How to Summon the Courage to Change Your Life
In transitional seasons, especially in life’s third act, many of us feel a deep internal nudge to shift, evolve, or reinvent. But even when the desire is strong, actually making the leap often feels impossible. Why? Because change requires courage—and most of us have misunderstood what courage really is and where it comes from.
Rethinking Courage: It’s Not What You Think
We tend to define courage as something heroic and solitary. A trait that lives deep inside us, ready to be tapped when the going gets tough. But in truth, courage is often external. It emerges through connection, relationship, and the presence of supportive community.
Rather than being a solo feat of bravery, courage is relational. People are more likely to take bold action when they know someone has their back. Courage becomes accessible when there’s a safety net in place—a person, a group, or a structure that reminds us we won’t be alone if we fall.
The Fear of Failure Is Rational
Much of what keeps people stuck in midlife isn’t laziness or a lack of clarity—it’s fear of failure. And not just the idea of failing, but failing without a net. That kind of failure feels catastrophic. It’s not unreasonable to feel paralyzed when you’re imagining a leap with no one to catch you.
That’s why the support structures we build around ourselves are so essential. When you’re held by others, you can move forward even when you’re afraid. You can experiment, make mistakes, and shift directions without the shame or self-blame that often accompanies solo failure.
Why a Safety Net Changes Everything
Think of a trapeze artist. No matter how long they’ve trained, when they try something new, they use a net. Not because they lack skill, but because the presence of the net makes experimentation possible. In the same way, creating emotional, social, or structural safety allows us to explore what’s next in our lives.
Whether you’re leaving a job, starting a business, relocating, ending a relationship, or simply redefining who you are—you deserve a net. Not only is it okay to ask for support, it’s necessary for sustainable, soul-aligned change.
Soul Friendships and the New Support System
In the third act, friendships need a refresh. Many people find themselves craving more depth, presence, and resonance in their relationships. We need less small talk and more soul talk.
Supportive community in this stage of life isn’t just about cheerleading. It’s about being witnessed. It’s about showing up to say, “Here’s what I’m trying,” and having someone reply, “I’m with you,” regardless of the outcome.
Creating or joining intentional support systems—whether it’s a close-knit group of friends, a mastermind, or a structured community—becomes a vital tool for navigating big life changes. These are the people who help us expand our vision, catch us when we fall, and remind us who we are becoming.
Retiring from Roles, Not from Life
The concept of “retirement” often conjures images of withdrawal, seclusion, or the end of purpose. But this season isn’t about disappearing—it’s about re-emerging. Retirement, in this context, simply means letting go of one identity to create space for a new one.
That transition often involves a quiet period of rest, reflection, and recalibration. But it’s not the final chapter. It’s the intermission before the reinvention. And it’s made infinitely more powerful with others walking the path beside you.
Courage Looks Like Trying
Courage in the third act doesn’t have to look like skydiving or massive reinvention. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Saying no. Starting over. Saying yes to something unfamiliar. Allowing yourself to play, to fail, and to get back up again.
When you surround yourself with the right people, you create a structure in which you’re free to explore without fear of finality. You can take action without being defined by the outcome. You can move toward what’s next, even if you’re not yet sure what that is.
Creating a Structure for Change
The takeaway is simple: you don’t have to be brave alone. You don’t even have to know exactly where you’re going. What you do need is a net—a system of support that lets you experiment, reflect, and evolve in real time.
Whether it’s a group of friends, a creative community, or something like a mastermind (what we call Party Pods), this structure becomes the container where courage can grow.
The third act isn’t about perfection or clarity from the start. It’s about alignment, experimentation, and momentum—and the people who help you stay in motion when it gets hard.
Resources
🎧 Listen to Episode 25 of Third Act Unscripted: “How to Summon the Courage to Change Your Life”
💡Check out Our Digital Products: https://linktr.ee/thirda
Key Takeaways
Courage is not a solo act; it grows in community.
Fear of failure is rational when you don’t have support.
Creating a net makes it safe to explore, risk, and grow.
Soul friendships are essential to navigating life’s next chapter.
Retirement is not an ending—it’s a re-emergence.
A structure of support allows courage to thrive.