We recently returned from a long weekend road trip to see family. In total, I took three days off. When I came back, I couldn’t help but wonder why I’d even gone at all. I thought I’d prepped well before I left, but a dozen things popped up while I was gone, and I was instantly overwhelmed. Within hours, I was already feeling burned out again.
I caught myself asking, “Why do I even bother?”
Of course, that’s the wrong question. I absolutely need time away. Once I regained my wits, I realized what I actually needed to ask was: What else can I delegate or train on? How can I instill more confidence in my team so they can be more effective—and so I can breathe a little easier?
Around that same time, I found myself dreading certain days on my calendar. Some responsibilities just felt heavier than others. That’s when I revisited my Working Genius assessment—a tool that identifies where your natural gifts (and frustrations) lie. It breaks work down into six areas: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity.
It highlights your Geniuses (the work that gives you energy), Competencies (what you can do but don’t necessarily enjoy), and Frustrations (what drains you). The goal is to align your role with what energizes you most—and minimize burnout in the process.
As I looked at my results again, it hit me: those dreaded days? They lined up almost perfectly with my Working Frustrations. No wonder I was, quite literally, frustrated!
Later that day, I met with my executive coach and shared what I’d discovered. Together, we talked through ways to reshape my role—to spend more time working within my strengths and less time in the areas that zap my energy. Honestly, I’d never considered that as an option before. Part of me assumed my responsibilities were set in stone. But maybe they’re not. Maybe it’s time to pitch a version of my job that actually fits who I am now.
So how does this tie into midlife?
As I’ve gotten older, my priorities—and my brain—have changed (thank you, perimenopause.). I’ve realized I’m not chasing the next rung on the corporate ladder anymore. In fact, I’m more interested in climbing down than up. At this stage, it’s not about more power or prestige; it’s about peace, purpose, and sustainability.
I love my company. I want to finish strong. But I also want to finish well. And maybe that means redefining what success looks like—again.
Maybe that’s what midlife is really about—figuring out how to make what’s already good even better, so it fits who you’ve become.