This week, I had a conversation that made me reflect on how much fear robs us of the things we deeply crave. A client in her early 50s, someone accomplished and respected in her field, shared how unhappy and uncomfortable she is in her current job. Despite being paid well, the environment is chipping away at her mental well-being. She’s been wrestling with a decision: Should she start something on her own? Look for another job? Or just push through?
Then, she said something that stayed with me:
“Oh my God, I’m so scared. I’m 50. I should be planning for retirement. I just can’t take on another job.”
That fear—of time running out, of the unknown, of stepping away from “security”—is something I know many of us face. It made me think about how much power we give to age, as if it defines what’s possible.
But here’s the thing: you can hit reset at any time.
I was reminded of this while watching a documentary about Martha Stewart. Did you know she started her empire in her 40s? Late-night hustle, after a career reset.
And it got me thinking about you…
How many of you are in situations that no longer serve or support you—jobs, relationships, routines—holding on because of fear? Fear of starting over, fear of being “too late,” fear of what others might think. But what if we shifted the question? Instead of asking “What if I fail?”, ask yourself: “What if I succeed?”
Age doesn’t limit your potential. Fear does.
So, if there’s something in your life that’s pulling you down, take a moment this week to reflect:
- What’s keeping you stuck?
- What would hitting reset look like for you?
- What’s one small step you could take to move closer to a life that supports your joy, purpose, and well-being?
Starting over isn’t about throwing everything away; it’s about choosing to create a life that aligns with who you are now, not who you were 10, 20, or 30 years ago.
The question is: Will you give yourself permission?
With courage,
Nicole