Launch Your Encore: Finding Adventure and Purpose Later in Life

In 2011, the first of the 76 million baby boomers--nearly a quarter of the US population--began turning 65. Every day for the next fifteen years, over ten thousand of them will celebrate that birthday. And for the first time in history, this generation will enjoy many years post-career pursing meaning and purpose outside of traditional retirement. What will they do with that time? One thing is for sure: most of them want to find something meaningful. This book lays out the choices to be made to find fulfillment in the encore years of life.

Launch Your Encore is a game plan for life after one's main-act career. Hans Finzel and Rick Hicks show boomers how to enter this new stage of life poised for personal satisfaction and contributions to society. They offer tested advice on finding new life potential and thriving in these later decades of life. With real-life examples of people who have made the transition from full-time work to volunteering, ministry, or even second careers, Launch Your Encore shows boomers how to make an impact later in life.

From the Back Cover

Discover how to make the next years the best years

For you and the seventy-six million other Americans reaching age sixty and beyond, one all-important question is likely on your mind: What will I do when my main act career is over? One thing is certain--you want your later years to be meaningful and fulfilling.

Launch Your Encore is your game plan for what comes next. Hans Finzel and Rick Hicks show you how to enter this new stage of life poised for personal satisfaction and ready to make your own unique contributions to society. With real-life examples of people who have made the transition from their main careers to mentoring, volunteering, ministry, or even second careers, Launch Your Encore shows you how to make an impact later in life.


"Navigating the waters of post-career life can be challenging. Finzel and Hicks give great guidance on how to pass the rapids successfully. Your best years may well be ahead. I highly recommend this book for all who are retired or contemplating finding new adventure later in life."--Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages

"Rarely do I find a 'must-read' book, but this is one! Hans and Rick speak to every boomer in a way that both confronts the reality of this stage and includes biblical insight, help, and encouragement."--H. Norman Wright, author of What's Next?: Navigating Transitions to Make the Rest of Your Life Count

"Whether you're feeling well prepared or overwhelmed and unprepared to do life well in the '60-80 Window' of life, you could not have two better guides than these authors."--John Trent, author of LifeMapping and The Blessing; Gary D. Chapman Chair of Marriage and Family Ministry and Therapy, Moody Theological Seminary, Chicago


Hans Finzel (DMiss, Fuller Graduate School) is an author, a highly sought-after speaker, a podcaster, and a trusted authority in the field of leadership. He recently completed twenty years as president and CEO of nonprofit WorldVenture. Hans is the author of eight books, including the bestselling The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make. He and his wife, Donna, live in Colorado.

Rick Hicks (PhD, Claremont Graduate University) is an author, an international speaker, and a consultant. He served as president of OM USA for fourteen years and is currently the North American area leader for OM (Operation Mobilization). Rick is coauthor of Seeking Solid Ground and Boomers, Xers, and Other Strangers. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Southern California.