By the time you hit 40, you’ve likely realized a few things: life doesn’t get easier, but you sure as hell get better at handling it.
Whether you’re juggling career, motherhood, or trying to keep it all together without completely losing your mind, 40 is the sweet spot where wisdom and experience converge.
You’ve survived decades of societal expectations, personal doubts, and ahem questionable life choices, and now it’s time to really lean into the lessons you’ve gathered along the way.
Here’s a list of things we should all know by 40. Take it to heart, add a little humor, and sprinkle in some self-discipline to empower the next chapter of your life.
Leverage is Key: Why Some Make 10x More Than You
Ever wonder why someone working a regular 9-5 makes ten times more than you? It’s not because they’re working harder; it’s because they’ve figured out how to make their work more impactful.
Leverage, baby.
Whether they’re leading a team, running a business, or using their network strategically, they’re making their work stretch farther. If you’re still stuck in the “I’ll just work harder” mindset, it’s time to pivot.
Learn to leverage your skills, time, and connections to create more value, not just more hours worked.
Takeaway: Work smarter, not harder. Create impact, not just effort.
Distractions Are Success Killers
We all have that moment when you sit down to work, and 45 minutes later, you’re deep into a TikTok rabbit hole watching someone make a five-tier cake. Distraction isn’t just a time-waster; it’s a success killer. Whether it’s social media, constant emails, or shiny new projects, distractions slowly erode your ability to focus on what really matters.
Challenge: Cut one major distraction this week. See how much more productive and less frazzled you feel.
Be Selective About Who You Take Advice From
Stop taking life advice from your cousin who hasn’t left the couch in three years. If someone isn’t where you want to be in life, their advice probably won’t get you there either.
It’s that simple. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, push you, and challenge your thinking.
Do Differently: Seek out mentors or colleagues who are crushing it in the areas you aspire to grow in.
No One Is Coming to Save You
The harsh reality of adulting: no one’s going to swoop in and solve your problems. Your life is 100% your responsibility.
You’ve probably spent years nurturing, taking care of everyone else, and making sure all the balls are still in the air. But at 40, it’s time to own your path, your choices, and your success.
Mindset Shift: Empower yourself by taking full ownership of your life, your actions, and your outcomes.
You Don’t Need 100 Self-Help Books
How many times have you bought a self-help book, flipped through it, and then set it aside to collect dust? You don’t need another one. What you need is action.
Self-discipline is the magic sauce that turns goals into reality. You already know what you need to do—now go out and do it.
Challenge: Pick one thing you’ve been putting off. Start today. Take action, and don’t stop until it’s done.
Sales Skills = Life Skills
Unless you’re in a profession like medicine or engineering, you can probably learn more in 90 days of sales training than you ever did in four years of college.
Sales isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about understanding people, solving problems, and creating value. These skills apply to every part of life—whether you’re negotiating a promotion or getting your kid to eat their vegetables.
Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of persuasion. Start learning how to sell yourself and your ideas.
Stop Waiting for Permission
No one cares about your insecurities. The world isn’t waiting to give you permission to succeed, so why are you? Stop being shy, stop waiting for validation, and start creating your own opportunities. At 40, there’s no time left to sit on the sidelines.
Do Differently: Go after something you’ve been hesitant about. Whether it’s asking for that raise or starting a new project—just go for it.
Collaboration > Competition
You’re not the smartest person in the room—and that’s a good thing. If you find someone smarter than you, work with them, don’t compete. Life isn’t a zero-sum game, and there’s enough success to go around.
Challenge: The next time you feel the urge to compete, shift your mindset to collaborate instead.
Stop Settling for Comfort
Comfort zones are dangerous. Sure, they feel good, but staying too comfortable is a one-way ticket to stagnation and, frankly, boredom. Growth happens when you’re uncomfortable, so stop settling for “good enough.”
Do Differently: Push yourself out of your comfort zone this week. It could be in work, fitness, or even your personal life—just try something new.
Don’t Air All Your Laundry
Not everyone needs to know all your business. While it’s great to be open and honest, there’s also value in maintaining privacy. Keep some things to yourself, and save your energy for the people and situations that matter most.
Takeaway: Be selective about what and who you share your personal life with.
Your New Family Is the Most Important One
The family you create—whether that’s your spouse, kids, or close circle—is more important than the one you came from. At 40, it’s time to focus on nurturing those relationships. Prioritize the people who lift you up, support you, and help you grow.
Do Differently: Make time this week to invest in your closest relationships. Your future self will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Hitting 40 isn’t the end of something; it’s the beginning of a new chapter where you’re wiser, more resilient, and ready to conquer whatever comes next.
Remember, life isn’t about checking off boxes or chasing perfection. It’s about embracing your journey, learning from it, and evolving as you go.
So, what’s the next thing you’re going to handle? Write it down, and start making moves.
Last modified: September 9, 2024
