Redefine the Finish Line: What "Feeling Good" in Midlife Could Look Like for You

Hey, friend. Be honest:

How many times have you said something like this:

"This Monday, I’m going to start over. I’ll eat clean, go to bed early, and do everything right this time."

And then by Wednesday? You’re exhausted, frustrated, and back in survival mode.

You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. And you’re definitely not alone.

You’re just working with a finish line that no longer fits your life.

Starting Over Isn't the Problem

Let’s get one thing straight: starting over isn’t failure. Starting from a place of misalignment? That’s what keeps you stuck.

You don’t need more discipline. You need a new definition of success. One that reflects your current reality, not your pre-kid, pre-career, pre-perimenopause life.

Because let’s face it: your body, your energy, and your priorities have changed. But your finish line is still stuck in 2012.

It's time to change that.

Why Your Old Finish Line Is Draining You

Let me give you a real-life example: my podcast.

When I launched Smash the Crash, I set a goal to publish new episodes every single week. And at first, I loved it. I had a ton to say and the energy to match.

But eventually, it started to drain me. I’d dread recording. My ideas felt forced. It became one more thing on my already-full plate.

So I pivoted. I moved to an every-other-week schedule. And guess what? I still show up. I still serve. I still have an impact. But now, it feels aligned.

That’s redefining the finish line.

The Guilt Spiral of "All or Nothing"

If your routine feels impossible to maintain, that’s not a discipline issue. That’s a misalignment issue.

Here’s how the cycle usually goes:

• Start a new plan on Monday

• Burn out by Wednesday

• Feel guilty by Friday

• Start the same plan again next Monday

Sound familiar?

Let’s change the story. Instead of chasing a finish line that doesn’t work, create one that reflects your actual life, not a Pinterest-perfect fantasy version of it.

Because vague goals like "have more energy" or "lose weight" are like typing "somewhere better" into Google Maps and hoping it takes you to a specific destination. Where the heck is that? And how would you even know if you arrived?

Define Your New Finish Line: The Midlife Vision Method

Instead of aiming for "back to my old self," try this:

1. Define your new version of "good."

• What does energy actually feel like in your body?

• What does a peaceful Tuesday look like?

• What are you no longer willing to tolerate?

2. Get specific about your signals.

• Sleeping through the night without night sweats?

• Not snapping at your kids before 8 AM?

• Remembering where your glasses are without a full search party?

3. Use your Energy Zones to guide your timing. Don’t make big life decisions from your red zone. Use your green zone to dream. Use your yellow zone to tweak. Use your red zone to rest.

Need a tool to figure out your zones? Say hello to the...

ENERGY TUNE-UP TRACKER (Your No-Guilt, No-Pressure Starting Point)

The Energy Tune-Up Tracker is your free, simple tool to figure out what’s draining you before you crash.

In just a few minutes a day, you can:

• Track 5 key energy areas (sleep, mood, food, movement, stress)

• Spot patterns before they become problems

• Make micro-changes that actually fit your life

There’s no guilt. No pressure. Just clarity.

✨ Download your free tracker here.✨

Redefining Your Rules

When you write your own definition of success, you stop running in circles.

Start by making a "This is what feeling good looks like for me" list. (Pinterest optional. Perfection not required.)

Think:

• I want to feel calm, not chaotic, at dinnertime.

• I want to fall asleep without scrolling for two hours.

• I want to say no without the guilt hangover.

These aren’t fluff goals. They’re real-life wins and you can do it!

The Bottom Line- You’re Allowed to Pivot

Your finish line is allowed to change. It should change. Because YOU are changing.

So the next time you feel the urge to "start over," pause. Ask yourself:

• Does my current plan match my current season?

• Am I chasing an outcome that no longer fits?

• What would feel good and doable right now?

Progress doesn’t mean pushing harder. It means aiming better.

So here’s your permission slip, my friend:

✅ Redefine the finish line.

✅ Choose micro-changes over massive overhauls.

✅ Feel better on your terms.

And when you need a starting point? The Energy Tune-Up Tracker is waiting for you.