In this episode of The SavvyCast, my friend Deanna Pizitz and I discuss midlife as women. We use the SWOT assessment and some of our own examples to look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of this season.

What is SWOT?

SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and the SWOT model is used in most businesses. The concept can also be applied to other entities as well, such as marriage, a business partnership, a friendship and more. The model below shows the 4 elements of SWOT.

Applying SWOT to midlife.

In this episode of The SavvyCast, Deanna Pizitz and I use the SWOT metric to talk about being a woman in midlife. Both 54, we share our perspective of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the middle years.

Strengths of the midlife season.

Wisdom and experience are one of the biggest advantages of being in midlife.  When we women are in midlife, we are able to use both of these to impact and influence those around us.

Perspective and confidence are also strengths of this season. In midlife, we see things with a more mature, big picture perspective. Confidence and comradeship with other women can also be a benefit to this season. 

Weaknesses of the midlife season.

Weaknesses in this season of life definitely include physical changes. No matter how young we feel or look as midlife women, the body keeps the score. Some physical weaknesses are small but humorous (Deanna's hammer toe and my mallet toe lol). Some are more serious. From aches, pains, diseases, and more, midlife tends to bring on more trips to the physical therapist, physician, and more. 

Opportunities in the midlife season.

Deanna and I discuss open doors and opportunities for those of us facing midlife and usually an empty nest. We talk about friendships (new and old), self care, volunteering and more. Deanna's passion as a life coach is to help women, especially those in midlife, find their "why" and purpose in the next season. 

Threats in the midlife season.

Threats in the SWOT model are things on the outside that we can't necessarily control that could "tip the boat" of our lives in some way. We can and should be aware of these things so that we can be prepared for the most positive response. Some of the things we discuss are disease, divorce, financial problems, and grown children whose decisions will impact the family.

If you listen to this episode, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. What elements of the SWOT for midlife women stands out most in your life? Is there one that you've experienced?

Resources related to this podcast.

Deanna's blog: Wellandworthylife.com

The SavvyCast: How to Use SWOT to Improve Your Marriage