This article is number 7 in a 7-part series about "People Who Thrive Without Burnout" that is published on my Substack. All the articles are still there, so you can access them any time!
Based on an article by James Brennan, from Silicon Canals.
When I read James’ article a few months ago, I really resonated with me. So many of us get stuck in a mindset that prevents us from moving forward. One of the things I have learned in my (now relatively long) life is that we often have more control over our “destiny” than we give ourselves credit for. We continually make choices that have far reaching effects on our future; and the sooner we make those choices, the longer their effects can be.
The seven things that “People Who Thrive Without Burnout” learn are:
The myth that more hours equals more success (Part 1)
The need to be liked by everyone (Part 2)
The comparison game (Part 3)
The perfectionist trap (Part 4)
The identity crisis of being defined by work (Part 5)
The “someday” mentality (Part 6)
I share these myths because, at some point, I believe we all are suckered into them. I know I have! Each one of them can result in a pervasive mindset that stifles our objectivity and impairs our logical decision making process.
And, when all else fails, tackle Number 7: The Fear of Starting Over
You can always start over, remake yourself, start a new career, reconsider how you compare yourself to others and how you present yourself to others. I know how scary that all sounds - I’ve done it! Especially as one enters and gropes their way through mid-life, making significant changes seems daunting, and it is.
As Brennen says, “This might be the biggest one: people who thrive after forty let go of the fear of pivoting. They stopped seeing change as failure and started seeing it as evolution.
They’re not afraid to leave the career they spent a decade building if it no longer serves them. They’ll move cities, change industries, or go back to school if that’s what growth requires.
The fear of starting over keeps so many people stuck in situations that slowly drain them. But the thrivers understand that staying somewhere that doesn’t fit anymore is far riskier than making a change.”
Don’t let fear keep you from making the changes that can renew your life for the better. Resist the idea that it is too late to start over, or that you couldn’t possibly start over. You can.
As some of you may know, I made a major career change at 40 years old. I had been an electrician and electrical contractor since I graduated from high school, but had become tired of working the housing industry. As I investigated other careers, I was compelled to take an EMT course, and I simply fell in love with the practice of medicine.
After completing the program, I asked the program director what career prospects were open to me. Unfortunately, not much as an EMT, although she told me I could go into nursing, or become a doctor or a PA.
Not seeing myself in nursing, I said “What’s a PA?” She explained what a Physician Assistant is and does; and I enrolled in the pre-PA course of studies the following semester.
To make a long story short, 4 years later, armed with a BS in Health Science Studies, I accepted a position in a PA program at Pacific University. In a matter of 28 months, I then began a decades long medical practice as a PA - the best career move I ever made!
So, yes, it can be done - and if I can do it, you can do it! One day at a time. Define your goals, and map out how you will accomplish them. Then start doing it. Stay focused. Stay on track. Adjust as necessary. Finish the course. It may not be easy, it may take time, and money. Don’t give up. It is your life you are living; make it the life you want it to be.
I have now retired from medical practice; and Timm and I live in Portugal (yes anotherbig change!) and we are thoroughly enjoying our new experience living in Europe. While retirement feels like the reward for many years of hard work, and it is, I have had the time and energy to write a couple books.
The first, “So You Want to Move to Portugal,” lays out a roadmap for those seeking a new life in Portugal. And “Amazing! Medical Terminology” is a study resource for anyone following their pathway in the medical field, learning the world of medical terminology. Both are available on Amazon.
Thrive - Without Burnout