In your 50's or Beyond? 7 Reasons NOW Is the Perfect Time to Do Something Wild
Because your age is your greatest asset.
A few weeks ago, I caught myself mid-thought, staring at my own face in the bathroom mirror and thinking…
“I can’t possibly post videos on TikTok. I’m 52. Who wants to see this wrinkly mug?”
Never mind that half the wrinkles only appear under dodgy hotel lighting, or that the jowls aren’t quite as gravity-defiant as I imagine (I hope).
That voice. The one that says I’m too old, too late, too invisible, can be loud, and relentless.
But then I remind myself of a phrase I once heard from author Mark Manson;
'Believe what's useful, not necessarily what's true!'
And what a great mantra that is to live by! Because if we listen too often to the fabricated stories we've made up in our heads we stand the chance of missing the most exciting, liberating chapter of our lives.
So if you’ve ever felt like you’ve missed the boat, whether it’s starting a business, travelling around the world, writing your book, or dancing like a maniac on TikTok, this one’s for you.
Here are 7 truths that might just shift how you see midlife.
1. No One’s Watching You (and That’s Your Superpower)
We grow up thinking everyone is paying attention.
Good news. They’re not.
Especially once you hit 50+. You become almost invisible in a world obsessed with youth, and while that might sound depressing, it’s actually the most freeing thing in the world.
You can experiment, reinvent, try something wild, mess up and start again without anyone blinking.
The spotlight’s off. Now’s your time to play.
2. Your Wrinkles Are Not the Problem
We think we need smoother skin, tighter thighs, or a younger face to start a YouTube channel, launch a course or even make new connections in a different country. But what people actually want is realness. (Especially as AI takes over the world).
They want to learn, listen, and connect with someone who’s been around the block (and maybe a few continents).
The fastest-growing content creators on social media right now?
40+, 50+, 60+ men & women sharing insights, advice, and stories shaped by real-world experience, not just theory & and trending audio.
You don’t need to look 25. You need to sound like you know who you are, because you do.
3. Midlife Confidence Isn’t Automatic, It’s Built
I used to think that by 50 I’d have unshakable self-belief and a wardrobe full of linen trousers.
What I have instead is a healthy respect for my inner critic, dodgy knees, and the confidence that comes from doing things in spite of my fears (which are many).
Confidence isn’t a gift of age. It’s a byproduct of action.
The more you try new things, from publishing your first video to launching a new business, to navigating a new city solo with nothing but your laptop and a sense of direction, the louder your confidence gets. Even if your knees crack every time you stand up. (Just me?)
4. The World Needs Your Experience (Even If You Don’t Think So Yet)
We live in a digital age that sometimes feels like it’s built for 20-somethings with ring lights and podcast studios. But scroll a little deeper and you’ll find a powerful shift happening.
People are craving wisdom & depth. Calm in the noise.
They want guides, not gurus.
And guess who’s perfectly positioned to offer that? You, with your 20+ years of career experience, problem-solving, parenting, life lessons and perspective.
You're not out of touch. You’re the mentor someone else is praying to meet.
5. Starting Over Isn’t a Setback, It’s a Super Skill
We talk about “starting over” like it’s a tragedy.
But reinvention is one of the most valuable skills you can have.
Whether you’ve been made redundant, hit burnout, gone through divorce, or just woken up one day thinking “surely this isn’t it”. That awareness is your launchpad.
Starting something new in your 50s & beyond is powerful. You’ve got clarity. Boundaries. And no desire to waste time doing things you hate.
That’s not a setback. That’s a shortcut.
6. The Data’s On Your Side
Think it’s too late to start a business or become a digital nomad? The stats would like a word.
✔️ In the UK, 35% of small businesses are started by people over 50
✔️ In the US, 60% of new entrepreneurs are over 40
✔️ The average founder is now 45 years old
✔️ Nearly 1 in 3 digital nomads are over 50 and rising
And most 50+ entrepreneurs aren’t chasing unicorn start-ups. They’re building businesses that offer freedom, purpose, and flexibility.
They’re not into hustle culture, but they’re not yet chasing retirement either.
They want something better.
7. You Don’t Have to Know It All, You Just Have to Begin
TikTok. Shopify. Substack. Canva. AI. Online business can feel like a foreign language.
But every tool you’ll ever need to build a portable income is learnable, or delegateable.
You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to take the first step. Learn one new thing this month. Then another next month. Progress is progress, even when it’s slow.
Believe me, when I started online, I didn't even know websites began with https:// (and I was brutally corrected in The Warrior Forum if anyone remembers that). Every tech trick I now know I've learned, one step at a time.
And if you really hate tech? Hire a teenager. Or ask ChatGPT (I hear she’s good 😉).
Here’s the Bottom Line
You’re not too old to start over. You’re not behind and you’re absolutely not close to being done.
You’re in the best possible position to create a life that's true to you — whether that means living in flip-flops, running a soulful side hustle, or posting your first (slightly shaky) video online.
You get to choose what your next chapter looks like.
So change your thought process and as Mark Manson says, start believing what’s useful, whether it’s true or not.
Then get out there and make something happen!
Free Workshop
Join me on 28th July for Freedom After 50! A free live workshop for 50+ freedom seekers who want to fund their travels, create a flexible lifestyle, and finally stop waiting for “someday.”
Discover a clear, grounded path to portable income, purpose, and your boldest, best years yet, starting right now.
Great advice. And for anyone who is worried about not getting hired by the youngsters at corporations and such as we age, going solo and starting something new totally bypassed the problem of HR picking a know-nothing 20 year old. Just hire yourself and start!
You think you're invisible at 52? Just wait til you're 72 or more!
Anyway, everything you've written here is true.
I published my first picture book at 60 and have 4 more since. My agent (finally got one) is shopping around a few more.
Still, shit happens: strokes, falls, lost lifelong friendships, deaths, loved ones diagnosed with dementia, and more as time swiftly passes.
Today, I'm grateful I can walk, but I'm still here and my brain works.
Good luck with your new venture. I'm sure it will be a success.