Jonathan Butler enables people to overcome limiting beliefs and habits that hold them back. He is a Mindset Architect and Transformation Coach, using neuroscience and 30 years of experience in leading organisational and personal change. He is the Founder of My Fit Mind and the Author of Bye-Bye Anxiety.
Hitting 50 can seem like a huge milestone. We begin to fear we will be overlooked. Recruiters tell us to hide our age. We maybe feel bored or stuck in our roles. Many people move into fearing for the future. They stop reaching up and growing and instead try to avoid risks or sticking their head above the parapet. Staying put and surviving becomes the goal for many.
But it does not have to be that way. You can grow in your current role or organisation. You can pursue that new venture or dream that you always wanted to do. Many people in their 50s feel stuck in careers they’ve outgrown, unsure if they can create a fresh start. But here’s the truth: in this stage of life, you offer the perfect combination of experience, creativity, and energy.
Why people over 50 are crushing it at careers they love
Do you ever feel like it’s too late to start over? Like your best opportunities passed you by? You’re not alone. Many people in their 50s feel stuck in careers they’ve outgrown, unsure if they can create a fresh start. But here’s the truth: this stage of life offers the perfect combination of experience, creativity, and energy to pursue your passions and build something extraordinary.
In this article, you’ll discover practical insights and strategies to overcome fear, embrace change, and create a thriving career doing work you truly love. Whether you’re ready to start something new or need the inspiration to take the leap, this guide will help you make the most of this incredible stage of life.
Why reinvention in your 50s is the perfect opportunity
Your 50s are not the end of opportunity—they’re a time of transformation. At this stage, you’ve gained decades of experience, refined your creativity, and, most importantly, you can recapture the energy to channel into something you’re passionate about.
Scientific studies support this.
Research shows that the brain retains remarkable plasticity in midlife, meaning you’re still highly capable of creative thinking and problem-solving. The study highlighting a "second peak" of creativity in our 50s was conducted by Bruce Weinberg and David Galenson and published in the journal De Economist. The researchers examined Nobel Prize winners and identified two distinct peaks of creative productivity: the first in the mid-20s, associated with "conceptual innovators" who produce groundbreaking work early by challenging established norms, and the second in the mid-50s, associated with "experimental innovators." The latter group leverages decades of accumulated knowledge and experience to refine and reinterpret information, often producing their most significant contributions later in life.
This phenomenon reflects the idea that creativity evolves with age and expertise. Experimental innovators, such as Paul Cézanne and Charles Darwin, embody how creativity in later life often emerges from methodical exploration and synthesis of learned insights over time.
As for energy, being passionate about your work is a game-changer. Psychologists highlight that intrinsic motivation, which stems from pursuing meaningful goals, is a key driver of sustained energy and focus. In fact, many midlife professionals report feeling rejuvenated once they transition into roles they truly love.
Imagine this: if you were able to succeed in a career you long since fell out of love with, what could you achieve by focusing that same energy and creativity on something you’re deeply passionate about?
What holds people back from reinventing their careers?
Despite their advantages, many people hesitate to start over in midlife. Common barriers include:
Fear of failure: Doubting whether it’s too late or if they have the skills to succeed.
Comfort zones: Staying in familiar but unfulfilling roles.
Overwhelm: Not knowing where to start or feeling paralyzed by the process.
Understanding these obstacles is the first step to overcoming them. I work with people using my Boost Coaching methodology to help them understand what is stopping them moving forward, helping them let go of fear and create the belief and energy that drives them forward.
The 12 steps to reinvent your career in your 50s
1. Reflect on your passion
Ask yourself: What truly excites me? Your 50s are the perfect time to align your work with what lights you up.
2. Leverage your experience
Identify transferable skills from your past roles. Your expertise is your biggest advantage.
3. Embrace change
Change can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also the gateway to growth. Take small steps toward your new goals.
4. Set clear goals
Define what success looks like for you now. Break it down into achievable steps to avoid overwhelm.
5. Learn new skills
Don’t be afraid to upskill. Whether it’s technology, marketing, or industry-specific knowledge, learning keeps you competitive.
6. Build your network
Surround yourself with supportive people who can offer guidance and connections.
7. Focus on mindset
Overcome fear by shifting your perspective. See challenges as opportunities for growth.
8. Start small
Test your ideas with small projects before committing fully. This builds confidence and reduces risk.
9. Find a mentor or coach
Work with someone who has walked this path. Their experience can fast-track your success. Ideally work with someone who understands about how to shift mindset rather than just someone who gives you good advice. You have to master your mindset and get good advice to succeed.
10. Celebrate progress
Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small. Progress is progress.
11. Prioritize self-care
Stay energized by taking care of your health and well-being.
12. Commit to the journey
Reinvention isn’t a one-time act; it’s a process. Stay consistent and adaptable.
My story: From corporate to transformation coach
In my early 50s, I was at a crossroads. Though I had built a successful corporate career, I felt unfulfilled and disconnected. Starting over seemed daunting, but I couldn’t ignore the call to do something meaningful.
I discovered RTT therapy and how I could combine it with my own experience of transformational coaching, which aligned perfectly with my desire to help others. The transition required me to face my fears, learn new skills, and build a completely new career. Today, I’m one of the most respected RTT Therapists and Transformation Coaches, working with clients globally and empowering others through Boost Academy.
This journey has taught me that when passion and experience combine, the results can be extraordinary—even in midlife. My learning capacity is greater than ever. My resilience is deeper than ever, and my energy is the highest it has ever been.
Start your journey today
Your 50s are not a time to settle—they’re a time to shine. By combining your experience, creativity, and energy, you can create a career and life you love. Take the first step toward reinvention today. If you’re ready for a transformation, consider exploring how RTT Therapy and boost Transformational Consulting can accelerate your transition, where you’ll leverage the support, tools and strategies to thrive in your next chapter.
Book your Discovery Call now to explore how I can help you make your dreams a reality.
Read more from Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler, Mindset Coach and Transformation Architect
Jonathan Butler is a leader who helps people identify and overcome limiting thoughts, beliefs, and habits. He was a high achiever in corporate life, holding senior positions in global technology and management consultancies when he was hospitalized for a life-threatening, yet mystery illness in 2014, Four years of recovery led Jonathan to understand the power of the mind-body connection. He saw how learning to control our thoughts with tools such as hypnosis and NLP could overcome many physical ailments.
