In this powerful Midlife Mavericks conversation, Mike Flynn shares his journey from drifting through a “successful” but unfulfilled midlife to redefining his life through values, purpose, and vision.

A redundancy became the catalyst for change, prompting Mike to train as a coach and dive deep into his own self-discovery. He opens up about his struggles with anxiety, the trap of living on autopilot, and how societal conditioning keeps men stuck in the provider role at the cost of their health, relationships, and authenticity.

Mike and I explore the importance of uncovering your core values, creating a life vision, and aligning daily actions with what truly matters. We discuss why so many men resist coaching, the myth of not having enough time, and how small, intentional steps can transform your trajectory. Packed with honest reflection, practical tools, and thought-provoking challenges, this episode is a call to action for any man who feels the quiet voice inside asking, “Is this it?”

Mike's Website: https://mikeflynn.coach/Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeflynn.coach/Mike's Free resource - mikeflynn.coach/free-resourceMike's Book a call - mikeflynn.coach/book-a-call

Takeaways:

• Success Without Fulfilment is a Warning Sign – Ticking society’s boxes (job, house, family, holidays) doesn’t guarantee happiness or purpose.
• Redundancy as a Gift – Sometimes an unplanned setback can create the breathing space needed for deep reflection and change.
• Know Your Core Values – Identifying and living by your own values (not society’s or your parents’) gives clarity for better decisions.
• Purpose Doesn’t Have to Be Grand – Your life’s purpose can be simple and deeply personal, such as being the best parent you can be.
• Vision as a North Star – A clear vision helps you say “yes” and “no” with confidence, reducing overwhelm and distraction.
• The Provider Trap – Work or other roles can become a hiding place from doing the deeper inner work.
• It’s an Internal Job – Lasting fulfilment comes from within, not from external achievements, possessions, or recognition.
• Mindfulness in Practice – Presence isn’t just meditation; it’s being fully engaged in everyday moments.
• Small Wins Create Momentum – Start with achievable, aligned actions to build progress and confidence.
• Coaching is Not a Sign of Weakness – It’s a courageous choice that creates space for reflection, clarity, and accelerated growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journeys

07:30 The Role of Coaching and Mindfulness

13:20 The Impact of Life Experiences on Values

19:26 Building a Morning Routine and Daily Practices

25:12 Transformative Power of Values and Mindfulness

37:59 Finding Purpose and Empowerment

43:51 The Importance of Values in Life

51:34 Vision and Life Balance

01:00:22 Turning Insights into Action

01:08:15 The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth

01:10:43 Midlife: A Crossroad, Not a Crisis