What Should You Do With the Rest of Your Life?
Daniel Pink
New York Times Bestselling Author, Top-25 Most-Viewed TED Speaker, The Washington Post Columnist
Chip Conley
MEA Founder, Hotelier + Hospitality Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author
After all these years, you thought you’d have it figured out. You don’t. And it hurts.
Beneath the busy lives, the checked boxes, the carefully built careers and families, so many people in midlife are quietly carrying the same secret: I *still* don’t know what I really want.
It can feel confusing. Unsettling. Even embarrassing or painful. Especially when the years ahead feel more precious – and more limited – than the ones behind.
The good news is, not knowing what to do next isn’t a flaw. It’s the most human thing about you.
And in April 2026, renowned author Daniel Pink will be joining MEA founder Chip Conley to host a transformative workshop in Santa Fe that will help you move beyond uncertainty, get clear on what matters most, and shape the next chapter of your life with intention.
Together in an intimate, small-group setting with Daniel and Chip, you will:
This isn't about finding your "passion" or following some predetermined path. It's about getting real about who you are now – and how you want to spend the time you have left.
Listen to Chip and Daniel Pink on the Midlife Chrysalis podcast:
Daniel Pink: The Power of Regret and the Freedom to Begin Again
Purpose isn't something you find – it's something you build through the choices you make and the questions you're brave enough to ask.
~ Daniel H. Pink ~
Meet
Daniel H. Pink
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author | Human Behavior Expert | Motivation Researcher
Daniel Pink has spent decades decoding what really drives us. Through seven bestselling books and groundbreaking research, he's become one of the world's most trusted voices on human motivation, optimal timing, and the power of looking backward to move forward.
His journey from political speechwriter to behavioral science pioneer mirrors the kind of midlife reinvention many of us face. After serving as Chief Speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore, Pink made his own leap into uncharted territory – dedicating his life to understanding what makes people tick and how we can live with greater purpose and effectiveness.
Today, his deeply researched works have reached millions worldwide, offering science-backed insights that help people navigate everything from career transitions to life's biggest regrets. His approach combines rigorous research with practical wisdom, making complex behavioral science accessible to anyone ready to understand themselves better.
Meet
Chip Conley
MEA Co-Founder and Author of Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age
A three-time TED speaker on the big stage, Chip Conley is one of the world's leading experts at the intersection of business innovation, psychology and spirituality.
As one of the creators of the boutique hotel movement and the "modern elder" to the young Airbnb founders, Chip's been a disruptor and expert on entrepreneurship and business leadership. He’s a globally-recognized thought leader on the future of work and the competitive advantages of a multi-generational workplace.
Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring as a “modern elder” at Airbnb – where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary success – Chip founded MEA and has since dedicated his midlife years to reframing the concept of aging and helping people navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
This Workshop Is For You If…
What you'll gain
Master the Seven Questions That Actually Work
Move beyond "What's my passion?" and learn Daniel Pink's research-backed questions that reveal what truly drives you – from childhood fascinations to flow states to future regrets.
Create Your Personal Next-Step Plan
Transform midlife uncertainty into concrete action through guided frameworks that convert insight into a practical roadmap for your remaining decades.
Surface Your Authentic Motivations
Distinguish between what society expects of you and what genuinely energizes you, using proven exercises to uncover your intrinsic drivers rather than external pressures.
Build Your Purpose-Finding Toolkit
Learn to recognize when you lose track of time, what people thank you for, and how to craft your "life sentence" – portable methods you'll use long after the workshop ends.
Our Agenda at a Glance
Sunday:
4:00 PM: Arrival/Check-in
5:30 PM: Welcome Reception & Dinner
7:00 PM: Orientation Session
Monday:
7:00 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Free Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Free Time
Tuesday:
7:00 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Free Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Free Time
Wednesday:
7:00 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Graduation
6:30 PM: Celebration Dinner
Thursday:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Checkout/Departure
Friday:
Saturday:
*Please note that not all “classroom time” activities take place in the actual classroom.
*Please note all times are estimates as some activities go longer or shorter depending on the group. This agenda is meant to give you an idea of the general flow of activities.
Step into transformation in the high desert
Rising Circle Ranch | Santa Fe, USA.
Our spectacular Santa Fe campus is located on an upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.
PLUS: Gourmet from-scratch meals, snacks, and drinks featuring locally sourced ingredients, made by our in-house chefs
Explore the ranch
on horseback
Our Rising Circle Ranch spans 2,600 acres of New Mexico high desert, offering guided horseback riding for all experience levels through diverse terrains under the vast Southwest sky
You’ll experience highlights like:
Horseback riding is an optional add-on activity you can book once you arrive on the ranch. Whether you’re seasoned or brand new to horseback adventures, this guided experience lets you discover the ranch’s natural wonders alongside our gentle horses.
Your Workshop Also Includes:
That persistent question won't go away: What should I do with the rest of my life?
The old answers don't fit anymore, and "follow your passion" feels like useless advice for someone with your experience and complexity.
The challenge isn't knowing you want more meaning – it's knowing how to find what actually drives you. You don't want platitudes or feel-good inspiration. You want research-backed methods that cut through the confusion and reveal what matters now.
This workshop combines Daniel Pink's behavioral science expertise with MEA's transformational approach to give you practical tools for discovering real purpose. In four days, you'll move from wondering to knowing.
Join Daniel Pink and Chip Conley in Santa Fe and finally get the answer to "What should I do with the rest of my life?" – with a personalized, science-backed roadmap to make it happen.
Book your spot today
What Should You Do With the Rest of Your Life?
The program was spectacular. It really surpassed my expectations. I was really surprised about how the course was curated. There was such a warm intensity and personal touch to it.
I experienced MEA as a newly diagnosed multiple myeloma cancer patient, and as a result of the things I’ve learned - I’ve banished the anxiety of being a cancer victim, am in remission, and living with a newfound energy and purpose.
Just know how grateful I am for the joy fuel you all put in my rocket ship. When I want to feel loved or just need a good smile I can think of my time at MEA, which came at the perfect time to encourage me on my journey. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read Daniel Pink’s books to participate?
Not at all. Daniel will teach you everything you need to know, starting with the core concepts. The focus is on practical application of his research, not prior knowledge of his work.
What’s the foundation behind this workshop?
Daniel’s approach is grounded in behavioral science and decades of research. You’ll work with evidence-based questions and frameworks, not feel-good platitudes or vague inspiration
What if I’m skeptical that I can find “purpose” at my age?
Daniel’s own journey from political speechwriter to bestselling author in his 40s gives him credibility with skeptics. This isn’t about dramatic career pivots—it’s about understanding what genuinely drives you now.
Will this actually lead to concrete action or just more self-reflection?
The workshop culminates in your personalized Next-Step Plan—a practical roadmap that converts insights into specific actions. You’ll leave with concrete next steps, not just good intentions.
How is this different from career coaching or other purpose workshops?
Rather than generic exercises, you’ll work with Daniel’s seven research-proven questions that reveal authentic motivations. It’s highly individualized based on your specific life experiences and what actually drives you.
What’s included in the investment?
Everything: four days of intensive sessions with Daniel Pink, Chip Conley and the MEA team, luxury accommodations, all meals, workshop materials, and ongoing community access. You’ll only need to cover travel to the location and personal expenses
Still deciding or have questions?
Connect with our helpful team of Advisors
Our Advisors are all MEA alumni who can offer genuine insights into our programs. They’re passionate about helping you finding the right fit to make your next chapter the best one.
Daniel Booz
Lucas Erie
Leslie Bartlett