SharonTamesNumberMuncher

"When people say you’re awesome, accept it with thanks, because you are."

That’s just one of the lessons I’ve learned from being in my 40s.  I remember turning 40 like it was yesterday – except it wasn’t. I’m staring the next big milestone in the face and saying a big, fat "whatever". It’s not that 50 is the new 40; it’s that it doesn’t matter.

 

Why I Love Being Over 40

From Nicole: To help my readers face their fear of numbers, and replace it with appreciation, I’ve asked some accomplished bloggers to share their thoughts about the number 40. Anything about the number 40 in any way, shape or form, to show how to embrace a scary number.

Compared with being 10, 20 or 30, 40+ definitely has some things going for it:

  • I’m less concerned with others’ opinion of me – I know myself better than they do (which I probably couldn’t have said at 20).
  • I’ve learned to trust my gut, which is almost always right (a process I started in my 30s).
  • Signs of aging are badges of honor (at 40+ I have to say that, don’t I?).

 

Reflecting on Life and Biz

It’s also a great time to reflect on where you are with your life and your business. That’s something I’ve been doing a lot of recently. Thanks in part to guidance from our own Numbers Whrerisper®, Nicole, not to mention her awesome How to be a Finance Rock Star book and a kick in the butt from my ex-IFA husband, this writer is finally getting more comfortable with numbers. And I’ve been running the numbers on my writing business. (Incidentally, I went freelance the year I turned 40 – talk about making big changes).

And the numbers tell me some good things:

  • Despite the recession, my average earnings trend is up.
  • I’m getting a clearer idea of what I want to do with my business over the next couple of years.
  • I have an exit strategy (though I’ll probably never stop writing).

 

Personal Life Lessons

Numbers aside, there are some other nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. And let me just say that these are wisdom for me – you might find others that work better for you.

  • My 40s are a chance to age both gracefully and disgracefully. Gracefully means accepting kudos when given (as I mentioned before); disgracefully is about staying in touch with that inner child.
  • It’s about being totally switched on to what’s going on in your mind even though others might not always get it.
  • It’s a time to spend more time on what you enjoy and less on what you don’t.
  • And it’s about making sure I am true to myself; that my core values are evident whether I’m online or offline (let’s call it alignment and harmony, if that’s not too woo-woo)
  • For me, this never stops. Every day is a beginning – a chance to do something awesome and have some fun, no matter what age you are.

Author bio:

Sharon Hurley Hall is a professional writer and blogger. Her career has spanned more than 25 years, including stints as a journalist, academic writer and ghost writer.   Connect with Sharon on her website or Google+.