How To Plan Your Life After 40: 5 Positive Changes

I’m not long away from the big 50, and I can’t wait! My forties have been an exciting journey, far bigger than I ever expected. I learned many things through my forties and want to share how you can also make these years your best. You can do so many different things to make this time memorable for you. Here are five positive changes you can make so you know how to plan your life and enjoy the best time ever.

How To Plan Your Life Without The Stress

It’s all very well thinking of changing your life, but you might come up with some easy excuses. Here is the list of the most common ones:

• I don’t have time.
• I’m too old.
• It might cost me too much money.
• I’m scared.

But these are all excuses at the end of the day. If you are currently thinking about how to plan your life for the future, you only have to start to make a few tweaks and keep going. Have no fear. I’m here to help. Here are five things you can do right now to get the ball rolling and change your life for the better.

#1 You Don’t Have To Make A Point Of Always Being Right

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve had many “healthy debates”. Debating can be fun, especially if you are both coming from an area where you know what you are talking about! However, having a debate or discussion with a family member or friend can sometimes work out quite different. It might become a heated argument instead of a healthy conversation to understand each other’s points.

You have to ask yourself, do you want to fall out with somebody you know over a difference of opinion?

Debating with people you know well can end in tears as you both dig your heels into standing your ground and making your point. I learnt in my 40s that’s it not all about being right. It’s about expressing your point of view and letting others express themselves. You might completely disagree with what somebody says, but you don’t have to press your point to be right. Listen and show respect.

#2 Make Health Your Top Priority

Health is one of the most important things in your life. Let’s face it; if you don’t have good health, it can affect everything in your life. You start feeling some new aches and pains when you reach your forties. It doesn’t matter how healthy or fit you have been. You will feel these strange new areas of discomfort. Don’t let it put you off. Accept that your body is changing and adjust your mindset to keep you going.

How To Plan Your Life With Health In Mind

Here are some things you can start doing to accept this adjustment:

• Make exercise part of your morning routine, without fail. Thirty minutes is enough time to move your body.
• Take a time out for your mental health.
• If you have a desk job, start stretching your body every day.
• Create a nighttime routine so you can have a good sleep.
• Listen to your body more and take a break when you need it.
• Don’t work every day of the week.

#3 It Doesn’t Matter What People Think About You

Are you worried about what other people might think about you? If this sounds like you, it is time to turn over a new leaf. Think about all that time you have spent worrying about what people think. Do you think they spend the same amount of time thinking about you? I can tell you right now; they don’t.

Forget about what people think. Live your life how you want. If it doesn’t hurt anybody else, live your life and have fun.

All that time you spend worrying about others affects your body and mind. Let it go. You can spend that time on yourself and have more positive thoughts. If you find yourself worrying about what others think, stop what you are doing immediately. Then think about something positive in your life and only focus on that. Your initial thought will soon pass.

#4 It’s Never Too Late To Follow Your Dreams

Age is only a number. Your forties are a prime time to boost your personal development. You already have a pretty good idea of what motivates you, and I don’t mean chocolate! What about reinventing yourself after 40? It is possible. Don’t put any limitations on yourself. You can do whatever you want in your life. You have to believe you can and then go for it.

How To Plan Your Life Whatever Age You Are

• Create a six-month plan to help you stay on track.
• If you need to retrain, start looking for courses in a local college/university or online.
• Tell those closest to you what you want to do so that they can give you moral support.
• Accept that it will take time and won’t happen overnight.
• Think about what you want to do in life and promise yourself you will do it.

#5 Embrace The Fact That You Are Older And Wiser

You’re in your forties, so what! Embrace it and realise that you are now older and wiser. Think about the errors you have already made in your life. These errors are life experiences that you can wear like badges of honour. You have been there and done that. Remember how it feels to make a fool of yourself, fail, and get back up again.

You can show people you have experience and offer your helpful advice when it is welcome.

You can be that person who helps people when they struggle to understand things in their lives. Personal development is about improving your life, but you can also spend the time helping those around you. It will also help you see the effects of your wisdom and realise that you have already learned many things in your life.

Are You Ready To Own Your Forties?

It doesn’t matter if you are in your late 30s, have turned 40, or are in the middle of your 40s. It’s never too late to grab hold of your life and make it better. Nothing is stopping you, only yourself. Try using these five positive things in your life. Don’t be scared of making changes, be brave and go for it!

You might have some “heart in mouth” moments, but it’s all part of living your best life.

After making these changes, you will wonder why you had never done them before. You can look back on your life, smile, and cherish the happy moments of change in your life. All you have to do now is get excited about the life waiting for you around the corner. You are about to create a better life than you have already. Embrace it, own it, and above all, enjoy it!