Ep 236 9 Midlife Lessons You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

In a first of its kind on the Midlife Fulfilled podcast, Bernie is joined by nine (9) guests for a panel-style episode. The result was a 75-minute conversation that captured decades of wisdom, insights, and inspiration. 

Bernie Sets the Stage for the Panel: Each guest shares insights based on a question they selected from a pre-shared list.

Transformations in Understanding Fulfillment Over Time: Lydia O’Malley discusses how marriage, parenthood, and career growth shifted her approach to fulfillment from individual achievements to impact, connection, and legacy.

Fulfillment and Legacy: Aimee Carlson explores how fulfillment shapes legacy from viewing it as something for “later” to realizing legacy is created in daily actions and energy now.

Health, Fitness, and Fulfillment: Heather Johll discusses how drastic weight loss and improved fitness impacted her confidence, leadership, and energy, along with the interplay of discipline, self-love, and ongoing self-improvement. John Ryan shares similar sentiments around fitness as foundational to life and work, and the power of discipline, confidence, and body language.

The Role of Mindset and Boundaries in Fulfillment: Chelly Conley explores the shift from a survival mindset to one grounded in boundaries and alignment. She realized that “getting ahead” without direction isn’t fulfilling, and the importance of saying “no” to protect one’s alignment with core values over external validations.

Advice to Your Younger Self About Fulfillment: Eldridge Bravo reflects on the difference between instant gratification and fulfillment, avoiding society’s definitions of success and focusing on building a life anchored in personal values, relationships, and contribution.

Evolving Definitions of Success: Elizabeth Rosner describes her journey linking success to fulfillment, particularly after retiring. Success previously tied to external achievement is now centered on personal alignment, agape love, and making a meaningful impact, along with the importance of creativity, interconnection, and personal values.

Supporting Fulfillment for People Over 40 in the Workplace: Rich Cruz discusses what leaders and organizations can do to foster fulfillment for mature employees. He emphasizes the value of generativity, mentorship, and knowledge transfer, the significance of psychological safety, social connection, and acknowledging physiological and emotional changes in midlife.

The Ongoing Fulfillment Journey: Sarah Hatfield shares her thoughts on striving for ongoing fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of alignment, staying curious, and viewing fulfillment as an evolving process without a finish line.

Closing Reflections: 

This is a high-level summary of the collective wisdom of these nine inspiring individuals. A longer version of this summary, including links to each participant's LinkedIn profile, is on the website. 

If you would like to participate in a future group podcast recording, join the waitlist below. 👇🏼

Group Podcast Recording Waitlist

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

Music attribution:
Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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