Ever find yourself staring at a decision—big or small—completely frozen? Whether it’s about a midlife career change, a relationship shift, or even how to spend your Saturday, the question “What should I do?” can feel paralyzing.
For the working woman between 45 and 55, this often goes deeper. It’s not just about the options in front of you. It’s the underlying whisper: “Is this all there is? Am I on the right path… for me?”
If that whisper is familiar, I want you to know two things: First, you are not alone. This is a profound moment of re-evaluation. Second, there is a way to cut through the noise. It doesn’t involve more pros-and-cons lists. It involves turning inward, to your core values.
Why We Get Stuck: The External Noise vs. The Inner Voice
For decades, our decisions have often been guided by fantastic, but external, metrics: What looks successful? What are my responsibilities? What will make others proud or comfortable?
Now, in this powerful chapter, there’s a stirring for something different. A desire for purposeful living, balance, and authentic success. The old roadmap doesn’t fit the new terrain you want to explore. That’s why you feel stuck—you’re trying to navigate with an outdated guide.
Your Values: The Inner Compass You Already Own
Think of your core values as your personal, non-negotiable compass. They are the principles that light you up, make you feel whole, and give your life meaning. Examples are Integrity, Freedom, Family, Growth, Creativity, Contribution, or Well-being.
When a decision aligns with your values, it feels right, even if it’s hard. It creates energy. When it clashes with your values, it creates drag, resentment, and that soul-tired feeling, even if it “looks good on paper.”
Values-based decision-making simply means consulting this compass first.
How to Make a “Core-Aligned” Choice: A Gentle Exercise
Let’s make this practical. Grab a journal for this personal growth exercise.
- Name the Decision. Write it down simply. (e.g., “Should I make a career shift?” or “Should I prioritize my well-being over status?”)
- Identify the Competing Voices. Draw a line down the middle of a page.
- On the left, list the “Shoulds.” (e.g., “I should want the title and salary,” “I should be able to handle this,” “What will people think?”)
- On the right, list the “Whispers.” (e.g., “I’m exhausted,” “I miss my family,” “My health is suffering,” “I need peace.”)
- Ask Your Core Values. Look at your whispers. What core values are speaking? Is it Health? Family Connection? Peace?
- Now, look at your decision. Ask: “Which option best honors my value of [Well-being/Family/Peace]?”
- Listen to your body. Does one option make you feel light, expansive? Does another make your chest tighten? Your body is a brilliant values-detector.
A Real-Life Example: Fran’s Choice for Well-being
A client of mine, let’s call her Fran, was in a prestigious, high-paying role that, from the outside, looked like the pinnacle of success. But internally, it was costing her everything. She was on the verge of burnout, her health was suffering, and the job made quality time with her loved ones nearly impossible—a deep priority she couldn’t access.
She was offered another position that, on paper, seemed like a “demotion.” Less prestige, less pay. The “shoulds” were loud: “You’ve worked too hard to step back,” “Don’t waste your potential.”
But when we used her values as a compass, the path became clear. Her top values were Family and Health. Her current role scored a zero. The new role, while less flashy, scored a ten—it offered her time, energy, and presence.
Choosing to leave the prestige behind was incredibly brave. She chose the job that aligned with her core. Today, she is healthier, happier, and enjoys her work precisely because it affords her the life she truly wants: one filled with connection and well-being. She didn’t take a demotion; she made a promotion in life.
Your Journey to More Authentic Decisions Starts Here
Making decisions from your core is a practice. It’s the ultimate act of self-trust and the foundation for building a life that feels genuinely yours in this second half of your career and life.
It’s about trading the “right” choice for the right-for-you choice.
Does this resonate but feel daunting to navigate alone? You don’t have to decode your values or face these crossroads by yourself. As a mindset coach, I help women like you quiet the external noise, clarify what matters most, and build the courage to choose it—without guilt.
If you’re ready to move from feeling stuck and burnt out to feeling aligned and at peace, I’m here to help.
Book a Free, Gentle Discovery Call Here
On this 30-minute call, we’ll explore:
- Where you’re feeling the most drained or conflicted.
- Your key values and how they can guide your next steps.
- What it would look like to make a decision that truly supports your well-being and happiness.
Let’s connect and start mapping the path to your version of a fulfilling next chapter.
