I was excited about turning 40. Until I did. Leading up to my birthday, I felt like I was in such a good place and comfortable in my own skin. A few months in, I started to feel stuck in my identity though. What if this is all I’ll ever be? What if this is it for me? There was a level of fear I faced about staying the same. I knew it was time to reinvent myself one way or another. But then I had another thought: Am I too damn old to be doing this?

I had a conversation with Chief, recently, about how I’ve been doing what I do for so long that, professionally speaking, I don’t really know HOW to do anything else. Then I thought about my 20-something self that would always tell people, “You can do it all in your lifetime, just not all at once.” It was a truth I had repeated so much, it’d echoed back to me when I needed it most.

Per my usual route, I went inward first to find what’s no longer true for me and what is. I then proceed to make changes in the areas I’m being led.

And when it comes to working with women, I encounter three types of clients. Those who book with me because they’re feeling uninspired and need a boost, and those who’re embarking on a major life change Many of these women are nearing or beyond the age of 40 and they come to me to commemorate that time in their lives.

Feeling too old to make changes

Maybe you’re feeling like you’re too old or that you’ve been living your life a certain way for so long that it’s impossible to change. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

Let’s get one thing straight: age is just a number. There’s no rule that says you have to have everything figured out by a certain age or that you can’t make big changes after a certain point in your life. In fact, some of the most successful and inspiring people I know didn’t achieve their dreams until later in life.

The most famous and more current example: Tabitha Brown

So why do we sometimes feel like it’s too late to reinvent ourselves? It could be because we’re afraid of the unknown, or we’re worried about what other people might think. The only person who needs to be happy with your choices is you. It’s worth exploring other options if you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled.

How to get started

One way to start reinventing yourself is by identifying your passions and interests. What do you love to do in your free time? What topics or activities light you up? Maybe you’ve always been interested in starting your own business. Maybe you have a talent for writing or painting you’ve never fully explored. Whatever it is, take some time to really think about what makes you happy and fulfilled. Journal it out and see where you’re being lead.

Take Action

Once you’ve identified your passions, it’s time to start taking action. This might look like taking classes or workshops to develop new skills or networking with people who are already doing what you want to do. or even starting a side hustle or passion project. The key is to start small and be consistent. Every little step you take towards your goal will build momentum and help you gain confidence in this new area.

Of course, reinventing yourself can also involve major life changes, like switching careers or moving to a new city. These decisions can be scary, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. Just remember it’s important to take calculated risks and make informed decisions. Do your research, talk to people who have been through similar transitions. All that’s left is for you to make a plan that feels right for you and following through. I’ll also add

An ongoing process

Reinventing yourself is an ongoing process. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away, and you don’t have to have a clear destination in mind. The only thing you have to be clear on is what you want at the end of it all. The journey itself is the most important part because that’s where you’ll discover what you’re made of.

As you explore, you’ll find your life becomes richer and more fulfilling along the way. You will have created a life that’s more aligned with who you truly are and it’s ok to start again and again. Don’t be afraid – the possibilities are endless for you.