Is your brain holding you back?

🤔 Why Your Brain Might Be Holding You Back (and what to do about it)

Hey there my freedom seeking friend!

There's a hidden conversation happening in your mind right now that's shaping your entire future.

And the chances are as you get older it’s not shaping it for the better.

I’m witness to countless peers who nod along to toxic lies such as;

• 'I'm too old for that now'

• 'That ship has sailed'

• 'Better to play it safe at my age'

• 'What will people think if I start over?'

• 'It's too late to reinvent myself'

And the truth is that these aren’t just harmless thoughts. They're subtle but powerful stories that can quietly hold us back from our best years ahead.

I know because I can jump into the ‘too old’ fray with the best of them.

But each of these limiting beliefs is just that; a false belief. A narrative we've picked up along the way, reinforced by a society that often expects us to settle into a quieter life after 50.

But screw that I say! Your life is yours to live, however you want to live it.

So if you subscribe to any of the above thought patterns, it’s time to rewrite the script. Not with sugar-coated positive thinking, but with practical mindset shifts that actually stick.

I'm no Tony Robbins, but here are 7 powerful mindset shifts that if adopted and focused on could help make your next decade your best yet, no matter how long in the tooth you are!

1. It’s Never Too Late to Start

We’re often fed the idea that certain milestones need to be hit by a certain age. The truth is, life doesn’t run on a strict timeline. Many of the most inspiring success stories start later in life. 

Take a cue from Colonel Sanders, who launched KFC in his 60s, or Julia Child, who published her first cookbook at 50 or the legion of older Instagram, TikTok & YouTube channels being created. 60 is the new 30!

Whatever it is you’re passionate about, be it a business, a creative pursuit, or a new lifestyle, remember: it’s never too late to begin.

Don’t let society, family, your brain, or your kids tell you you’re ‘too old’. You’ve paid your dues, it’s your life. Live it!

Try this: Write down a list of goals that you’ve put off because you thought “the moment had passed.” Pick one to start this month.

2. Ditch the “Shoulds”

So much of our life is shaped by what we feel we “should” be doing. Whether it’s the job you’re “supposed” to have or the way you’re “supposed” to behave, these shoulds can trap us. 

Shift to a mindset of “Could I?” or “What if?”— questions that open doors instead of closing them. This mindset frees you from the weight of expectations and lets you make decisions that are true to you.

When people ask about our lifestyle and we say ‘wherever we lay our hat is our home’ we get a mixed bag of reactions. From how we’re living the dream life to how irresponsible we are!

You can’t do right for doing wrong in this world so just do you! (My Mum used to say to me growing up - ‘those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind’ - thanks Dr Seuss & Mum)

Try this: Take note of all the things you feel you “should” be doing. Now, challenge each one. Are they truly what you want, or are they just inherited ideas or things you’re doing for fear of judgement?

3. Shift from Accumulation to Experience

In our younger years, it’s often about building up; houses, careers, possessions. But as we get older, it becomes more fulfilling to focus on what we experience and contribute rather than what we own. 

I’ve always found that experiences, connections, and even giving back brings a sense of joy that’s far more lasting than possessions. 

This shift to valuing experiences rather than ‘stuff’ undoubtedly creates a richer, more meaningful life.

Try this: Plan an experience-based goal for the month, whether it’s visiting a new place, taking up a new hobby, or reconnecting with old friends. 

(And if you really want to challenge yourself, sell something you’ve been holding on to for no particular reason - start to ‘de-accumulate’ and experience the liberation that comes from that - plus the extra cash!)

4. Embrace the Unknown

One of the biggest things that holds us back from chasing our dreams is fear of the unknown. It’s only natural to worry about what could go wrong. But freedom often lies just outside your comfort zone. 

Every time you try something new, you expand your world a little more, bringing new insights, connections, and possibilities.

Try this: Choose one thing outside your comfort zone and commit to trying it, whether it’s a solo trip, a new class, or learning a skill you’ve been intimidated by.

5. Prioritise Health for the Long Haul

If there’s one thing that can limit our freedom, it’s poor health. And this doesn’t get easier as we get older!

But even small lifestyle changes add up. Shifting to a proactive mindset about health, i.e, seeing it as an investment in your future freedom, pays off big time. 

Staying active, eating well, and getting enough rest can make the difference between a fulfilling, mobile life or one limited by avoidable issues.

Try this: Start by making one simple health upgrade, like a morning stretch routine, reducing processed foods, or scheduling regular walks.

6. See “Failure” as Data

Often, fear of failure holds us back from pursuing a life of freedom. But what if failure wasn’t the end of the story, just part of the learning curve? 

Instead of worrying about getting it right the first time, see each attempt as an experiment. This way, every setback just adds data to improve your next try. The mindset of “failing forward” keeps you moving rather than stuck.

Try this: Reflect on a past “failure” and ask yourself what it taught you. How did it shape who you are today?

(For an extra challenge, try something this week you know you’ll likely fail at. The more you get wrong the more comfortable you become with trying new stuff which will undoubtedly result in getting it right!)

7. Choose to See Abundance

Sometimes, we approach life from a place of scarcity, thinking time, money, or opportunities are limited. But adopting a mindset of abundance, as in believing there’s enough for everyone and more to come, brings a new sense of freedom. 

When you see resources as renewable rather than finite, you’re less likely to hold back or play it safe.

Try this: Start a “Gratitude Journal” dedicated to abundance. Each day, write down three things you already have that support your goals, whether that’s resources, skills, connections, or opportunities. Over time, you’ll see how much is available to you, reinforcing a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.

Each of these mindset shifts can be transformative, helping you to live with purpose, excitement, and most importantly, freedom. 

Embracing even a few of these will open doors your mind once told you were closed. Remember, a life of freedom isn't about age, it's about the stories we choose to believe.

Here’s to living your best, most liberated life after 50!

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📝 Featured Article

Refuse to be held back by limited thinking and looking to start your journey around the world? This post is for you!

🗺️ Nomad Tip of the Week

🧳 Packing Cubes 101: How to Fit More into Your Suitcase

After struggling with disorganised luggage this summer while travelling through the UK, Mexico, France, Qatar, Phuket and now Australia, packing cubes have completely transformed how I travel. 

Here's some tips on how to use them effectively:

1. Pick Cubes That Have Transparent Lids 

I found some fantastic cubes on Amazon that have extender zips so you can zip up the cube tightly after filling, but I can’t see what’s in them! So I’m forever unzipping the corner to remind myself what’s in what cube. Transparent lids means you can instantly see what you’ve packed where.

2. Use the Rolling Method 

Roll clothes tightly before placing them in cubes. This minimises wrinkles and maximises space. Stack rolled items vertically (like filing papers) so you can see everything at once.

3. Create Categories

Organise by type or outfit - not just randomly stuffing things in. I use:

• One cube for bottoms - trousers, shorts, skirts

• One for tops - t-shirts, cardis, tops & dresses

• One for exercise gear & swimwear

• One for underwear/basics

4. Compress Without Cubes

Don't have packing cubes? Use large zip-lock bags instead. Press the air out before sealing for a similar compression effect.

Pro Tip: Choose lightweight, water-resistant cubes with mesh tops so you can see what's inside without opening them and ideally with extender zips so you can maximise space in your bag.

 🎒 Working Traveller News

Not too much news this week, other than we moved into our new apartment just in time to witness the Brisbane Pride River Parade!

The river was full of boats, big and small, with colourful powder bursting in the air. It was amazing to hang off our balcony and wave at all those sailing past. 

Unfortunately I didn’t snag any pics, as were literally moving in, but I did get this beauty of the Story Bridge alight with the colours of the Pride flag into the evening. It was beautiful.

Other than that it’s full steam ahead this week as we settle here for a while taking a break from continuous travel. I’m now getting into ‘work mode’ so expect more articles, podcasts and valuable content coming your way soon!

In the meantime we are at over 17,000 people in the group now, and I’ve made it more difficult to join so we only get quality nomads getting involved (we were getting a lot of spam).

So if you’re looking for a quality group of 50+ nomads to share stories and tips with, join us!

🧭 Travel Trivia

Which Pacific nation is the first to see each new day?

Due to its location straddling the International Date Line, this island nation's Line Islands become the first place on Earth to welcome each new day. 

Which country has this unique distinction? 

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That’s All Folks!

That’s it from me this week. I hope it’s been useful!

Make sure to come and join the group to connect with me and meet fellow nomads.

Have a fabulous week, live your best life and as always get out there and make it happen!

Jo 😊 

Affiliate Disclaimer; Please assume some of the links in this email are affiliate links. Clicking on an affiliate link doesn’t cost you anything, but might generate enough for me to buy a cold one at the end of a long travel day! 😎 I only recommend products, services, businesses or people I've personally used or connected with, and believe can add value to your business & life. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊