How To Get Back on Track After Letting Yourself go?
Life is messy. We think everything is under control and then choices and/or events disrupt, derail, or distract us from the dreams we had for our lives. When life settles we often feel stuck and start to ask: Why aren’t I happy? How do I move forward and feel in control of my life again? Where’d my confidence go? Now you’re looking for a way to get back on track after letting yourself go.
When I meet my clients prior to our first Life Coaching session this is often how they feel. They’re frustrated with the monotony of daily life, the cycle of responsibilities and obligations, and feeling like their light once filled with fire and passion has gone out. These dreams now seem like distant echoes, drowned out by the demands of a life that feels more like an obligation than a choice. The yearning for fulfillment has begun to gnaw at them and now is a hunger that refuses to be silenced.
Yet, amid the frustration, there is a spark of determination. The same spirit that fueled their dreams hasn’t been extinguished; it's merely smoldering beneath the surface. These women, after years of putting others first, yearn to rediscover themselves, to carve a path back to fulfillment, to break free and feel fulfilled once again.
Like my clients, I know exactly how they feel. I still remember being overwhelmed with sadness when I realized my goals and dreams had to be put on hold indefinitely because I had to focus on my kids and family. I was the sole income earner, and my circumstances demanded it, but a part of me felt extinguished. For years I held on to the hope that I could return to those dreams and goals, but that didn’t end well for me. Instead, I was later forced on a path to evaluate what was important and had to make decisions that changed the course of my life.
If in the quiet moments you find yourself reflecting on the crossroads that zigzag your life and your divergence from the original path wondering if you’ll ever find your way back, you’re not alone. Regardless of how you arrived at this moment, there is hope. If you identify with feeling a spark, a wish for something different you’re in the right place because it sounds like you’re ready to get your life back after letting yourself go.
But there’s a problem, you have no idea how.
Midlife Design
Hey, I am Michelle Woods, Midlife Design Coach. I help women post 40 stuck in midlife misery stop fantasizing about a life they wanted in the past and start living fulfilled right now.
I’ve been in your shoes. I know exactly what it feels like to put dreams on hold. A few years back out of desperation to hold on to my dreams I made decisions that almost ruined my marriage. I was propelled into a journey where I had to figure out my priorities. In the process I had to get really get clear on who I was and more importantly who I wanted to be. For years I had been stuck in what I call midlife misery, but moving forward I had to reconcile my dreams and stop fantasizing about a life I had wanted since my 20’s. I could’t hold on to the past and still expect to move forward into my future. So I committed to figuring it out and went through a transformational process I call Midlife Design. The process gave me clarity and direction. It helped me start believing in myself and my capacity to create actions and goals I was proud of. Midlife Design helped me get my life back on track after letting myself go.
Midlife Design: The Path to Fulfillment
Midlife Design is a transformational coaching process that helps you get clarity and decide what you really want in your life. After years of putting others first we often don’t even know what we want, we just know we don’t want to be on the hamster wheel anymore. And that’s ok. Recognizing you’re not fulfilled and wanting to do something about it, is the first step to your transformation. Let’s face it, you’ve changed. You’re not the same woman you were in our 20’s and 30’s. Now is the time to catch up to that change. Midlife Design is a chance to stop and reflect on what no longer serves you so that you can confidently take the baby steps to work toward the life you want and feel fulfilled in the process.
How to Get Your Life Back On Track
How Do I Get My Life Back on Track?
When I designed my coaching program Midlife Design: From Misery to Meaning I leaned into my expertise as an educator, project manager, and instructional designer. I reflected on the clients I had served over the last 11+ years and analyzed their progress. The data showed 3 significant milestones that although were experienced at different times, were common pillars of progress. I now refer to these milestones as the 3 C’s to the Midlife Design Process: Clarity, Confidence, & Contentment. Moving through these 3 C’s, with the support and accountability of a Life Coach, creates a customized design process that has the sole outcome of helping you get your life back on track.
Milestone 1: Clarity
You begin to take deliberate steps toward understanding yourself and your desires. It’s a deep introspection process with the aim to untangle the threads of frustration. It involves reflecting on core values, aspirations, and parts of your life that bring you joy. It also means confronting fears and doubts. You know you’ve hit this milestone when uncertainty begins to lift and you can see a clear path moving forward. You get clear on what's important to you, how you want to show up for yourself, and what it means to be fulfilled in midlife and beyond. Clarity settles over you and for the first time in a long time, you can see the possibilities for your life unfold. Without this clarity, it's impossible to know what “on track” even means!
Milestone 2: Confidence
As clarity blooms you’re empowered to make informed decisions about your future. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone, facing setbacks, and showcasing resilience and grit. You recognize that confidence is not a fixed trait, but instead evolves over time through deliberate efforts and experiences. Now you’re intentionally taking steps to build your confidence muscles. You’ve reached this milestone because you're able to make decisions and take actions that bring you joy and bring you closer and closer to getting your life back on track. The baby steps in this process help you build confidence and a new belief that what you want is possible.
Milestone 3: Contentment
You’ve found a sense of peace and satisfaction with your life. Contentment comes because your decisions are aligned to your beliefs and values. You feel fulfilled in your relationships again. You’ve made peace with your old dreams and celebrate the purpose they served in your life. You finally feel like your life has purpose and meaning. You know you’ve reached this milestone because your action steps, personal victories, and new confidence have sparked a light inside you. You love the person you're becoming and how it impacts your family and relationships. You've found your meaning again and are overcome with joy and fulfillment.
How Can I Get My Life Back on Track?
One of the ways you can get your life back on track is by applying for Midlife Design: From Misery to Meaning. This is a 3 month kick ass transformational life coaching program that guides you through the 3 C’s and helps you get your life back on track.
Not quite ready to work with me but are totally curious about who I am and what I offer?
That’s cool. Join my newsletter where I share stories of my life, try to make you laugh, and encourage you through your midlife journey. I sometimes like to throw in discounts or special offers too.
Lastly, if you loved this blog make sure to check out “How to Find the Meaning of Life?”
