Welcome to Rethink 40. Here, we explore the reflections, challenges, and opportunities that come with turning 40 (and beyond)—navigating careers, family, and life’s changing priorities. Whether you're looking for clarity, growth, or just a little inspiration, you’re in the right place. 

 

About Me

 

Hi, I’m a married father of 2, and like many of you, I find myself at a crossroads. As I approach 40, I’m navigating one of the most challenging yet pivotal stages of my life. For the past few years, I've been living with my wife, two boys, and mother-in-law, after pressing pause on our dreams of owning a home. The housing market just didn’t and stil doesn't make sense, and instead of forcing the issue, we chose to wait—though the decision hasn’t been easy and we are tested daily with news of new homes hitting the market.

 

At the same time, I’ve found myself questioning my career path and myself as a man. As someone who’s spent years working in sales-centric jobs, I often wonder if this is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. The pressure to get it right—to make sure the next step is the right one—is something I wrestle with every day. Will I feel immense regret on my deathbed, wishing I had spent my days doing something I enjoyed? The fear of making the wrong decision, combined with the self-doubt that comes with turning 40 and feeling like I have accomplished nothing, has been a constant companion. And yet, here I am, rethinking, reflecting, and searching for clarity.

 

Rethink 40 is my space to process these struggles, but it’s more than that. I knwo that there has to be others out there that feel this way. It’s my hope that this blog becomes a community where we can support one another as we face the complexities of midlife. Here, we’ll explore the big questions—about career, purpose, family, and everything in between. My goal isn’t just to share my story, but to help you find inspiration, clarity, and maybe even some answers along the way.

 

So whether you're feeling lost, uncertain, or just curious about what this next chapter holds, you’re not alone. Together, we can rethink, reflect, and redefine what life at 40—and beyond—can be.

 

Let’s figure this out, one step at a time.

 

The Power of Starting Over: Embracing Change and Finding the Courage to Choose a New Path

 

There’s something undeniably liberating about starting over. It’s like a reset button for life—an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and redefine who you are and where you want to go. But let’s be honest: starting over isn’t easy. It takes courage, self-belief, and a willingness to confront the fear of the unknown. Whether it’s changing careers, leaving a relationship, moving to a new place, or simply deciding to see yourself differently, starting over demands more than just a decision—it demands action.

 

I used to think that starting over meant I’d failed. The idea of leaving a job or a path I’d invested so much time and effort in felt like admitting defeat. But what I’ve come to realize is that starting over isn’t about failure; it’s about recognizing when something no longer serves you and having the strength to let it go. It’s about choosing to rewrite the script of your life because you know deep down that there’s more to you than the path you’ve been on.

 

When you choose to start over, you’re choosing to believe in possibilities. You’re choosing to believe in your capacity to grow, learn, and adapt. It’s an act of self-respect because it means you’re not willing to settle for a life that feels off-track or misaligned. And yes, it’s terrifying. The fear of making a mistake, of losing what you’ve built, or of what others will think can be paralyzing. But here’s the thing: staying in a situation that drains you, limits you, or keeps you feeling stuck is far scarier than stepping into the unknown.

 

Why Starting Over Can Be So Energizing

One of the most surprising things about starting over is how it can actually energize you. When you let go of the old, you create space for new ideas, new opportunities, and new perspectives to flow in. It’s like clearing out a cluttered room and feeling that sudden rush of inspiration from all the open space. Suddenly, you’re no longer weighed down by the pressure to keep up appearances or maintain a façade. You’re free to explore, create, and become whoever you want to be.

 

There’s an excitement that comes with a fresh start—a sense of possibility that fuels your motivation and makes you feel alive again. It’s that spark you get when you realize you’re not as limited as you once thought. You’re free to choose a different path, take risks, and redefine your future. The energy that comes from starting over isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional. It’s the sense of empowerment that comes from knowing that you are in control of your life, that you can shape it into whatever you want it to be.

 

The Courage to Choose a New Path

Starting over isn’t about being fearless. It’s about acknowledging your fears and choosing to move forward anyway. It’s having the courage to listen to that voice inside you that says, “This isn’t right for me,” even if it means making difficult changes. Courage doesn’t mean you don’t feel fear; it means you act in spite of it. It means you trust yourself enough to make decisions that honor your growth, even if they’re uncomfortable.

 

I think we’re often afraid to start over because we believe we’ve gone too far down one path to turn back. We get caught up in the sunk cost fallacy—the idea that we’ve invested too much time, energy, or money to abandon something. But the truth is, there’s no expiration date on making changes. You’re never too old, too established, or too committed to shift gears. The only person holding you to that path is you.

 

How to Embrace Change and Start Over with Confidence

If you’re feeling called to start over or change paths, here are a few ways to approach it with confidence and clarity:

Reconnect with Your Core Values: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What values do you want your life to reflect? Use these values as your compass when deciding what needs to change.

 

Release the Fear of Judgment: Remember, this is your life. People may have opinions, but they don’t have to live with your decisions. Choose what’s right for you, not what’s acceptable to others.

 

Focus on What You’re Gaining, Not Losing: Shifting paths may mean letting go of certain things, but focus on what you’re gaining—a chance to rediscover yourself, new opportunities, and the possibility of a more fulfilling life.

 

Start Small, but Start Somewhere: You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Begin with small steps—a new class, a conversation, or a new project. Each small step builds confidence and momentum.

 

Visualize Your Ideal Outcome: Picture yourself in your new path. What does it feel like? Who are you surrounded by? What are you doing? Let this vision fuel your motivation to keep moving forward.

 

Final Thoughts: Starting Over is a Sign of Strength, Not Weakness

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that starting over is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s a testament to your willingness to honor yourself, to trust that you are capable of more, and to believe that it’s never too late to become who you were meant to be. The power of starting over lies in the possibility it brings—the chance to align your life with your deepest desires and values.

 

So, if you’re standing at a crossroads and wondering whether you have it in you to start again, know this: You do. You are stronger and braver than you realize. And every time you choose to trust yourself, you get one step closer to living a life that’s true to who you really are.