Whether you want a career reboot, better health, new hobbies or a complete life overhaul—starting over can be empowering, regardless of your age. Changing with purpose enables you to adjust your path while prioritising exactly what matters to you. Here are seven tips you can put into action to help you start living the life you want and deserve:
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Financial Clutter Be Gone!
Out-of-date financial records, files, bills, unused subscriptions—it’s endless money clutter you just don’t need. This is a great opportunity to streamline your finances, allowing you to budget, sort out debt, and switch to online tax returns. If the way you’re starting over requires you to get to grips with your money, a financial decluttering session is a smart first step.
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Have A Goal That Excites You As Much As It Inspires You
The Guardian recently published research suggesting humans are unhappiest in our 40s. In reality, things can feel flat at any time of life—it depends on many more factors than age alone. That’s why it is important to set goals that are meaningful and exciting. Clear, realistic targets set out in achievable, small steps, can pull us out of that low, flat feeling and give us purpose again.
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Stay Curious
Starting fresh means being open to learning again, which means firing up your curiosity. Whether you are learning new skills, getting more educated, or even learning who you are as a person, embracing growth gives you the chance to move forward and bring new meaning to your future in many ways.
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Build & Nurture A Support System
Studies tell us that social support makes us more likely to achieve our goals. Starting over does not mean going it alone. So set your goals, and surround yourself with the people you know will help you reach them.
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Always Put Your Health & Wellness First
Even if your goals aren’t health related, you need to be strong in your body and mind to reach any new goal you set. So it always pays to build up your physical and mental health foundations. It is never too late to start moving more and eating in a more healthful way.
We know that foods packed full of nutrients can enhance the production of feel-good hormones in the body. This is an easy, natural way to propel yourself towards success. Moving more is the same. It helps you generate better vibes naturally. So, whatever your fresh start entails, prioritising your physical and mental vibrancy is a great idea.
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Take It One Day At A Time
Starting over is a process, not a destination. Remember, as long as you’re moving forward, you’re progressing towards a brighter future. This includes setbacks—it’s all a learning curve, and it’s natural for that curve to have a few bumps in it.
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Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Professional Support
Starting over can be incredible, but in some cases, particularly when you have started over through necessity—i.e. with divorce, redundancy, or after a health challenge—it can feel like things are really hopeless. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help, if you are feeling low about your new future.
About 12% of adults in the UK are receiving mental health treatment (including medication and/or therapy). In Australia, it’s around 17.4%, while in the US, that figure is closer to 20%. In other words, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If things feel challenging beyond the usual lows, speak to your GP or a private therapist—it’s the first step to turning this unexpected new start into a bright future full of things to be happy about.
Starting over at any age is daunting, but it’s always doable. Focus on being kind to yourself and getting the support you need. It’s never too late to start again. In fact, this fresh start could be the way you get the life you’ve always dreamed of—stranger things have happened!