Jun 19, 2025
The world is full of people right now trying to tell you that they have the secret to success. I'm not one of them. No matter how good an idea you might have to remember that nothing works all the time and there's something wrong with everything.
But for your thought and consideration let me speakand seek to explain what I have learned about what I call Zone-Based lLving and how being in the right zone in the right time will be very helpful to you as you deal with what is a rather rugged and challenging way of life right now in which most people are quite tired and don't know what to do.
Maybe this 15 minutes might be helpful as a start to get back on track and have a sense of energy in the midst of difficult times.
And now let's see what the STOSH has to say about the program.

Living in the Zones: How I’ve Learned to Perform, Transform, and Flourish at Every Stage of Life
By Stan Hustad
If you’re going to survive—better yet, thrive—in today’s
uncertain, noisy, and sometimes nasty world, you need more than a
goal or a five-year plan. You need zones. That’s right—zone-based
living is not just a quirky phrase I came up with; it’s a powerful
way to understand where you are in life, what your role is, and how
to perform at your best, no matter what stage you're in.
This week on the program, I dove deep into the idea that living
well in today’s complex world demands that we know where we are—not
just physically or emotionally, but spiritually and professionally
too. These five "zones" I’ve discovered over years of coaching,
teaching, performing, and living... well, they’re not only
helpful—they’re essential.
So allow me to take you on a little journey through the five
zones of life, with just enough wisdom, wit, and warning to maybe
get you thinking, “Hey, I need to figure out what zone I’m in—and
how to get to the next one.”
The Five Zones of Life
1. The Curiosity Zone
This is where we start, where we play, and where we ask a
thousand questions an hour. Most of us lose it by the time we “grow
up,” but here’s the big idea: what if everything you thought you
knew... was wrong? Could you live with that possibility? The
Curiosity Zone isn’t just for kids. It’s for entrepreneurs,
artists, scientists, and anyone who refuses to accept the world as
it is. Stay curious, my friends.
2. The Impact Zone
Now you’re in adulthood. You’re responsible. You’re no longer
just preparing—you’re performing. This is where you grow your
audience, build influence, and—yes—make a dent in the universe.
It’s not enough to exist. You’ve got to matter. And this is where
our modern-day Dale Carnegies are born. Or better yet,
reborn.
3. The Transformation Zone
Congratulations—you’ve made an impact! But now it’s time to do
something bigger. Better. Bolder. This zone isn’t about tweaking
your brand or reorganizing your sock drawer. It’s about radical
reinvention. You're not changing because you have to. You're
transforming because you can. This is the zone where ideas meet
courage.
4. The Generosity Zone
If you’ve made it here, you’ve succeeded. But the question is,
who else has? If your success doesn’t lift others, you’ve missed
the point. Generosity isn’t just about money—it’s about time,
attention, mentorship, kindness. Civilizations crumble without
generosity. So if you’re still hoarding, you’re still
stuck.
5. The Encore Zone
Here’s where I live. You don’t retire—you re-fire. You’ve got
wisdom, experience, and one more show to give. In fact, some of
your best work might still be ahead. (Just ask Michelangelo, who
created masterpieces into his 80s.) This zone is about finishing
well, leaving a legacy, and making sure the world is just a little
better because you were here.
Memorable Takeaways
- “What zone are you in? And what zone do you need to grow
into?”
- “You’re not just in the marketplace. You are the
marketplace.”
- “Curiosity didn’t kill the cat—it built the airplane, wrote
the song, and launched the podcast.”
- “Success without generosity is just ego with a good
haircut.”
- “You’re on sale every day. Better learn how to sell
you.”
Remember This
- Curiosity keeps you young.
- Impact makes you relevant.
- Transformation makes you necessary.
- Generosity makes you unforgettable.
- Encore makes you eternal.
A Call to Action
So where are you today? Soul tired? A little lost in the
cultural noise? Wondering if you’ve still got it? Let me tell you
something: you do. You absolutely do. You just need a map. And
that’s what the zone model can be—a compass for your calling, your
career, and your contribution.
If this message resonates with you, reach out. I’m here for
coaching, conversation, counsel, or just a cup of encouragement.
Let’s figure out your zone—and how to get to the next one. And
remember: in a world gone sideways, those who live with purpose and
perform with love will always rise.
All the best and blessings to you. And as always—live well,
finish well, and don’t forget to flourish.
Let’s talk: StanEdWittRadio.net