10 questions to ask yourself if you’re going through a midlife crisis

Are you feeling a bit lost lately? Do you keep asking yourself, “What’s the point of it all?”

If this sounds like you, you might be going through a midlife crisis.

Even though the term “midlife crisis” can sound scary, it isn’t always a bad thing. It can be a chance for you to figure out who you really are and what you want out of life.

To help you figure things out, we’ve made a list of 10 questions you should ask yourself. These questions will help you understand your feelings and desires better.

This way, you can make the second half of your life even better than the first.

1. What Makes You Truly Happy?

This is the first and perhaps the most important question to ask yourself. It might seem simple, but it can be tough to answer.

We often associate happiness with material possessions or professional achievements.

But dig a little deeper. Think about the moments when you’ve felt truly content and at peace.

Is it when you’re surrounded by loved ones? When you’re immersed in a hobby or interest? Or perhaps when you’re helping others?

Identifying what truly brings you joy will help you focus your energy on what matters most and could guide you towards a more fulfilling path in life.

2. Are You Living According to Your Values?

Over time, we can often find ourselves living for other people’s expectations rather than our own genuine desires.

So, take a moment to reflect on your core values. What are the principles or beliefs that are most important to you?

It could be honesty, creativity, family, independence, adventure, or even something as simple as laughter. Are your daily actions in line with these values? If not, it may be time to reassess your life and make some changes so that you’re living in a way that truly reflects who you are.

3. Are You Taking Care of Your Health?

This one hit home for me. For years, I was so wrapped up in my job and family responsibilities that I completely ignored my health. I was eating poorly, not exercising, and barely sleeping. It wasn’t until I had a health scare that I realized just how important it is to take care of my body.

Justin Brown mentions this in his latest video about his midlife crisis. He says he became very preoccupied with his health and appearance, amongst other things.

Ask yourself this: Are you taking care of your health? Are you eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep? If not, it’s time to make a change.

4. Are You Prioritizing Your Relationships?

Did you know that according to a study by Harvard University, one of the keys to leading a fulfilling life is having strong relationships?

It’s not just about marriage or romantic partnerships, but also about friendships, family ties, and connections in your community.

Are you nurturing your relationships? Are you investing time and energy into maintaining meaningful connections with the people you care about? If not, it might be time to reevaluate your priorities. Strong relationships contribute significantly to our overall happiness and wellbeing.

5. Do You Feel Like You’re Making A Difference?

Many of us reach a point in our lives where we start to question our impact on the world. It’s not just about making big, monumental changes, but about feeling like you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.

Are you doing something that makes a positive difference, however small, in the world or in someone else’s life?

This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job and join a non-profit organization (unless you want to!). It could be as simple as lending a listening ear to a friend, helping a neighbor with their groceries, or volunteering at a local charity.

6. Are You Growing and Learning?

I remember a time when I felt stuck in a rut. I was doing the same things, day in and day out, and it felt like I wasn’t learning or growing at all. It was as if life was passing me by.

That’s when I realized the importance of continuous personal growth.

Are you challenging yourself to learn and grow?

This doesn’t just mean professionally, but personally too.

Are you picking up new skills, reading widely, exploring new places, or trying new hobbies?

If not, it might be time to push your boundaries a little.

7. Are You Running From Your Problems?

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. We all face problems and challenges.

Sometimes, it’s easier to ignore them, to bury them deep down and pretend they don’t exist. But the truth is, they always have a way of resurfacing.

Are you dealing with your issues head-on or are you running away from them? It might be painful to confront your problems directly, but it’s the only way to truly resolve them.

8. Are You Living in the Present?

Here’s an interesting fact: According to a study published in the journal Science, people spend almost 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re currently doing.

That’s a lot of time not being present!

So, ask yourself: Are you truly living in the moment or are you always worrying about the past or future?

Remember, the only thing we can control is the present moment.

Try to enjoy what’s happening right now, instead of constantly dwelling on what has happened or what might happen.

9. Are You Taking Time for Yourself?

I learned this one the hard way.

For years, I was always on the go, always taking care of everyone else’s needs before my own.

I was constantly stressed and burnt out. It wasn’t until I started setting aside a little bit of ‘me time’ each day that I realized how important it is.

So, ask yourself: Are you taking time out for yourself?

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take care of our own needs.

It’s not selfish to take time for yourself; it’s necessary.

Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, meditating, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, taking time for yourself can recharge your batteries and improve your overall well-being.

10. Are You Being True to Yourself?

This is the last question, but it’s certainly not the least. It’s probably the most raw and honest question you can ask yourself: Are you being true to yourself?

It’s easy to get caught up in societal expectations and lose sight of who we truly are. We wear masks, play roles, and sometimes, we forget that we don’t have to be what others expect us to be.

The key question is this:

Are you living authentically? Are you expressing your true thoughts and feelings or are you suppressing them for fear of being judged or misunderstood?

These questions are not meant to make you feel uncomfortable or guilty, rather they’re prompts for self-reflection.

They’re cues to help you understand yourself better and guide you towards a more fulfilling life.