is not always possible. Therefore, the author and publisher accept no responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions and specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal, professional or otherwise, which may be incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any of the contents of this book.

Publishing consultant: David Wogahn for AuthorImprints.com

To my parents, Joseph and Joheved Danon

Our deepest fears are like dragons
guarding our deepest treasures.

Rainer Maria Rilka

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book wouldnt have been possible without the help and encouragement of my family. They kept pushing me to complete the manuscript and gave me the time and space to do so.

My fabulous editing team, Christine Moore, Meghan Pinson and Ruth Thaler-Carter, provided sage advice and recommendations that dramatically elevated the book to another level while keeping a keen eye on flow and coherence. My talented consultant, David Wogahn, a wise wizard in the mysterious world of publishing. Dr. Tamara Altman helped with psychological research, expertly weaving in the most relevant research findings in support of my theories. Shani Boianjiu, author of the novel The People of Forever Are Not Afraid, provided timely and relevant comments.

To all my own Mentors and Givers who have made my journey possible without expecting anything else in return: You have my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude. You kept pushing me in the right direction while offering support and encouragement in times of struggle, and I hope this book conveys the immense debt that I owe to all of you.

To my coaching clients throughout the years, your amazing experiences and willingness to share them with me on a weekly basis provided much of the content for this project. Your ability to change course and continue to redefine yourselves at different points of your life is a source of inspiration to me.

INTRODUCTION

Timing Your Life for Success

T he Principle of 18 is an original and unconventional life-design system for getting the most out of every stage of your life. In a frantic world, where so many people feel stressed and unfulfilled, this unique system provides peace of mind through a structured approach to lifes major transitions, enabling you to achieve your goals while sustaining a deep sense of purpose. You can do this by realizing the potential of five stages: the Dreamer, Explorer, Builder, Mentor, and Giver. Each stage lasts for 18 years, and every stage is interconnected.

Following this system will minimize your regrets, decrease your worries, and enable you to lead a joyous, meaningful life. You will be able to fulfill your personal goals and make a difference in the lives of others and your larger community in due time. This modular approach ensures that you will not waste precious opportunities when they count the most, and that youll avoid making serious mistakes along the way.

The first of the five life stages in the 18 Principle is the Dreamer, from birth to age 18, when you focus on identifying empowering dreams and learning how to flesh them out. In the second stage, as the Explorer from age 18 to 36, you learn how to commit to serious exploration in search of the one area you are passionate about and can excel at.

In the Builder stage, from 36 to 54, you focus on creating your own empire while not forgetting to have fun along the way. In the Mentor stage, from 54 to 72, you continue to work while guiding the younger generations. At 72, as a Giver, you remain relevant by dedicating yourself to a community-based initiative.

FIGURE 1: THE FIVE LIFE STAGES

Following the Principle of 18 enables people in their twenties to fully explore their life choices, work for only 18 years in their thirties and forties, and share the wisdom and experiences theyve gained when they reach their mid-fifties. The key to this entire system is completing each stage of life with utter joy, without draining yourself in the process.

Life is meant to be enjoyed right now, wherever you are on your journey. Find joy in charting compelling visions for your future self in the Dreamer phase, enjoy carefree years while you search for your unique path in the Explorer phase, and feel the satisfaction of creating something valuable in the Builder years, which lead to the Mentor phase and the joy of teaching others how to achieve their goals while avoiding costly mistakes along the way. The ultimate joy comes in the final chapter of life, when you find the cause that is nearest and dearest to your heart and can focus on giving back with pure intent.

As a Columbia University Certified Life Coach and the founder of Ignite Advisory Group, a consulting company that serves thirty percent of the Fortune 500 firms, I have mentored people from all backgrounds on how to get the most out of their lives. It all comes down to the ability to change course, nail the transitions, and see options where others see unbreachable walls. The Principle of 18 presents a new model for human development, one that goes against the grain in a frenzied culture hooked on instant gratification and short-term perspectives.

Our goal is to clarify what to focus on during any given period in our lives. This system anchors us by telling us what is profoundly important at any of the five life stages, how best to prepare for the next transition, and how to leverage the help of those who have walked the path before us. We know what we need to do, and we do not have to worry about pursuing goals that belong to other life stages.

Following this system will allow you to experience life fully, from different vantage points and with a specific mindset, without being stuck in the same stage all your life. Each phase builds on the momentum of the previous one. By making deliberate changes, you can ensure that your life is never boringbecause youll be able to reinvent yourself five times during your lifetime.