The Term Men In Midlife Crisis Is A Myth

Men In Midlife Crisis Is A Myth, So Make It Men With Midlife Opportunities

According to Wikipedia, Midlife Crisis is a term coined in 1965 by Elliott Jaques stating a time where adults come to realize their own mortality and how much time is left in their life. A midlife crisis is experienced by many people during the midlife transition when they realize that life may be more than halfway over.

Did you notice the phrase on which the definition pivots? If you didn’t, let me point it out. It’s at the end of the definition … more than half way over. The assumption that at this point of life it is half way over. Can you then see why men in midlife would want to throw off all constraint and go overboard on such things as excessive spending, seeking out other relationships, become depressed and so on? It’s not hard to see why when one accept this premise, it can create a crisis.

However, what if men in midlife heard that this is the best time of their lives and the most advantageous to accomplish the dreams that eluded them all this time? I believe if they did and were encouraged and shown how, this term would cease to exist. That is my mission to debunk this social construct, which distracts men in midlife from living their best life now. Do you think I’m delusional? Let me know in the comment box below.

I believe that this is the time of life when there can be a more focused approach on life. Why? The time of meandering through life is over. Time is now of an essence. With all the experiences gained in life up to this point, can now be put to good use. It can all be harnessed in becoming more singularly focused.

When I found myself in this stage of life, I looked back from where I came and looked at all that I have learned over the years – my education, work and networking experience, parenting skills, relationship adjustments, money management – just to name a few things on the list, I realized that I was very equipped for the remaining years of my life. I can mentor others, consult, coach, write, speak and in essence, enrich the lives of others. This became an epiphany for me. What a great treasure I now had within me that was waiting to be released.

So what if men in midlife, saw this season of their lives as “the best that is yet to come?” Can you imagine what they could become? What if you were to see this for yourself? Can you imagine what you could become?

I think this is the reason that the study done by the Kaufman Foundation found that over the past 10 years, most company founders were between the ages of 55 and 64. They are the Midlifepreneurs.

I truly believe now is the time to turn this phrase on its head by replacing it with “Midlife Opportunity.” In so doing we would take “Men in midlife crisis” off life support – death to a myth.

What’s your thoughts on this idea? Am I crazy in thinking this way? Do you think there is such thing as midlife crisis? Have you experienced it? I would love to hear from you on this topic, so would you take a few minutes now and leave me your thoughts in the comment box below?