This is a three part blog series.

This three blog series explores what these crises are, how they affect us, and most importantly, how we can navigate them to emerge stronger and with greater clarity.

The Midlife Crisis: Reflection on the Path Taken

The midlife crisis (MLC) is a more widely recognized period of reflection, typically occurring around the ages of 35 to 65.

It’s characterized by a growing awareness of one’s mortality and often involves regret over unfulfilled goals or how one’s life has turned out.

The core trigger for an MLC is often the realization that half of one’s life has passed.

While stereotypically associated with buying a sports car or having an affair, at its heart, it’s about asking, “What happened to my life?”.

Overlaps: Shared Feelings, Different Life Stages

While these crises have distinct focuses and typical age ranges, they share profound emotional underpinnings.

All three can induce self-doubt, uncertainty, insecurity, anxiety, and depression.

They can all be described as periods of feeling “lost”.

An MLC can even involve a “full blown existential dilemma” or trigger an existential crisis.

However, their primary concerns differ: an existential crisis is broader, questioning existence itself; a quarter-life crisis focuses on defining one’s identity and launching into adulthood; and a midlife crisis centers on looking back at accomplishments and future mortality.

Unlike the widely accepted midlife crisis, the struggles of a quarter-life crisis are often dismissed, which can make them even harder to navigate.

What It Means When You Feel It: An Opportunity for Growth

When you’re feeling the panic and relentless self-questioning, it’s crucial to remember that this experience is a normal part of human development and growth, not a personal failing.

The discomfort you feel is often a sign that you are outgrowing an old version of yourself, pushing you towards a new sense of purpose and clarity.

These moments of crisis, though daunting, are profound opportunities for self-discovery.

They force you to question things, which in turn leads to new and more useful answers and better ways forward.

Your fear and discomfort are indicators that you care deeply about your future.

Embracing this period with compassion and curiosity can pave the way for a more authentic and fulfilling life trajectory.

While the emotional rollercoaster of these crises can feel overwhelming, there are practical steps you can take to move through them with purpose and resilience.

Engage in Self-Reflection and Identify Your Values: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you – your strengths, interests, beliefs, and goals, rather than what you feel you should have. Journaling is an excellent tool for this

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: To manage anxiety and stress, incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises into your routine. Be kind to yourself; recognize that it’s okay to feel lost and that success isn’t a linear path. Embrace where you are now, and trust that clarity will emerge with time.

Accept and Embrace Uncertainty and Change: Life is full of unknowns, and not everything is within your control. Embrace that change is happening, and don’t let your current circumstances define who you are. Don’t be afraid to take unconventional plunges or explore new paths.

Connect with Others: Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family members, or support groups. Knowing you’re not alone can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and protect against depression.

Explore New Experiences and Pursue Your Bliss: If you feel stuck, consider changing one aspect of your life that feels stale—whether it’s a new hobby, a different workout routine, or even redecorating your space. Find meaning in activities that bring you joy and help you nurture your passions.

Seek Professional Support: If your self-questioning leads to significant distress, persistent anxiety, or symptoms of depression, professional counseling or therapy can be transformative.

You are not alone in this journey. The fear and discomfort you’re experiencing are signs that you’re on the cusp of profound personal development.

By leaning into self-reflection, seeking support, and embracing the uncertainty, you can transform these moments of panic into a powerful journey toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

All the best!

Scripting Life’s three part life crises series: Existential, Quarter-Life and Mid-Life

If you’re inspired by examples of people crafting their own path, do subscribe to our monthly newsletter.