4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline
2026-09-28 · 51 min · 26 entities
Asserted relationships
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%…
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148X
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin
-
0.55
evidence rules-v5
Feed author/publisher: Arthur Brooks
-
0.40
evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Health & Fitness
-
0.40
evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Mental Health
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7480662
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-02113-002
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://x.com/arthurbrooks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81…
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%8…
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/07/work-peak-professional-decline/590650
Entities found in this episode
persons 12
-
0.90
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%…
-
0.90
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach
-
0.90
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%…
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin
-
0.70
evidence rules-v5
Feed author/publisher: Arthur Brooks
-
0.55
evidence rules-v5
Feed author/publisher: Arthur Brooks
-
0.50
evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Mental Health
-
0.45
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/07/work-peak-professional-decline/590650
-
0.40
evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Mental Health
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/07/work-peak-professional-decline/590650
websites 10
-
0.45
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7480662
-
0.45
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-02113-002
-
0.45
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://x.com/arthurbrooks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81…
-
0.45
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%8…
-
0.45
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7480662
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-02113-002
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://x.com/arthurbrooks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81…
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%8…
-
0.38
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur
books 2
-
0.90
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148X
-
0.77
evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "4 Ways to Avoid Your Professional Decline": https://amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148X
concepts 2
-
0.50
evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Health & Fitness
-
0.40
evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Health & Fitness
Episode description as stored
What happens when the abilities that brought you professional success start to decline?
In this episode of Office Hours , I explore how our strengths change with age and how to be happier as they do. Drawing on my book From Strength to Strength , I explain fluid and crystallized intelligence and contrast how Darwin and Bach responded to professional decline.
As always, I leave you with practical steps to help you navigate this transition and find more happiness, meaning, and fulfillment as you age.
—
Brought to you by:
• LMNT —A science-backed electrolyte drink mix that helps you feel and perform your best, without sugar, artificial ingredients, or gimmicks. Get a free sample pack at DrinkLMNT.com/Arthur
• Helix Sleep —A mattress designed for every body. Go to helixsleep.com/brooks for 27% off sitewide for their Labor Day Sale—an exclusive offer for listeners of Office Hours .
—
Where to find Arthur Brooks:
• Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/
• In-person Retreats: https://retreats.arthurbrooks.com/
• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter
• X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/
• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com
—
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(10:40) How happiness changes with age
(15:09) Who is happiest after 70
(17:40) The inevitability of age-related decline in our abilities
(21:49) Lessons on aging from the lives of Darwin and Bach
(32:05) Why our abilities decline with age
(39:01) #1. Jump to the new curve
(40:51) #2. Serve other people
(42:15) #3. Develop your life philosophy
(43:40) #4. Connect more deeply with others
(46:28) Q&A: Navigating relationships with adult children
(47:51) Q&A: Finding meaningful ways to spend retirement
(49:01) Q&A: How to handle “deal” friends
—
Referenced:
• The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-of-your-life
• Arthur’s newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter
• The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale
• The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: https://www.thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur
• From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148X
• Your Professional Decline Is Coming (Much) Sooner Than You Think: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/07/work-peak-professional-decline/590650/
• Is happiness U-shaped everywhere? Age and subjective well-being in 145 countries: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7480662
• Creative productivity: A predictive and explanatory model of career trajectories and landmarks: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-02113-002
• Charles Darwin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin
• Johann Sebastian Bach: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach
• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours