7 Steps for Midlife Women to Face Fear and Take Action

Discover how midlife women can overcome fear and start moving forward with confidence by creating a simple, actionable plan.

“When we face fear, it shrinks. When we ignore it, it grows.”

Let’s be honest — sometimes we say we’re “too busy” or “just not ready,” but what’s really going on? We’re afraid!

Yep. That four-letter word — FEAR —shows up in sneaky ways. 

For many of us midlife women, fear disguises itself as procrastination, distraction, or even overcommitment to things that aren’t moving us closer to our goals.

So if you’ve ever found yourself cleaning the grout with a toothbrush instead of applying for that new job or starting that business idea you can’t stop thinking about… you’re not alone!

Let’s unpack that and figure out how to face fear with a real, doable plan.

Why Midlife Fear Feels So Heavy

Midlife is this strange, beautiful, and sometimes scary season. The kids might be out of the house. Your career could be shifting. You finally have a moment to breathe—and then bam! The big questions hit: What’s next? Is it too late for me? What if I try and fail?

And suddenly, like El (a woman we’ll talk about today), you’re filling your time with everything but what matters.

El needed a job. Just something part-time. But instead of taking action, she started sleeping in, shopping more, and babysitting her grandkids—anything to avoid the thing she was really afraid of.

Sound familiar?

Here's the Truth About Fear

When we avoid fear, it doesn’t go away. It grows.

But when we face it — it shrinks.

The secret? You don’t need to be fearless.

You just need a plan.

7 Simple Steps to Face Fear in Midlife

Let’s walk through the exact steps El (and you!) can take to stop stalling and start moving forward.

1. Name the issue.

What are you actually afraid of?

Maybe it’s failure, rejection, not being good enough—or maybe it’s success and the responsibility that comes with it.

Example: “I’m afraid to write a book because what if it’s not as good as the last one?”

Once you name it, fear loses some of its grip.

2. Define the best outcome.

What would “success” look like for you?

For El, it was a flexible job close to home that paid well and used her gifts.

For you, it might be finally launching that podcast, going back to school, or starting your own business.

Dream big — but be specific.

3. Identify what’s in your power.

You can’t control every outcome, but you can take steps that move you closer.

El couldn’t control who hired her, but she could write her resume, apply to openings, and ask friends for leads.

4. List actionable steps.

What small things can you do this week?

El’s steps:

• Write her resume
  
  
• Pick 3 job opportunities
  
  
• Ask 5 friends to share her resume

You don’t need to have the whole path figured out. Just take the next step.

5. Prioritize and break it down.

Take those action steps and make them even smaller (and less scary!).

“Write my resume” becomes:

• Work on it for 20 minutes a day
  
  
• Ask a friend to review it next week
  
  

Tiny steps = real progress.

6. Schedule everything.

If it’s not scheduled, it’s not happening. Period.

El scheduled 30 minutes a day for job searching and set a deadline to send 3 resumes by Friday.

What gets calendarized, gets done.

7. Ask for Help

You don’t have to do this alone.

Whether it’s hiring a coach, asking a friend to check in, or joining a supportive community — inviting help can be the breakthrough you need.

Let’s Get Real: What’s Fear Costing You?

When we let fear lead, we stall our purpose. We shrink. We stay stuck.

But when we decide to face fear — even in small ways — we start to rise.

So let me ask you:

• What’s the dream you keep putting off?
  
• What would change if you took the first step today?
  
• Who could walk with you through it?
  

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be brave.

Ready to Kick Fear to the Curb?

If you need help making your plan, I’ve got you.

🎁 Download your free guide: Ignite Your Confidence and Soar with Self-Esteem

You’ll also get an invite for a FREE strategy call to help you face your fear and create a plan that fits your midlife goals.

I’ll leave you with this: Remember, you were made for more. It’s time to stop letting fear take the wheel.

Find your brave. And live your dreams.

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