We're Halfway?There!!

It’s time for a new status report (see the infographic for an at-a-glance review); this one is significant because I am officially 49.?

The 50-for-50 challenge I created is a deliberate exploration of intentional living and meaningful moments as I approach the milestone of turning 50.?

And I already cheated, which is to say that I didn’t wait until 49 to start. What can I say? I’m a planner, so this is a midyear report with some built-in traction.

Looking back, I want to share a quick message for those of you who think you have time on your side: Fifty felt miles away for me, too, and it wasn’t that long ago that I couldn’t imagine it. Now, here we are, in the homestretch. It goes 1,000 times faster than anticipated.

So don’t wait. I mean it. Schedule coffee this week with someone you know who is 50, 50-something plus, or in the second half of 40 because they have Wisdom with a capital W. They know what you need next.

When I started this challenge, it was partly to get back to basics, focusing on personal growth, our family’s overall happiness and well-being, and growing my business. I also wanted to reestablish good habits (many of which were lost during the COVID years).

But Time Is So?Funny

I worked at HBO for 13 years, in sports for five years, and took a two-year travel sabbatical. I have been coaching for six years, which accounts for 26 years of my professional time.

I’ve also been married for 16 years, a mom for nearly 12, a dog mom for 15, a homeowner for 21 years, and a student for 16 years. By the way, I’m a mom of three, so in terms of experience, I get credit for (11 x 2) + 9 = 31 years. Do you do the math that way?

I was all-in during those eras (to borrow a Taylor Swift reference). I felt like it was the be-all and end-all time of my life, so I alternated between being obsessed with it and wondering/planning for/fearing/unsuccessfully attempting to orchestrate my next chapter.

And now, I’m so much more chill. Thank goodness. Aging, in that regard, is wonderful (and enormously underrated). It balances the fact that I have more responsibility and financial obligations than ever (and the world is on the brink), which would otherwise freak me out.

I remember being 39, thinking 40 was a BFD, and wondering what the next decade would hold. We had just had our third child, and I knew parenting would be a priority, but what else?

When I thought about my career, I didn’t see myself climbing to the top of the org chart or pivoting, so I stayed in limbo. I didn’t know how to resolve that feeling, but the pressure of not wanting to postpone the crossroads was motivating, too.

I kept saying, “I want major momentum by 50.” Eye roll. Do I have that now? In some regards, yes, absolutely. In others, not really. And in a few categories, I’ve backtracked. Sigh.

I’m still committed, as you’ll see, but it’s a mixed report. I’ve far surpassed some goals and am trending behind in others. Overall, I love this challenge for two specific reasons. First, it keeps me accountable and gives me focus when I’m feeling scattered or pulled in too many directions, which is life at 49. Second, it has helped me clarify my relationship with time?—?big stuff.

And Time is Also Weirdly?Bendy

That’s a life lesson you learn when you turn (or stare down) a milestone age, become a parent, or live through a pandemic.

Feeling Stuck?

So, if you’re feeling stuck, my best advice is to do one of the following:

1) Take The Leap: Sometimes, incremental changes aren’t enough to break free from a rut. Time slows down when you go through the motions; every day is Groundhog Day inside your comfort zone. Making a bold decision, taking on a new project, or leaving something behind is a way to reinvigorate your life.

2) Rest When You Need It: Downtime is essential for recovery and clarity. When you’re overcommitted, never stop to smell the roses, or only view life from the rearview mirror as it passes by in a blur, it might be time to take a break to recharge your energy and shift your perspective. Schedule a nap or a vacation, clear your calendar, or get outside. Use the time to relax, reflect, and reset. Listen to your body and mind, and don’t hesitate to recalibrate your trajectory or usual pace of life.

3) Minimize Transitional Time: The little things we overlook can make a big difference. If you spend all of your time planning, preparing, or postponing your life?—?cleaning up, commuting, rescheduling?—?and none of it actually doing the things that you love and care about, that light you up, and you dream of, review your daily routine and habits. Look for minor adjustments that can have a significant impact. It could be as simple as tweaking your morning routine, implementing new systems, changing your habits, or reorganizing your work.

Ready For?More?

On the flip side, if you’re eager to accelerate your journey, you’re in luck because new tools and updated knowledge are easily available to make you more productive?—?and have a better work/life balance?—?than ever.

1) Track Your Progress: Monitoring your progress helps you stay on track and motivated. Reviewing your achievements keeps you focused and aware of how far you’ve come. Use a journal, planner, or calendar tool to log your daily, weekly, and monthly progress. Celebrate your milestones and adjust your plans as necessary. This step is critical if you are doing all the right things but not getting your desired results.

2) Use Apps: Technology can be a powerful ally in achieving your goals, enhancing productivity, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I love Calm, Duolingo, Grammarly, Noom, ChatGPT, and Canva. Identify and integrate tech tools that align with your goals. It could be a task management app, a habit tracker, a financial app, or a fitness tracker. Leverage them to streamline your efforts and monitor your progress.

3) Enroll Others: Involving others can provide additional motivation, accountability, and support. Whether it’s a coach (hey!), a mentor, a partner, or a community, having others on your journey can make a significant difference. Look for like-minded individuals or groups that have been where you want to go and can shorten your learning curve and save you time, money, and heartache. Share your goals and progress with them, and invite them to share their Wisdom with you. See what I did there? We’ve come full circle! Their encouragement, insights, and capital-W-Wisdom can propel you forward and make life better.

Mindset and Reflections

An object at rest will stay at rest, but an object in motion will keep going and even build momentum. It’s a physical law of the universe and also true psychologically. When becoming your future self, there are many paths to your goals, but living on autopilot rarely works out the way you hoped. You need to be intentional… and challenge yourself to approach things differently to go farther faster. That’s the mindset piece and almost always at the heart of your experience.

Any goal, even an imperfect one, will provide focus and clarity and can be changed later. Instead of waiting for the perfect path forward, pick something forward-thinking you can act on immediately and go. Don’t wait. Like I said, no matter how old you are, you have less time than you think. Your future self will be so grateful for your vision, work, and effort today.

One Last?Note

Motivating yourself, challenging yourself, and building momentum are built on a foundation of wanting the best for yourself. It’s not always easy, but believing you are worthy in every chapter of life becomes easier the more you see yourself investing in what you truly want.

I don’t know how to explain how it works other than to say that the Universe/Higher Power knows when you are honoring your life and constantly rearranges your path to present you with even more and better opportunities.?

Your job is to recognize them when you see them, consistently focus on authenticity, growth, passion, and purpose, and make the most of your life.

(Well, that took a deep turn.)

I’m excited to continue this challenge. Like anyone, some days I hit a wall, and others, I’m a relentless superhero, but it does help knowing I’m connecting with a community that gets it. I invite you to count down with me, set ambitious goals, and share your progress, too. xo