Article:

Midlife Crisis? No Thanks!
– 7 Keys to Avoiding a Crisis
and Creating the Midlife You Want

It’s a common assumption that every midlife has to involve a crisis. But is this true? Although many of us go through some challenging times in our middle years, it’s not a given that we must experience a full-blown “crisis”. Many people find ways to turn midlife into a rich period of positive change, setting new priorities and pursuing new dreams.

Each person’s path is unique, yet studies suggest there are things you can do to avoid crisis and create fulfilling changes. Consider these 7 Key Principles:

  • Make time for reflection. Yes, you’re extraordinarily busy, but midlife renewal demands that you stop and reflect, Who am I now? What truly matters to me at this stage of my life? What’s my heart telling me? Book some time to get up-to-date with yourself… whether a weekend retreat, regular meetings with your coach or ten minutes each day to write in your journal. It’s time well-invested in your happiness.
  • Be grateful that you’ve changed. At midlife, many people get stuck bemoaning that they’re not as young as they used to be. Given our youth-centered culture, this isn’t surprising. But is the glass half-empty or half-full? By midlife, we have tremendous experience, knowledge and emotional resources to draw on. Instead of feeling diminished, make a list headed: “I know I’m in MY PRIME because…” and itemize all the strengths you’ve developed so far in your life.
  • Challenge assumptions. Over time, it’s easy to fall into patterns of thinking that hold us back. The buts take over. “I’ve always dreamed of opening my own business, but I can’t because…” We become blindfolded to possibilities right in front of us. The buts sap our energy, make us worn-out and depressed. So throughout the day, ask yourself, What assumptions am I making now? What if they weren’t true?
  • Speak up. If work is boring, the marriage has lost its pizzazz and friends seem like the same-old thing, chances are you’ve been avoiding conversations you need to have. These may seem scary, but it’s time to move beyond the surface conversation to say how you really feel, what you really want, what works and doesn’t work for you. Now’s your chance to be more authentic.
  • Dip your toe in. If you know you want to make some changes in your life but you’re not sure what or how, start at something, no matter how small, today. Join that cooking class you’ve been thinking about. Invite a new acquaintance for lunch. Buy a tennis racquet. One small step can be the start of your next amazing journey.
  • Trust your instincts. Whether you have “gut feelings” or “listen to your dreams” or “know it in your heart”, your inner wisdom wants to be heard. Many of us have spent years downplaying our intuition. Midlife is the perfect time to pay more attention to it.
  • Dare. It’s a sad reality that at midlife we become more aware of people who have died before pursuing their dreams and desires. What about your dreams? Ask yourself, If not now, when?
    • Don’t want a midlife crisis to sneak up on you? Try putting these 7 Key Principles into practice today. And remember: with a positive mindset, so much is possible. Your best is yet to come!