Picture this, middle age. You’re between 35 and 55 and questioning existence. Now what? By the end of this blog, you will have a sense of what a mid-life crisis is, why they happen, and tips to help you turn your midlife crisis into a time of self discovery and growth.
What is a midlife crisis?
At some point in life, you may encounter what is commonly known as a mid-life crisis. A mid-life crisis is a period during middle adulthood that is marked by anxiety and self-reflection. A person experiencing a mid-life crisis questions their life choices, purpose, and meaning. It’s a significant psychological and emotional struggle that can leave a person feeling lost, unfulfilled, and questioning existence.
It's worth mentioning that the experience of a midlife crisis can vary widely among individuals, and not everyone will go through a midlife crisis.
Why do midlife crises happen?
Middle age can bring with it an urge to reevaluate life’s purpose and meaning. It’s all about big existential questions. You’re looking at your life choices and accomplishments, wondering if you’ve missed the memo on how to adult properly. Did you even achieve your goals? During middle adulthood the ticking clock of mortality becomes louder and a desire to make the most of the years ahead feels more immediate. This awareness sparks a wish to grab life by the horns and make some meaningful changes.
5 Tips to Turn Your Midlife Crisis into Opportunity
Tip #1 Challenge the Notion of Crisis: This is an opportunity for self-discovery and growth not a crisis!
Tip #2 Figure Out What You Value: Get out a piece of paper and write down your top 5 values. Ask yourself how you are currently living in alignment with those values. Are you living your life out of obligation or societal expectations, or are you focused on making choices that align with your top principles and values?
Tip #3 Embrace the Humanness of it All: Give voice to your aspirations while acknowledging the reality of human existence. This means embracing your dreams while acknowledging your limitations. Your values provide a solid foundation and direction, but you are not immune to limitations. A big part of living authentically is figuring out how to navigate limitations and stay true to important values.
Tip #4 Remember You are the Director: Approach life with agency. Keep in mind that as you make choices, you face responsibility. Choices have consequences.
Tip #5 There Will be Plot Twists and You Will Falter: Cut yourself some slack. It's okay to stumble and fumble. With a generous dose of self-compassion, learn from your missteps. Learn to forgive yourself and strive to do better, all while remaining grounded in your values.
In the end, managing existential concerns in middle adulthood is about finding the courage to navigate authenticity.
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