People who have successfully started over later in life usually display these 8 strengths, according to psychology

Have you ever wondered what it takes to start fresh later in life?

People who succeed in doing so tend to display strengths like adaptability, self-reflection, and a fearless approach to learning new skills.

These qualities help them turn challenges into opportunities.

In this article, we’ll dive into these strengths, exploring how they play a vital role in overcoming challenges and paving the way for new beginnings in the later stages of life.

1) Embracing change

Starting over in life is often a result of monumental changes, be it in relationships, career, location, or even personal values.

Such changes can appear intimidating and disorienting, especially later in life when comfort zones are well-established.

For those who have successfully navigated this transition, the key strength they exhibit is an openness to change.

They do not view change as an unwelcome disruption but as an opportunity for growth and exploration.

This perspective aligns with the psychological concept of cognitive flexibility or the ability to adapt one’s thinking in response to new situations or information.

Cognitive flexibility is a core component of resilience and is linked to better stress management and improved problem-solving skills.

In the face of uncertainty, these people lean into the discomfort, viewing it not as a threat but as a chance to tap into their creative potential.

They find innovative ways to adapt to their new circumstances, demonstrating that it’s never too late to learn and grow.

2) Taking responsibility for their lives

Another common strength among people who have successfully started over later in life is a deep sense of personal responsibility.

They understand that while external circumstances do play a part, ultimately, it is their responses to these circumstances that shape their lives.

In psychology, this concept is referred to as the “locus of control“. People with an internal locus of control believe that they have a significant influence over the events in their lives.

This belief empowers them to take proactive steps towards change, rather than feeling helpless or victimized by their situation.

My own journey through life has taught me the transformative power of taking ownership of our actions.

In my experience, acknowledging our role in our current circumstances can be humbling, but it’s also incredibly liberating. It’s the first step towards reclaiming our power and shaping our future according to our deepest values.

As the renowned author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.”

3) Cultivating resilience

Resilience is a crucial trait displayed by those who’ve successfully started over later in life.

It’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of adversity.

This quality is not inherent but can be developed over time through conscious practice and mindset shifts.

Building resilience involves acknowledging our fears, accepting them, and learning to manage them effectively.

It’s about understanding that failure is not final but a stepping stone in our journey towards success. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.

In my video on the imposter syndrome, I discuss how feeling like an “imposter” is not a flaw but a sign of deep self-awareness.

It can serve as a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment, encouraging us to embrace our vulnerabilities and recognize our achievements without external validation.

I believe that resilience is crucial when starting over, as it equips us with the strength to navigate unfamiliar territories and overcome challenges that come our way.

I invite you to watch this video for deeper insights into embracing vulnerabilities and fostering resilience.

4) Aligning with personal values

A significant strength of those who successfully start over later in life is their clear alignment with personal values.

They understand what truly matters to them, and they make decisions that reflect these values.

Aligning our actions with our deepest beliefs is not always a straightforward task.

It requires honest self-reflection and the courage to stand up for what we hold dear, even if it goes against societal norms or expectations.

Many times, we find ourselves living a life designed by others – be it parents, peers, or society at large.

We chase goals that are deemed desirable, often neglecting what truly brings us contentment and fulfillment.

But those who manage to reinvent themselves later in life have broken free from this mold.

They’ve dared to ask themselves tough questions about what they truly want from life and have taken steps to align their actions with these realizations.

As I’ve often reiterated in my work and personal journey, prosperity is about aligning our financial decisions and life choices with our deepest values.

It’s not just about accumulating wealth or achieving societal success but about cultivating a sense of purpose and ethical participation in the world.

Living in alignment with our values is not only deeply fulfilling but also empowers us to be a force for positive change in the world.

5) Building supportive communities

No man is an island. This age-old adage holds true, especially for those who manage to successfully start over later in life.

One of the critical strengths they possess is the ability to build and nurture supportive communities and authentic relationships.

Starting anew can be a lonely journey. New paths often mean leaving behind familiar faces and places.

However, those successful in this journey understand the profound importance of human connections. They invest time and effort into cultivating relationships based on mutual respect and empathy.

It’s through these connections that they find the courage to pursue their dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.

These relationships become their safety net, providing emotional support, practical help, and companionship along their journey.

6) Welcoming failure

Society often conditions us to fear failure. We’re taught to avoid it at all costs, to view it as a sign of our inadequacy.

However, those who’ve successfully started over later in life understand that failure isn’t a foe but a friend.

They see setbacks not as a measure of their worth but as valuable feedback. It’s through these failures that they learn, adapt, and evolve.

They view each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and learning, an invitation to tap into their creative potential and find innovative solutions.

Instead of being discouraged by failure, they choose to embrace it. They understand that every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility.

It’s this perspective that enables them to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead seems littered with obstacles.

Welcoming failure requires a shift in mindset – from one that fears mistakes to one that values learning and growth above perfection.

It’s about cultivating self-compassion, challenging limiting beliefs, and acknowledging that we’re all works in progress.

This belief aligns with my conviction that obstacles and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.

By choosing to view failure as feedback rather than a verdict on our worth, we become more resilient and better equipped to navigate life’s complexities.

7) Harnessing the power of self-awareness

Among the arsenal of strengths that those who’ve successfully started over later in life possess, one stands out – self-awareness.

This is the ability to introspect, to understand one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

Self-awareness is the foundation upon which we build change. It’s through understanding ourselves that we can identify our strengths and areas for improvement.

It’s through this knowledge that we can make conscious decisions in line with our values and aspirations.

Those who’ve successfully started over have often done the inner work necessary to confront their fears, challenge their limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion.

They understand their triggers, their coping mechanisms, and their patterns of behavior. This understanding allows them to make changes that are not just superficial but transformative.

8) Being a conscious participant in life

Finally, those who’ve successfully started over later in life are not passive observers but active participants in their lives.

They recognize that every decision they make is a vote for the kind of life they want to lead and the kind of world they want to live in.

They understand that every financial choice they make is a reflection of their values and aspirations.

They strive to direct their resources towards businesses and initiatives that promote social good, contributing to a more just and sustainable future.

In my video on personal freedom hacks, I discuss how personal freedom is about taking control of your own happiness, defining your own success, and living life on your own terms.

It’s about making conscious choices that align with our deepest values, which is a crucial aspect of being an active participant in our lives.