Unpacking the Stories That Keep Us Stuck
Before you leap into your next chapter, let’s pause. Because sometimes, the thing holding us back isn’t lack of opportunity, more often than not, it’s the story we tell ourselves. These stories aren’t fiction. They were often built from real moments:
• A past failure
• A critical comment that stuck
• A cultural message repeated a thousand times
• A fear dressed up as “being realistic”
And over time, those stories take root in our minds:
“I’m too old.”
“I should’ve figured this out by now.”
“People like me don’t do that.”
“It’s too late to change.”
This week, we’re gently unpacking those beliefs so you can make space for truth and transformation.
Where Our Limiting Beliefs Come From
Most of us inherited scripts without even realizing it.
• From parents: “Stability over passion.”
• From society: “Midlife means decline.”
• From gender roles: “It’s selfish to want more.”
• From experiences: “I failed before—I’ll fail again.”
These messages shape our choices. They whisper when we dream big. They tap our shoulder when we start to step forward. But here’s the key, you are allowed to question the script. You are the narrator now.
Rewriting the Story
Let’s imagine two voices:
Inner Critic:
• “You’re being unrealistic.”
• “What if you look foolish?”
• “You don’t have what it takes.”
Wise Self:
• “Your desire is valid.”
• “You’ve overcome so much already.”
• “You’re allowed to grow, at any age.”
Which voice do you feed?
Which one do you want to lead your next chapter?
The Power of a Midlife Rewrite
Reinvention doesn’t begin with action. It begins with belief. When you challenge a limiting story, you unlock a new possibility. You don’t erase the past, you edit the narrative to reflect the truth:
“I’m not too old. I’m seasoned.”
“I’m not behind. I’m ready.”
“It’s not selfish to dream—it’s self-honoring.”
Try This: The Story Swap
Take one belief that feels heavy. Now, rewrite it from the perspective of your future self—the one who said yes to reinvention.
Old story: “I’m not tech-savvy enough to try this.”
Rewritten truth: “I’ve learned new things my whole life. I’m capable of learning this, too.”
Old story: “People will judge me for starting over.”
Rewritten truth: “The people who matter will admire my courage.”
Write your new story. Then speak it. Then live it.
Next Week: Your Life Resume — What You’ve Built That Matters
Before we jump into what’s next, we’ll reflect on what you already bring to the table—experience, wisdom, skills, and heart.
Week 2 Reflection Worksheet
Unpacking the Stories That Keep Us Stuck
Name: ________________________
Date: _________________________
1. Identify the Script
What’s a belief you’ve carried that might be holding you back?
Where do you think it came from?
2. Challenge It
Is that belief absolutely true?
What evidence do you have that challenges it?
3. Rewrite It
Reframe the story from your wise, compassionate self:
Old belief: _________________________________________________________
New truth: _________________________________________________________
4. Imagine the Impact
If you believed that new story deeply, how would your actions change?
5. Gentle Step
What’s one small action you can take this week to live your new story?
Affirmation: “I am not my old story. I am the author of what comes next.”