Can You Start Over at 40? Hitting Reset Midlife
Is it possible to start over at 40? Absolutely! It’s a milestone that can be both daunting and exciting. Yes, it’s midway in your life, but turning 40 doesn’t mean the journey’s over. It could be the opposite.
Turning 40 is rarely what you imagine as a child. No matter how many people I talk to, they say their lives turned out much different than they thought — not necessarily in a particularly good way or bad way, just different.
Many had set goals and aspirations for where they wanted to be or what they pictured their life as, but things don’t always go according to plan. Even when they do, circumstances and priorities change.
Reality has a unique way of challenging you, and we reach a point in our lives where we get a little reminder that time doesn’t go on forever. This is amazing because it triggers a fire inside you that pushes you towards your dreams.
So, let’s look at what it means to start over at 40 and why it’s always possible to reinvent yourself.
Embracing Change at 40
It can be hard to change ways when you get older. You’ve been raised a certain way, and you’ve run your home and your life a certain way for a while, and it has worked. Habits have formed, and some of them may need to be changed in order to tackle this new beginning.
Navigating Doubt and Uncertainty
When you’re starting something new, whether reinventing yourself or changing careers, remember you’re not wiping the slate clean. Your past goes with you, and it’s part of what made you who you are today. Don’t ever be ashamed of it; it is part of your unique journey!
It’s natural to be bombarded by internal questions and uncertainties. Will I succeed? What will others think? Can I really learn something new? Remember that doubt is just a thought, not a fact. Embrace, confront, and then push past it with pure determination.
It might feel like you’re back at square one, and that can be tough, especially if you feel like you should’ve gotten it right the first time around. But those negative thoughts? They’re just thoughts. While you’re figuring things out, others are wishing they had the courage to step into your shoes and chase after something new. There’s no perfect time to start over – the best time is now.
Challenges and Triumphs When You Start Over at 40
Starting over at 40 is challenging, but it isn’t easy at any point when beginning something new. It requires courage, resilience, and hard work. But besides the challenges, there are also opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
*Take Vera Wang, for example. She didn’t design her first dress until she was 40, but she is now a fashion icon known all over the world. Life’s unexpected challenges might not always lead us where we anticipated, but they can take us to places we never imagined. (*Source: Harvard Business Review)
Why Starting Over at 40 is worthwhile
You can utilize experience and wisdom
One of your greatest assets at 40 is your wealth of experience and wisdom. Overcoming obstacles and experiencing life, you’ve got experiences unlike any other, and you’ve emerged on the other side. Don’t underestimate the value of your journey; it is unique.
You know your interests
By reaching 40, you’ve had ample opportunity to explore your passions and interests. You know what inspires you and what doesn’t. Even if you’re not 100% sure what your true passion is, you have figured out what it is not. Start there and explore new possibilities that align with your interests.
You’re humble and prepared
Life is a series of victories, both big and small, and you’ve experienced a lot of them (there’s still lots to discover). As you navigate the ups and downs of starting over at 40, you know that not everything will be perfect and unexpected things will arise. Knowing and expecting challenges makes it easier to overcome them when they arrive.
How To Start Over at 40
As you move forward in your journey of starting over, there’s many ways to set yourself up for resilience and success.
Use support systems
One of the best ways to navigate the journey of starting over is to be surrounded by supportive people and those you admire.
Have a network of friends that you can go to when you’re facing a challenge. Build some professional contacts to connect with to guide you and give an outside opinion. Finally, use a coach to keep you on track and accountable. These can save you a lot of time and headaches.
Self-care
Self-care becomes increasingly crucial as we age and confront new obstacles. It can be tough to carve out time for yourself when working hard, but prioritizing is essential. Take one day a week and plan out your meals and exercise.
From experience, taking breaks will help make you more productive. Too much time stressing about a problem or solution without breaks makes all tasks seem miserable, leading to frustration and self-doubt.
Set realistic goals and expectations
With age comes experience! Knowing yourself on a deeper level, you can set realistic expectations for yourself. Managing them and setting healthy goals for yourself and your journey is essential.
Celebrate along the way! Always celebrate your successes and failures. Yes, failures too, because they teach us something. Starting over at 40 can be a long journey, and it is not only the result you should be proud of. Remember to celebrate something every day, no matter how big or small.
Moving Ahead
Personal growth is a lifelong adventure; learning new skills and making mistakes is part of the journey. Imagine yourself one year from now and look at two scenarios. The first is if you were to stay where you are in your life, make no changes, and chase no passion. How would you feel? Now imagine making a change, pursuing a dream, and being a few steps closer to that dream. Where do you want to be?
So, can you start over at 40? Absolutely, no doubt about it. Remember, it’s not about erasing the past or starting from scratch—it’s about welcoming the journey with open arms and a willingness to embrace it.
The bottom line is – age is just a number. Whether you’re 20, 40, 60 or 80, the opportunity to start over is always available. It’s up to you to accept it and make your passion and dreams come to life.
Go. Take action and do something to move yourself forward right now. You’ll feel great and be on your way to starting over at 40! You got this!
Additional Resources
If you’re looking to start a new business, but not sure which one is right for you, print out the free guide “12 Questions to find a business idea that suits you.”
If you’re struggling with fear of failure, read this post on “Starting A Business But Paralyzed By a Fear Of Failure.”
