Are you caught in the trap of telling yourself, "when the kids finish school, then I'll focus on me" or "once work slows down, then I'll pursue my dreams"? In this powerful solo episode, Jo cuts through the excuses we tell ourselves and reveals why waiting for the perfect moment is costing us precious years of our lives. Drawing from neuroscience and real client stories, this conversation will challenge you to recognise the mental patterns keeping you stuck and give you the tools to break free from the waiting game once and for all.

Key Takeaways

Your Brain Is Wired to Keep You Waiting

Neuroscience shows us that our brains use the "not yet, it's not safe, you're not ready" narrative to protect us from uncertainty. This negativity bias keeps us clinging to the familiar, even when it's no longer serving us. Recognising this as a biological response, not truth, is the first step to freedom.

Life Doesn't Stop While You're Planning

Time is a precious, finite gift that continues moving whether we're ready or not. The women who wait until their children leave home often find themselves overwhelmed by empty nest syndrome and identity shifts all at once, whilst those who plan ahead feel prepared and excited for their next chapter.

Three Steps to Break the Waiting Cycle

First, catch your exact excuses and notice the stories you repeat to yourself. Second, take one brave, imperfect step this week, no matter how small. Third, simply decide that now is the right time because there's no perfect day circled on any calendar waiting for you.

Small Actions Create Big Changes

You don't need everything figured out to begin. Jo shares how starting her podcast without being "ready" led to over 150 episodes and a thriving community. One client who couldn't wait five more years took just one step, and it changed everything.

Midlife Isn't a Waiting Room

This season of life is an invitation, not a holding pattern. Instead of asking "when will I be ready?" start asking "what would I change if I decided now was the right time?" The answer to that question holds the key to your next chapter.

Your Next Chapter Starts Now

If this episode has you thinking "this is exactly what I need to hear," consider this your sign to stop waiting. What's one small step you could take this week towards something you've been postponing? Whether it's booking that class, having that conversation, or writing down a dream you've been afraid to voice, your future self will thank you for starting today.

Journal on these questions and notice what comes up for you. Remember, knowledge without action creates no transformation. If you're ready to dive deeper into planning your next chapter, you can explore Jo's Reimagine programme or book a free call to see if one-to-one mentoring is right for you via the link below.

Connect with me

• Book your 20-minute connection call https://calendly.com/jo--138/20min?month=2025-07 

• RE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me 

• Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ 

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠

• Email me your success story at [email protected]. 

Remember, there's so much untapped brilliance in midlife women. You are wise, strong, and talented. You just need the space to hear yourself and the courage to act on what you know.

The second half of your life can be even better than the first.