Life's Hourglass
You’ve had a dream to do something else for a long time—is it too late? You’re at the halftime of your life and you feel the sand moving through the hourglass faster…faster…and faster! (see How Do You Know You’re at Halftime?) What about those dreams of an online business--selling products on Etsy, creating online courses, coaching, tutoring, writing of music or books, speaking for organizations, or even having a retail shop? Is it really too late?
Your physical clock is ticking and you’re already feeling the time crunch as it is. But you’re in a “safe” place--comfortable. And life is so busy. Why change? You really feel it’s now or never but can you afford the time or the financial risk?
All of those are common questions asked at halftime, especially when you’ve always dreamed of doing something else at this time of your life. There are no hard-and-fast answers. However, we will look at 5 mindsets to help you with your decision to step out and risk, especially if you are feeling it’s too late.
Five Mindsets
Mindset One: Positive Mindset. Look for the adventure! Determine what’s holding you back. Is it fear, finances, always playing it safe, time management issues, confusion on where to begin? Are you steeped in comfortability?
Take your time with this step! Write out your thoughts in your journal. (You do have a journal don’t you?) What’s the worst that could happen if you go for it? What’s the best? Be realistic, but take time to enjoy life. You only live once!
Mindset Two: Define Your Dream. Your dream doesn’t have to be totally safe but it does need to have a possibility of succeeding. Be very specific on your Why. Why do you want to make a change from what you’re doing? (read Dream a Little Dream)
A strong why and purpose statement will be the main reason you jump out of bed in the morning when you feel like quitting. This is especially true for those days and weeks when everything seems to go wrong! Post this statement where you can see it every day!
Mindset Three: Focus on one thing. Pick one thing you’re currently doing that is a transferable skill and will help you develop your dream. Part of my purpose and mission is based on the fact that many at the halftime of their life are not owning and using their valuable skills, resources and talents. Don’t waste what you have—it’s valuable!
If you stop and analyze your current skills, you may be pleasantly surprised! This exercise is especially helpful for those who have been stay-at-home moms. If that’s you, you are extremely skilled! Own it! Pick just one of your many skills and name it! (see Job Skills)
Mindset Four: Start a new habit. Connect a new tiny habit with a current activity for 10 minutes a day. This habit can even be a small part of a new business venture. Commit to do this every day, or at least five times a week for two weeks. You will be amazed at the difference this will make in your life.
After two weeks, increase this to 20 minutes a day! Most everyone can create this window of time. If you can’t, commit to tracking ALL your activities for one week. You will find the time! This is one of the best ways to start a new venture…very little baby steps. Starting becomes a habit and it is never too late to add a new healthy habit!
Mindset Five: Pivot and Change. Any time you add a new habit, you will find areas that need to change. The willingness to change and pivot is the challenge! Put your ego aside and look hard at your life. Are you happy? Is your schedule a reflection of your core values?
I have met so many people, especially women, who want to make a change but a year later are in the exact same place, frozen. The first step is the hardest, but you get to the top of a mountain one small step at a time. It may not be easy with rocks, roots and steep areas, but it’s doable!
It is not too late to start a new career but you must be willing to start, change, pivot and move up your personal Hero Mountain.® As you climb and reach your goals, you will gain confidence, satisfaction of accomplishment and even energy as this great time of life-halftime! I’m rooting for you because I know you can do it!
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