For years, I lived by "the rules": high-powered job, luxurious lifestyle, upmarket family neighbourhood. But as I hit midlife, I began to feel a nagging emptiness, like something was missing.
For many men in leadership, midlife prompts unsettling questions. Renowned psychologist Erik Erikson identified this phase as “generativity vs. stagnation,” where people feel driven to make meaningful contributions or risk feeling aimless. Studies show that around midlife, both men & women experience heightened self-reflection.
⏭️A Time for Reinvention, Not Crisis
This period need not be a “crisis” but rather a doorway to reinvention. In ‘Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes’, author William Bridges highlights that every transition has three stages:
1️⃣ an ending,
2️⃣ an in-between phase, &
3️⃣ a new beginning.
Embracing midlife changes can set the stage for “realignment,” where executives connect to what truly fulfils them. Dr Carol Ryff’s research on psychological well-being shows that a sense of purpose & personal growth is key to thriving through life’s stages.
Reinvention doesn’t mean discarding past successes; rather, it’s about shedding what no longer fits, reimagining career & personal life in ways that reflect current aspirations. This might involve nurturing close relationships, rediscovering passions or prioritising health. When directed intentionally, midlife can be an energising pivot to reclaim one’s inner drive.
⏭️Benefits of a Successfully Navigated Transition
Embracing reinvention can significantly impact mental health, relationships & professional satisfaction. Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of human flourishing, reveals that a renewed sense of purpose in midlife is linked to well-being & resilience. By navigating this phase with self-awareness, leaders can create a more meaningful life.
Managing this transition successfully allows men to approach their later years with excitement rather than resignation. In ‘Falling Upward’, Richard Rohr emphasises that midlife offers a chance to build a “second-half identity,” rooted in authenticity rather than achievements, making leaders more resilient & engaged at work & home.
⏭️ Taking Charge of Your Reinvention
If you find yourself at this crossroads, consider what life could look like if you realigned with what truly matters. Embracing this chance for reinvention means avoiding the pitfalls of a midlife crisis & setting a foundation for a life rich in purpose.
This journey doesn’t need to be taken alone. If you’re ready to explore how realignment could renew your life, reach out for a supportive conversation. Together, we can map a path toward clarity, renewed energy & a deeper sense of fulfilment.
