A theorist named Levinson, who studies developmental transitions in men’s lives said that with middle age comes a shift in perspective from thinking about life in terms of time past since birth to thinking about life in terms of time left until death.
Although he was talking about life stages in men, I have been struck by this shift in perspective in myself.
Other researchers have “found that adults who are concerned about providing for future generations tend to be more satisfied with their lives and to view life optimistically – believing that even bad events will eventually have a happy outcome.”
Up until recently I reflected a lot on times past: where I’ve been, where I’ve come from, and what I’ve learned. Perhaps this is what we do while we are trying to reach our career and life goals. But having reached a level of success in my work and personal life, my focus has certainly shifted.
More than ever I’m aware of a feeling that time’s running out. The myriad of options that lay ahead of me before are narrowing. If I’m going to write that book, launch that great idea, or do that next big thing, it needs to be soon.
Anyone else feel that pressure? What do you do about it?
Dr. Blue's Mid-life Musings 
Nice blog. I completely agree with the change in view, re: now until death. I never had children or a family life, so I was able to accomplish my bucket list by the time I was 40. The only pressure I feel now is whether my body/mind will remain healthy, and how to maximize things/feel optimistic as I’m becoming aware of energy levels and memory draining. I worry that the level of functioning I can do will continue to decline at this rate. Yikes. I guess the bottom line for me is that I’ve tried to live each day as tho there were a God and do the most important thing to reflect that during the day. If it was THAT important, I would have done it. If my house is on fire, I save the kitties and get out. I trust that I’ve done the important things that were on my path that day. The book writing must not have ranked as high on the list as the kittens. Love you. XXL
You’re a seeker and an adventurer, Louise, and fortunate to have accomplished your bucket list by 40. Most people, even if they don’t have kids, can’t do that. I’m blessed to have gotten my Ph.D., found love, and gained a family, all at 40. But I can think of a hundred places I’d still like to go or things I’d like to do. It’s true that what’s important narrows over time. xo Love you too!
At age 56, I am also thinking about the fact that I am closer to the end of my life than to the beginning. I hope to live 30 more years, and still, I am closer to the end. What will I leave behind when I’m no longer here? I’m not talking about possessions, rather about a meaningful contribution toward the welfare of others. Is there something I can share from my life experience that could be useful for others? I think about writing a book about a life-changing experience I had 30 years ago.
I just try to live life day by day, hard sometimes. I’m 34 now. I remember when I was in college, I felt pressure to “make something of myself”, not according to my standards, but those of the world around me. There was also the pressure of doing all this quickly. My body and mind fought to fit in but did not want to. I nearly imploded because I felt a need to conform to society’s notion of what I should be. My suggestion is to do what you love and try hard, but not to the point of exhaustion. Do what enriches your spirit. If it is major, so be it, but even small acts that are done by you can change someone’s life, if you can handle something, by all means do it, but do not feel you have to succumb to the pressure if it is not right for you. Just be the best YOU you can be.
Hi Arlyn,
Sorry, I only just saw your comment. Haven’t been on the site for awhile. But boy, do I agree with you!
Best!