Turning forty can sometimes feel like you’re standing at a crossroads. Perhaps the kids are getting older, your career’s gone a bit stale, or you’re just ready for something new. Whatever it is, don’t worry you’re not stuck. You’ve got tons of life ahead of you and now is the perfect chance to shake things up and make your next chapter even more exciting. Don’t worry, reinventing yourself doesn’t mean changing everything overnight. Small changes will lead to something bigger and better.
Start with one small change
You don’t need to quit your job or move to a new country to reinvent yourself. You can start with something simple like picking up an old hobby you used to love or finally attending that evening class you’ve never got around to. All you need to do is start! Once you’ve taken the first step and made a small change, everything else will seem much more doable.
Try a new look
Sometimes a new look can really give you a boost. Maybe you’re thinking about getting a new wardrobe or trying out a different skincare regimen. If you’ve been thinking about getting a hair transplant, go ahead and do it! Once you feel better about the way you look, you’ll naturally be more confident to make other positive changes in your life.
Identify what isn’t working
This might sound a bit obvious, but it helps to carve out some time to ask yourself what you’re not happy with. Are you feeling like you’re not going anywhere with your job? Do you feel invisible in your own life? You can’t change something if you never face the problem head on. Make sure you’re kind to yourself in the process. Instead of judging yourself for being forty, make space for where you want to go.
Look after yourself
Self-care isn’t selfish. Even when you’ve got other people to think about, you should always make time to do things that will benefit your health too. Sleep, walk, stretch, and eat foods that make you feel good instead of sluggish. And yes, that will mean putting yourself first more often, but you matter just as much as everyone else.
Try something you’ve been putting off
You know that thing you’ve always wanted to do? Now is the perfect time to do it. Whether it’s finally starting your own business, learning the guitar or running a 5k, just get up and do it. You don’t even have to be good at it! Doing something you’ve always wanted to do will light you up and give you a new lease on life.
Give yourself permission
Finally, give yourself the permission to change. It might mean reconnecting with old friends or finding a new group of friends that inspire and support you. It doesn’t mean you need to abandon the people you love!
Reinventing yourself after forty isn’t you trying to be someone else – it’s you making changes to feel more like you. You’ve been alive long enough to know what you want, so go after it!