Embracing reinvention: your midlife transformation guide
In today’s fast-paced world, many people find themselves living a life they need to escape from. They follow the same routine every day: clock in and out of work, go home, eat something unhealthy, grab a glass of wine, and collapse on the couch. They wonder, "Is this it? Is this all there is?" or “What’s next?”
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. I’ve been that person more times than I can count. But the good news is that it's never too late to change. Reinvention is possible at any stage of life, and it begins with recognizing that change is not a threat but an opportunity.
The Power of Reinvention in Midlife
Many inspiring stories illustrate the power of reinvention in midlife. Consider these remarkable individuals:
Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at age 40.
Betty White joined the cast of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" at 51.
Samuel L. Jackson landed his first lead role at age 43.
Julia Child wrote her first cookbook at age 50.
Toni Morrison wrote her first novel at age 40, won her Pulitzer at 56, and the Nobel Prize at 62.
Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first "Little House" book at age 65.
Yayoi Kusama became famous in the art world at age 60.
Bob Ross started teaching art on TV at age 40.
Danny Trejo had his first acting credit at age 42.
In the business world, many entrepreneurs found success in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. And let's not forget the influencers who started their journey in their 70s and 80s! These examples show that you can pivot to be anything you desire. It takes commitment, courage, and the drive to live the life you have imagined.
My Personal Reinvention Journey
Full disclosure: I’m 57 years old, and I start new things all the time. Some work out, some not so much, but that's all part of the adventure, right? Currently, I'm focused on making Intuitive North profitable now that I am doing it full time after leaving my job in inflight entertainment. Changing my career from being a corporate executive to a personal development entrepreneur has been quite the shift. Every day I'm learning something new!
Was it easy? No, it took me a little over two years of working on my business in my spare time before I took the leap. Was it worth it? So far, so good. I do miss the stability of a regular paycheck, and health insurance is a beast, but the joy and alignment I feel as an entrepreneur have been amazing. As always, time will tell!
I know from first-hand experience that starting something new can be scary, especially if you don't have a safety net. My philosophy is that life is meant to be lived! You aren't meant to stay stagnant, doing one thing that you put up with just to eke out a 401(k), retire, and then travel (assuming you are still in good health). As Tracee Ellis Ross says, "I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me."
Steps to Reinvent Yourself
So, you want to reinvent yourself – that's awesome! But perhaps you have no idea who you want to be. I’ve got you covered. Here are some steps to help you explore and identify your new path:
Explore Interests and Passions: What do you like? What lights you up? What would you probably be pretty good at if you went for it?
Engage in Self-Reflection: Get real with yourself using tools like journaling, meditation, or speaking with a coach or counselor to dig deeper into what you truly want from your life and career.
Try New Things: Take workshops, check out some short courses, or volunteer in an area you're interested in.
Informational Interviews or Coffee Chats: Find people who are doing what you're interested in and see if they'd be up for a conversation. Make it worth their while – like with a real cup of coffee!
Narrow It Down: After exploring and experimenting, what resonates with you? What works with your interests and strengths?
Once you have an idea and can visualize it, move on to these next steps:
Self-Assessment: You've got a lot of knowledge and experience. Will it apply to your new direction? Take an in-depth look at your resume and see what aligns. Hire a pro or use AI to help. Then get some self-knowledge with assessments like CliftonStrengths, Enneagram, or Myers-Briggs. Finally, get solid on your values; knowing these will help guide your journey.
Skill Development: Identify areas where you need to acquire additional skills and develop those skills through education, workshops, self-learning, etc.
Networking: Find your new people. Connect with individuals who are doing the thing you want to do and learn from them. Find support and opportunities.
Experiment Strategically: Test drive your new skills and ideas in real life through projects, freelancing, starting a side hustle, etc. Get social proof of your skills through referrals, recommendations, imagery, etc.
Tell People What You Are Doing: If they don't know, they can't hire you. If you're doing your thing as a side hustle, you may want to keep some of it on the down-low unless it also benefits your work. Then ask around and see if you might be able to pivot internally – you never know until you ask!
Finding Inspiration and Support
Reinventing yourself is not easy; it takes time, effort, and a great attitude. But remember, you are not alone on this journey. Seek out support from friends, family, mentors, or a coach like me.
As you embark on this journey, remember that the space between where you are and where you want to be is a place of inspiration, not fear. Embrace the adventure, take small steps, and allow yourself to grow and transform. Life is meant to be lived fully, and you have the power to create a life that aligns with your passions and purpose.
Where do you want to be? What do you want to do? Let's talk about that space in-between. Drop your thoughts below or reach out for a one-on-one conversation. Together, we can navigate this journey of reinvention and help you achieve the transformative success you desire.
Are you ready to start your reinvention journey? Whether you’re just exploring or have a solid vision for what’s next, I’m here to help. Let’s chat over coffee and create a plan tailored to your unique strengths and passions. I’d love to find out more about you - schedule a free consultation here. Remember, it's never too late to start something new. Let's make your dream life a reality!
