Midlife Matters: Linda Butler
Embracing a growth mindset for women over 50 is more than a trend — it’s a powerful tool for reinventing ourselves, staying relevant, and thriving in today’s ever-changing world.
We are a new generation entering midlife and beyond, actively redefining what life over 50 can look like. Instead of seeing aging as limiting, we’re proving that continuous growth and adaptation can be hallmarks of this and any stage of life.
The stereotypes of aging suggest we become less adaptable and more resistant to change. However, our generation is shattering those outdated assumptions daily. We’re launching businesses, mastering new technologies, and reimagining our futures with enthusiasm and determination.
“The stereotypes of aging suggest we become less adaptable and more resistant to change.”
Leveraging Strengths Vs. Developing New Skills:
In my former role as a Corporate HR Leader and now as a Coach for high-achieving professional midlife women, I often advised clients to “play to their strengths” rather than dwell on weaknesses. This advice served many well for years.
However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. While understanding your strengths and unique zone of genius remains crucial, today’s rapidly changing world demands more. The steep change curves from rapid technology advancements and societal disruptions mean relying solely on established strengths is no longer sufficient.
Furthermore, as many of us navigate longer lifespans, we face new concerns about maintaining financial security and healthy lifestyles. As a result, many of us will work longer, differently, and through various life chapters than previous generations.
Embracing A Growth Mindset For Women Over 50:
This new reality requires embracing a growth mindset at midlife. We should challenge ourselves daily and believe we can develop new skills regardless of our age. In fact, Neuroscience shows the brain retains plasticity throughout life, capable of forming new neural connections and mastering new abilities.
When we approach learning with curiosity rather than fear, we discover untapped potential within ourselves. Each new skill builds confidence for the next challenge. Learning something new isn’t always comfortable; it often involves productive struggle. But that discomfort signals growth.
Fighting Workplace Ageism:
Combating workplace ageism is a collective responsibility. Let’s work together to actively resist feeding into prevalent stereotypes about older employees being unwilling to learn, resistant to change, or incapable of mastering new technologies.
Have you ever joked about relying on your children or grandchildren to navigate new tech tools? Be mindful of how self-deprecating humor like this can develop into a fixed mindset, a self-fulfilling prophecy, where you believe yourself incapable of learning. If you choose not to learn something, acknowledge that as a choice you made, rather than claiming inability. Reject limiting narratives if you want to remain actively involved and valued as you age.
Balancing Experience With Growth:
It can be tempting to rest on our laurels – our years of experience, resilience, and ability to navigate difficult times. Indeed, we have valuable wisdom to offer younger generations through our hard-won knowledge.
Yet our growth doesn’t have to stop at midlife. Change is inevitable, and if we want to shape our own futures, we must embrace continuous learning and exploration. This balance of honoring experience while remaining future-focused represents the new paradigm of aging.
” Change is inevitable, and if we want to shape our own futures, we must embrace continuous learning and exploration.”
Taking Ownership:
The choice is ours. We can accept limiting stereotypes about aging or actively challenge them through continuous learning and adaptation. By developing new skills, staying curious, and maintaining a growth mindset, we demonstrate that midlife and beyond is not a period of decline but a transformation.
Our generation isn’t just aging differently; we’re creating an entirely new blueprint for lifelong relevance, contribution, and growth. The path forward is ours to shape – let’s embrace it fully.
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About the Author:
Linda C. Butler, a former HR executive turned entrepreneur and coach, is passionate about empowering midlife professional women to become the CEOs of their own lives. After navigating her own transformative journey following a layoff at age 50, Linda now leverages her extensive corporate leadership experience and neuroscience-based coaching expertise to help women redefine personal success on their terms.
She focuses on uncovering and overcoming limiting beliefs, embracing authentic leadership styles, and establishing healthy boundaries. Her holistic approach ensures a harmonious blend of career, family, and personal health and well-being for a more fulfilling second chapter. Linda’s mission is to inspire midlife women to stop settling and become the architects of the future they truly deserve. You can find Linda here, on Linden Lotus Consulting.
