Changing your life at 40 is scary. Because there’s the couple and the kids. Because the financial question is all the more pressing. So how can you satisfy your need for change with confidence and serenity? How do you dare to take the plunge and take action? Here are 7 essential tips.

1 – Allow yourself to change your life at 40

Your life is your own. Always. Even at 40. Even if you’re a husband, wife, mother or father.

Yes, your life is yours. It’s a gift you were given 40 years ago, and each new day is a gift given to you for nothing in return, but which can be taken away at any time without notice.

That’s why your mission on Earth is to live the way that makes you happy.

You’re not here to do things you don’t like or don’t like anymore. You’re not here to adapt to a daily routine that doesn’t make you happy, that stresses you out and makes you unhappy.

In other words, it’s your duty to allow yourself to change your life at 40 if you feel the need or the desire to do so.

Because changing your life isn’t a negative thing, it doesn’t mean denying your past or your present. Changing your life means moving on to something else, something you enjoy more. It’s positive, it’s vital!

That’s why I wholeheartedly invite you to repeat this phrase to yourself when you doubt you have the right to change your life at 40: “I deserve and am capable of the best.”

Remember: you have the right to follow what makes you happy, that’s what you’re here for. That’s your mission.

2 – Finding financial solutions

Changing your life at 40 isn’t always easy financially, because you’ve got outstanding debts, and then there’s the question of your children’s education.

Indeed, we want the best for our children, and we’d like to be able to offer them the best possible education.

Unfortunately, changing our lives may mean lowering our income for a while. So what do we do? What’s the right choice?

First of all, I’d like to invite you to change the way you look at your financial problems.

First of all, are they real? All too often, we imagine future fears, when in reality, everything is fine right now.

Secondly, rather than talking about problems, think in terms of solutions. Because if you look for problems, you’ll always find them. But if you don’t look for solutions, you’ll never find any.

In other words, look for solutions. Find solutions!

Finally, if your children are old enough, talk to them about your fears.

If they’re not old enough, that already means you’ve got time on your hands (laughs).

Next, I’d like you to go back to basics for a moment. The most important thing is happiness. The happiness you feel, the happiness of your children.

And I wholeheartedly believe that children find their happiness when their parents find theirs.

In other words, choose your happiness. Don’t “sacrifice” yourself for 20 years for studies that your children may not even want to do, and for which there may be other solutions than your sacrifice.

3 – Changing your life at 40: fear of judgement within the couple

Your desire for change may involve the whole family. For example: take a sabbatical year and travel around the world.

It’s also possible that your desire for change only concerns you. For example: a new job.

Having said that, any change will have an impact on your family, and particularly on your relationship.

And, unfortunately, it’s often at times like these that your partner has a lot of fears, and doesn’t hesitate to tell us about them.

“It’s nonsense. This is dangerous. Have you thought about the mortgage? Have you thought about the kids’ education?”

These are the kinds of fears our partner can send our way.

So how do we respond?

First of all, understand that your other half isn’t judging you, but that he’s expressing fears. His fears.

In fact, any change is frightening, especially when we have no control over it.

That’s why it’s essential to see behind what sounds like reproaches the understandable fears of your partner.

The next step is to reassure him or her. To do this, ask questions and accept your partner’s fears.

Don’t get defensive. Don’t take things personally.

Of course, you’d like to be supported unconditionally. But other people are human, with their fears. Accept that.

After fears come support. Be patient with your other half.

4 – Changing your life at 40: fear of other people’s opinions

Changing your life at the age of 40 is going to get your neighbors, colleagues and close family talking.

It’s only natural. Everybody talks about everybody else, everybody reacts to everybody else’s life. It’s only human.

Now it’s about you and your reaction to it.

Are you going to listen to other people’s opinions about YOUR life, or are you going to listen only to yourself and live YOUR life, not the one other people want you to live?

It’s your choice. It’s up to you.

Remember: it’s your life, it’s your gift.

5 – Listen to yourself and trust yourself

To change your life at 40, it’s essential to listen to and trust yourself. But maybe you haven’t been listening to or trusting yourself for 40 years.

In other words, it’s hard for you right now.

Are you doubting yourself, doubting everything? Do you doubt you have the right?

That’s why you even end up doubting your desire to change your life.

You wonder if you’re crazy, if you’re insane. You wonder if it’s really worth it.

Yes, of course it’s worth it. Your happiness is worth it, so go for it!

And you’re not crazy. The desire to change your life happens to everyone, every day.

It doesn’t mean that you’re rejecting everything in your life, but that you simply want to put more of yourself, more joy, into YOUR life.

It’s human. It’s necessary.

In fact, don’t wait until you can’t anymore to change your life. Do it with joy and good humor.

That’s why I invite you to ask yourself this question all the time: “What would make me happy? What would put butterflies in my stomach?”

Follow your joy. It’s your guide.

6 – Patience and perseverance

Changing your life at 40 won’t happen overnight. It’s only natural.

Changing your life will require perseverance.

In other words, don’t give up hope if there are obstacles in your way. That’s normal.

Obstacles don’t get in the way, they’re simply necessary steps in your journey.

Think of them as ways to learn and grow.

So allow yourself to move forward slowly but surely.

Some people will put pressure on you. And you’ll put a lot of pressure on yourself. Give yourself a break and breathe.

Start somewhere. Start small. And never stop.

7 – Get the right support and training to change your life at 40

As you’ll understand, changing your life at 40 won’t be easy, because the fear of others will get in the way, and your own fears and beliefs will hold you back, make you doubt and even push you to give up.

That’s why you need to surround yourself with people you can trust, people who are there to listen and help you.

Go and see a coach or a trainer. Don’t stay in your corner. It’s the best way for you to move forward with confidence and serenity.

Above all, don’t stay on your own. You don’t have to. In fact, there are so many people who can help you.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Fear of making a decision: 4 things to do to make up your mind
Discover Don’t know what to do for a living: 5 tips

I recommend this inspiring book:

The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor’s book explores the link between happiness and success, providing ideas and strategies for transforming one’s life in a positive way. For those considering a life change at age 40+, Shawn Achor’s research-backed advice offers a roadmap for harnessing the power of a positive mindset, promoting personal and professional success and well-being during this life-transforming phase.

It really makes you think about being happier in everything you do. For yourself and for everyone around me. An inspiring read!

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself