How To Build Confidence in Midlife

Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many women in mid-life: building confidence.

At this stage of life, confidence can feel like a fleeting thing. Maybe you’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome, the fear of failure, or a sense that you’re not as capable as you once were. Add to that the challenges of aging, health concerns, and shifting roles, and it’s no wonder our confidence can take a hit. I noticed some fine lines and wrinkles on my face and almost cried. I thought I looked old. I had to remind myself that those things don’t define me. Instead, they give me character.

But here’s the thing: Confidence isn’t about looking a certain way or having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself, embracing your worth, and stepping into this season of life with courage and authenticity.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

• What imposter syndrome is and why it might feel stronger in mid-life.
• The common reasons we lose confidence during this time.
• How losing our sense of purpose can affect our self-worth.
• And empowering exercises to rebuild and strengthen your confidence.

Plus, I’ll share how you can download my free Self-Confidence Checklist to start taking actionable steps toward a more confident you.

Transcript

Hello, and welcome back.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many women in mid-life: building confidence.

At this stage of life, confidence can feel like a fleeting thing. Maybe you’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome, the fear of failure, or a sense that you’re not as capable as you once were. Add to that the challenges of aging, health concerns, and shifting roles, and it’s no wonder our confidence can take a hit. I noticed some fine lines and wrinkles on my face and almost cried. I thought I looked old. I had to remind myself that those things don’t define me. Instead, they give me character.

But here’s the thing: Confidence isn’t about looking a certain way or having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself, embracing your worth, and stepping into this season of life with courage and authenticity.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

• What imposter syndrome is and why it might feel stronger in mid-life.
• The common reasons we lose confidence during this time.
• How losing our sense of purpose can affect our self-worth.
• And empowering exercises to rebuild and strengthen your confidence.

Plus, I’ll share how you can download my free Self-Confidence Checklist to start taking actionable steps toward a more confident you.

Alright, let’s dive in.

Let’s start by talking about imposter syndrome—a term that’s been buzzing around a lot lately. Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, even when you’ve clearly achieved success. It’s the voice in your head that says, What if they find out I’m not as capable as they think?

For many of us in mid-life, this fear becomes amplified. Maybe you’ve left a long career, and now you’re asking yourself if you still have what it takes. Or maybe you’ve been out of the workforce for years and are unsure if you can jump back in.

The fear of failure often goes hand-in-hand with this. We worry about what others might think if we try something new and don’t succeed. We fear looking foolish or making mistakes. But here’s the truth: Confidence doesn’t come from never failing—it comes from knowing you can handle failure and grow from it.

Now let’s talk about why mid-life seems to chip away at our confidence. There are several factors at play here.

1. Physical Changes:
   As we age, we may no longer feel as youthful or energetic as we once did. The signs of aging—like gray hair, wrinkles, or health concerns—can leave us feeling less vibrant or even invisible.
2. Shifting Roles:
   If you’ve recently retired, dealt with grief, become an empty nester, or gone through a divorce, you might feel like you’ve lost a part of your identity. When our roles change, it’s easy to feel like we’re no longer needed or valued in the same way.
3. Comparisons:
   Social media doesn’t help either, does it? We compare ourselves to others—those who seem to have it all together—and feel like we’re falling short.
4. Loss of Purpose:
   When our daily routines and responsibilities shift, we might struggle to see where we fit in or what we’re meant to do. Losing our sense of purpose can make us question our worth and leave us feeling stuck.

It’s important to recognize these feelings and acknowledge that they’re normal. But the good news is, they’re not permanent.

Losing confidence can show up in all kinds of ways. Here are some common examples:

• Avoiding new opportunities because you don’t feel ‘good enough.’
• Doubting your decisions, even small ones.
• Feeling like you’re not attractive, capable, or worthy anymore.
• Being overly critical of yourself, especially when trying something new.

Do any of these resonate with you? If so, let me reassure you: These feelings are valid, but they’re not the whole story. You have the power to shift them and rebuild your confidence step by step.

Let’s talk about how to rebuild your confidence. Here are some empowering exercises you can try:

1. Create a ‘Wins’ List:
   Write down every achievement you’re proud of—big or small. Maybe it’s raising a family, succeeding in your career, or learning a new skill. Keep this list handy and revisit it whenever self-doubt creeps in. Simply cleaning up my house was a big win for me after my son passed away.
2. Practice Positive Affirmations:
   Replace negative self-talk with affirmations like:
    
   • I am strong and capable.
3.  
   • I deserve happiness and success.
4.  
   • I am enough just as I am.
5.  
6. Say these aloud to yourself daily—it’s a powerful way to reprogram your thoughts.
7. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone:
   Confidence grows when we face our fears. Start with small challenges, like trying a new hobby, meeting new people, or taking on a project you’ve been putting off.
8. Focus on Self-Care:
   Take care of your body and mind. Eat well, stay active, and prioritize rest. When you feel good physically, it’s easier to feel confident emotionally.Take that bubble bath with a glass of wine or get a massage.
9. Reconnect with Your Purpose:
   Spend time journaling or reflecting on what truly matters to you. What brings you joy? What are your passions? Rediscovering your purpose can reignite your sense of self-worth and direction.

When you start building your confidence, it creates a ripple effect in your life. You’ll find yourself more willing to take risks, embrace new opportunities, and connect with others on a deeper level.

Confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about trusting yourself and knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way. And remember, confidence is like a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger it gets.

Mid-life might shake your confidence, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. By challenging imposter syndrome, shifting your mindset, and taking small steps toward growth, you can rebuild your confidence and step into this chapter of life with power and purpose.

To help you get started, I’ve created a free Self-Confidence Checklist that you can download from my website, or find the link in the show notes. It’s filled with actionable steps to help you start rebuilding your confidence today. 

If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your next steps, I invite you to book a free 60-minute Purpose Reboot Session with me. Together, we’ll explore where you are, where you want to go, and the best options for getting the support you need to move forward with confidence. Visit AnnieLewellyn.com to schedule your session today!

Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode of Aspire and Achieve with Annie. I hope today’s discussion on confidence gave you the inspiration and tools you need to take a step forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a friend who might benefit from it. Your support means the world to me!

And don’t forget to check out the free resources available on my website atannielewellyn.com—they’re there to help you on your journey.

Join me next Monday at 7 am when we’ll be diving into creating a daily routine that energizes you.  

Remember: you are strong, capable, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer. Until next time, keep aspiring and achieving! You got this!