Still Feeling Stuck? The Mindset Shift That Works

By Deborah Johnson

May 2, 2026

cost of stress, feeling stuck, fixed mindset, growth mindset, mindset mastery, mindset shift, Northridge earthquake, power of after, reducing anxiety

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In 1994, during the Northridge earthquake, several freeway overpasses in Los Angeles suddenly collapsed. This was very relevant to me as I attended CSUN, California State University Northridge, and had driven on many of the streets and overpasses for several years when I was a student.

These weren’t old, neglected structures. They were engineered. Approved. In use every day. Strong—or so everyone thought. Then, in a matter of seconds, the ground shifted violently beneath them. The forces were sudden. Direction changed rapidly. Pressure came from angles the structures weren’t fully prepared to handle. And key sections gave way.

Some support columns cracked and failed. In other places, entire roadway sections slipped off their supports. What had once carried thousands of cars without question… could no longer carry anything at all. For the drivers on those roads, there was no warning. What looked solid wasn’t strong enough for what it faced.

It’s easy to look at something like that and ask: “How could that happen?” But the real answer is both simple—and sobering. It wasn’t just about strength. It was about what the structure was prepared to handle.

Some parts didn’t have enough flexibility. Some connections weren’t reinforced enough. Some critical areas had no backup support when they failed. And when the pressure exceeded the design the structure didn’t bend. It broke.

People are not so different. Many of us look strong on the outside. We carry responsibilities. We show up. We keep moving forward. But underneath, there may be areas that are under-supported, stretched too thin and never reinforced in the first place.

Weight of Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety is a buzzword that is often used today in many circles. That’s because it’s a common symptom as over 20% of our population is being treated for some type of anxiety. Even our little dog is anxious. If I go to the back of our property for anything she’s scratching at the gate or waiting for me at the door like I’ve been gone for a month.

At some point in mid-career—what I often call “halftime”—many people quietly begin asking a deeper question: What’s next? It doesn’t always come in a dramatic moment. Sometimes it shows up in subtle ways. A lack of energy for what used to excite you. A sense that you should be further along. Or a quiet realization that while life may look successful on the outside, something feels incomplete on the inside. Many changes happen at this stage of life. Children grow up and responsibilities shift. Some feel called to new work, and relationships evolve—often sending marriages in different directions.

I’ve experienced this myself in different seasons. There have been moments where everything looked “full”—work, responsibilities, opportunities—but internally, I knew something needed to shift. Not because I had failed, but because I had grown. This is the space where your next chapter begins. But there’s a challenge most people don’t talk about enough. It’s not a lack of opportunity. It’s the weight of anxiety and stress that quietly holds you back.

The Hidden Cost of Stress at Mid-Career

Stress is not just an inconvenience—it’s a significant factor affecting both physical and mental health. According to the American Institute of Stress, 77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and 73% experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety and overwhelm. At mid-career, these pressures often intensify. You may be balancing financial responsibilities, aging parents, supporting children or grandchildren, Career uncertainty or transition.

The World Health Organization has identified burnout as a global concern, describing it as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Just like those freeway overpasses that collapsed, our bodies aren’t prepared to handle a huge shake-up.

But here’s what’s important to recognize: At this stage of life, stress often becomes internalized. It sounds like: “I should have this figured out by now.” “Am I too late to change?” or “What if I make the wrong move?” This creates a kind of constant internal noise—subtle, but exhausting. I often compare it to a persistent ringing in your ears. It may not be loud enough to stop you completely, but it’s always there like tinnitus, draining your energy and focus.

How Stress Impacts Your Ability to Move Forward

When stress becomes chronic, it affects how you think and respond. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that prolonged stress can impair decision-making, reduce cognitive flexibility, and limit creativity—all of which are essential when navigating change.

Instead of moving forward, you may find yourself: Overthinking instead of acting, avoiding decisions, staying in roles that feel safe but unfulfilling, questioning your ability to learn something new This is where mindset becomes the turning point for true change.

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on mindset provides a powerful framework. A fixed mindset believes: “This is just who I am.” “I’m either good at this or I’m not.” “Change is risky.” “I’m too old and technology is moving too fast.”

A growth mindset believes: “I can learn this.” “New skills can be developed.” “Challenges are opportunities.” “I’m going to continue to read and learn.”

At mid-career, a fixed mindset often hides behind experience. It sounds like this: “I’ve never been good with technology.” “I’m too far along to start something new.” “I should already know this.”

All of this is self-talk that can either move one forward or keep one stuck in the same place, opening up the opportunity for even more stress to take over. But a growth mindset reframes the entire conversation.

Power of After GPT Consulting-Deborah Johnson

You're Not Starting Over-- You're Upgrading

One of the most powerful shifts you can make is this: You are not starting from zero. You are building on: years of experience, hard-earned skills, relationships and perspective. Just think of some of the advice you give your kids. You’ve been in many of the situations they are facing. They may not listen to you, but you have the experience and insight to see roadblocks and warning signs. That perspective is extremely valuable.

I’ve seen some build on their experience and perspective many times—not only in my own life, but in others I’ve worked with. A musician becomes a teacher. A corporate leader becomes a consultant. A parent returning to the workforce brings unmatched organizational and relational skills.

The foundation is already there. What changes is how you apply it and the questions you ask. Instead of asking: “What if I fail?” You begin asking: “What can I learn?” That one shift reduces pressure and opens possibility.

The Role of Learning in Reducing Anxiety

One of the most effective ways to reduce fear is through action—specifically, learning. When you begin learning something new: Confidence increases, uncertainty decreases and momentum builds

Studies on lifelong learning show that continued skill development in midlife improves both cognitive function and emotional resilience. This doesn’t require large, overwhelming steps. It requires small, consistent ones.

The Apprentice Mindset

One of the most freeing perspectives you can adopt is the mindset of an apprentice. At this stage, you are both experienced and learning. That’s not a contradiction—it’s an advantage.

An apprentice mindset says: “I don’t need to know everything.” “I’m willing to learn.” “I can take the next step.”

I’ve personally had to return to this mindset many times—especially when learning new technology or navigating unfamiliar paths. Today, this more important than ever with the speed of AI and the different tools we can use. (see Halftime Success) There have been many moments of frustration, moments of doubt—but also moments of breakthrough.

Because progress doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from staying engaged.

Practical Application: Small Steps that Create Momentum

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. In fact, trying to do too much often increases stress. Instead, focus on five small, intentional steps:

Identify One Area of Growth: Choose one area that aligns with your next chapter. If you are wondering what that holds, the Core Common Denominator® is a good start to help identify your skills, competency, what you love and ideas for your future.
Commit to 10–15 Minutes Daily building a new constructive habit or developing and expanding a skill: Intentional consistency builds confidence. This habit could include physical exercise that has side benefit of reducing stress, or taking an online course to expand your skill set.
Reframe Your Self-Talk: Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m learning this.” A good way to do this is to create small reminders. These can include notes to yourself posted in places easily seen or even notes of reminders on your calendar.
Reduce Noise: Limit inputs. Focus on what truly matters. Getting outside is one of the best ways to clear the mind. For me, seeing the growth on fruit trees, the roses, and the beauty of the mountains puts life in perspective.
Track Small Wins: Progress, even small, creates momentum. Celebrate those wins. For anyone trying to lose a few pounds, adding a special dessert now and then to celebrate progress is a great motivator.

All of these are small steps that are very doable and will eventually create a large leap of progress that will be worth all the effort. Don’t put this off. Start now.

Final Thought

Mindset mastery is not about eliminating stress. It’s about responding to it differently. You are creating a stronger, reinforced structure. You are not behind. You are not too late. You are well-positioned and your next chapter is not something you have to fear. It’s something you can build—step by step—with clarity, curiosity, and a growth mindset, all the while making sure all parts of that growth are reinforced because there will be shake-ups but you’ll be ready!

Additional Resources

YouTube Channel: Mindset & Mental Strength for Mid-Career Growth

Personalized Mentorship: Thoughtful guidance for your next chapter creating clarity, confidence & momentum.

See chapter 4 in Women at Halftime for more on the Core Common Denominator®

Goal Setting Worksheets-free download!

Hero Mountain Summit- a 5-month "Power of After" journey to help you answer "What's Next?" with your desired lifestyle & maximized skills and experience.

Power of After: What’s Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson

Stop Circling: Steps to Escape Endless Roundabouts by Deborah Johnson

FREE Resources and links: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/DJWorks

YouTube Podcast Playlist: Women at Halftime/Power of After

At mid-career, a fixed mindset often hides behind experience.

deborah johnson

Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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Deborah Johnson

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About the author

Deborah Johnson, M.A. has not only written multiple books and albums, but hundreds of songs, three full-length musicals and is the producer of the popular podcast, Women at Halftime. She was past president of the National Speakers Association, Los Angeles and has written & produced multiple online courses. She enjoys being outside and traveling with her husband and also loves spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Up for multiple GRAMMY Awards and spending over 20 years in the entertainment industry, she's built multiple self-driven businesses and is an expert on how to constantly reinvent yourself in a gig-economy. Deborah speaks and performs for both live and virtual events.