The “midlife crisis” is actually your best friend

Mar 23

Written By Erica Hanlon

OMG! THE MIDLIFE CRISIS! PANIC!!!

We’ve all seen the clichés — the 80s movie montage, the red sports car, the hair plugs, the divorce.

The phrase “midlife crisis” gets thrown around like it’s a punchline. But what if it’s not something to fear or mock?

What if your midlife crisis is actually trying to help you?

The Midlife “Crisis” Is Real. But It’s Not What You Think

Let’s get this out of the way first: midlife dissatisfaction is real.

Research shows happiness tends to dip in midlife - even in other primates (yes, chimps and orangutans hit a slump too).

It’s not a personal failure. It’s biology.

If you’re feeling restless, unmotivated, or like your “pretty good” life doesn’t feel as fulfilling as it should, nothing’s wrong with you.

You’re just hitting a psychological turning point. One that opens up important doors.

So… What’s the Crisis?

The “crisis” part is just bad marketing.

Most midlife crises don’t look like burning down your life and buying a sports car.
They look like this:

You’ve achieved most of what you set out to do, but it feels hollow.
You’re bored, even though you’re “successful.”
You feel guilty for not being happier.
You keep wondering, “Is this all there is?”

Sound familiar?

That’s not a meltdown. That’s awakening.

Why the Midlife Slump Is Actually a Gift

Here’s the reframe:
You’ve spent the first half of your adult life building stability - career, relationships, home, family.

Now that you’re financially stable-ish and not trying to survive puberty (yours or your kids’), your brain finally has space to ask bigger questions.

Scientists think that dip in happiness is nature’s way of nudging you toward growth.

“Hey you with the minivan! You’re safe now. It’s time to figure out what you really want.”

This isn’t a breakdown. It’s an invitation.

5 Things to Do When You Hit the “Midlife Meh”

1. Get Curious About What You Really Want

Stop judging yourself for wanting more. Curiosity leads to clarity. And clarity leads to energy.

Ask:

What feels boring right now?
What used to excite me that I’ve let go of?
What would I do if I didn’t care what anyone thought?

2. Redefine Success

Midlife is when “achievement” stops being enough. It’s time to ask what meaning looks like.

Maybe that’s freedom. Impact. Creativity. Or just peace.

3. Stop Outsourcing Your Worth

You don’t need to keep proving yourself through work, titles, or other people’s approval.

You’ve earned the right to decide what your time, energy, and talent are worth.

4. Take (Smart) Risks

This is the season to experiment. Take that class. Start the business. Move cities.
Your brain thrives on novelty.
It’s not too late; it’s just finally possible.

5. Invest in Yourself

Your kids have coaches. Athletes have coaches. Executives have coaches.
You deserve one too.
The fastest way to get unstuck is to stop doing it alone.

The Bottom Line

The midlife crisis isn’t a sign your life is falling apart.
It’s proof you’ve outgrown the old version of it.

Mother Nature doesn’t want you to settle.
She wants you to expand. To redefine what happiness means for you.

This is your time to stop living by “supposed to” and start living by “want to.”

Because this isn’t the end of something.
It’s the start of something better.

Ready to Turn Your Midlife Crisis into a Breakthrough?

If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start creating a life that actually feels fulfilling, I can help.

I coach high-achievers through career pivots, confidence crises, and those “Is this it?” moments that come with success.

Book a free coaching consult. Let’s turn your midlife crisis into your next big chapter.

Let's connect

Denver life and career coach Erica Hanlon

Hi! I’m Erica

Wife to Brendan. Mom to twins + one. Dog mom. Slow runner. Coffee drinker. GIF enthusiast.

I’m a licensed mental health therapist and life coach and career coach. I help you accomplish in 6 months that thing you’ve been thinking about doing for years.