The Messy Middle of Your Third Act

What if feeling stuck isn’t a sign that something is wrong… but a sign that something is shifting?

In this honest return to The Unapologetic Third Act, Lisa shares a real-time reflection from the middle of her own lifequake.

This isn’t a polished “I’ve figured it all out” episode.

This is about what it actually looks like when you’re in between who you used to be… and who you’re becoming.

If you’re navigating change, uncertainty, or that uncomfortable in-between space, this episode is for you.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

• Why the messy middle is a necessary part of transformation

• The truth about feeling stuck during a life transition

• A powerful reframe: chrysalis, not crisis

• How to keep moving forward without having everything figured out

💡 Key Reminder:

You don’t need the full plan.

You just need the next step.

🎧 If this resonated:

Follow the show and share it with someone who might need to hear this today.

🤝 Connect with Lisa:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisarachelleowens/

📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.owens.5059

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🎙 Show Notes

💬 Section 1 – Roots of Confidence [0:06:08]

• Lynn discusses her Gen X upbringing and how early experiences shaped her resilience

• Key insights on self-compassion and learning from past experiences

• Understanding how childhood dynamics create people-pleasing tendencies

• Importance of recognizing inner thought patterns

💬 Section 2 – Breaking Through Self-Doubt [0:15:39]

• Five strategies for overcoming self-doubt

• Importance of self-awareness and letting go of all-or-nothing thinking

• Practicing personal agency and cultivating a growth mindset

• Surrounding yourself with truth-tellers and encouragers

💬 Section 3 – Staying the Course When Motivation Fades [0:33:59]

• Addressing the inner critic when motivation drops

• Reconnecting with original mission and purpose

• Trusting the process and understanding that everything works out

💬 Section 4 – The Work Behind the Scenes [0:41:13]

• Using social platforms to share therapeutic insights

• Maintaining professional boundaries while being authentic

💬 Section 5 – Big Shifts and Small Moments [0:50:22]

• Navigating life transitions in the third act

• Importance of saying yes to opportunities

• Making time for meaningful connections

• Embracing change with compassion and curiosity

🧭 Closing [0:53:46]

Website: https://lynnzakeri.com

Authority Magazine Interview: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/mindset-expert-lynn-zakeri-on-5-things-you-need-to-overcome-self-doubt-and-build-confidence-3cc2003ee2b8

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q-MOmRGcuQ&feature=youtu.be

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lynnzakerilcsw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnzakerilcsw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynnRZakeriLCSW

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-zakeri-7b74a618

Free Journal Download: https://the-unapologetic-third-act.kit.com/29a618f75d

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After a hiatus, I'm back with an insightful conversation. Today, I sit down with renowned entrepreneur, author, and modern elder Chip Conley to explore the transformative potential of midlife. As the founder of the Modern Elder Academy, Chip has dedicated himself to helping people reimagine and repurpose themselves during this often misunderstood stage of life.

I just had the privilege of spending a week at the MEA in Santa Fe with Chip, Liz Gilbert, and Dr. Terri Trent for a workshop called "Awakening Magic." Through his journey of reinvention and the inspiring stories he's witnessed at the academy, Chip shares a refreshing perspective on aging - one that embraces the wisdom, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose that can blossom in the second half of life.

"Midlife is not a crisis; it's a chrysalis - that gooey in-between stage where you transform," Chip explains. He's dedicated himself to helping people see midlife as a time of possibility, not struggle. "If you feel like there's nothing in your life you're a beginner at, then you're fading into the distance. You need to try something new."

Whether you're navigating your own midlife transitions or seeking to support loved ones during this pivotal time, this conversation offers a roadmap for approaching midlife with curiosity, courage, and a renewed sense of possibility. Chip and I dive deep into the keys to thriving in the "third act" of life, from cultivating a supportive community to adopting an "age fluid" mindset that allows you to embrace all the ages you've been and will be.

Chip shares in his new book, "Learning to Love Midlife," there are 12 reasons why life gets better with age - from our growing emotional intelligence to our increasing sense of spiritual curiosity. "Time becomes an increasingly valuable resource as you get older. How you use that time becomes more important."

I encourage you to check out Chip's daily blog at MEAwisdom.com for a "micro-dose of wisdom" to inspire your own midlife journey. You can also follow him on LinkedIn and explore "Learning to Love Midlife" to embrace the opportunities of this transformative life stage. Lean in and let Chip and I guide you towards a more purposeful, fulfilling second half of life.:

Show Notes:

[0:00] Introduction to Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy and renowned expert on midlife transitions.

[0:45] Chip's personal journey of reinvention after a "midlife meltdown" in his late 40s and how that led him to create the MEA.

[3:15] Reflections on the "Awakening Magic" workshop Chip, Liz Gilbert, and Dr. Terri Trent led at the MEA in Santa Fe. Chip describes the sense of "moral beauty" and human blossoming he witnessed.

[6:20] The evolving concept of "midlife" - expanding from 40-60 to 35-75 as longevity increases globally.

[8:15] The importance of cultivating community and rites of passage during midlife, which the MEA aims to provide.

[11:30] Advice for younger generations preparing for their own midlife transitions, including the importance of curating your own path and thinking episodically about your life.

[16:45] Chip's new book "Learning to Love Midlife" and the 12 reasons why life gets better with age.

[20:00] Chip's insights on "age fluidity" and how embracing all the ages you've been and will be can unlock new possibilities.

[21:30] The surprising lesson Chip has learned about himself - growing back into being more of an introvert after leading workshops.

[22:15] Chip's favorite question to ask: "What parts of your life are you a beginner these days?"

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