In this episode of Life Check Yourself, Marni Battista interviews Steven Miyao, an executive coach and entrepreneur, about navigating midlife career changes and personal reinvention. They discuss the challenges faced by midlife professionals, the importance of aligning careers with personal values, and practical strategies for overcoming fear and taking action. Steven shares insights from his coaching practice, including the eulogy exercise to reflect on one's values and the significance of experimentation in making life changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional living and the journey of self-discovery in midlife.
Takeaways
Midlife professionals often feel the need for a career change.
Grinding it out is not the solution; intentional living is key.
Many people are stuck in a hamster wheel of work demands.
Reinvention can be an opportunity to align with personal values.
Shifting mindsets can lead to better job performance.
Fear of failure, shame, and success can paralyze decision-making.
The eulogy exercise helps clarify what truly matters in life.
Experimentation is crucial for discovering new paths.
Letting go of past identities can facilitate change.
The journey of self-discovery is as important as the destination.
The Midlife Hamster Wheel (02:56–04:01)
Many Gen X professionals built their careers by grinding, but never paused to live intentionally. Stopping to question whether the treadmill is serving you opens the door to reinvention
Steven Miyao
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“We are not stopping to question the hamster wheel. Is it true reinvention? It doesn’t have to be, but it can be.”
Letting Go of Proving Energy (07:59–10:19)
Old patterns of overwork often stem from childhood experiences of needing to prove worth. Identifying and releasing these habits creates space for a new identity and healthier success
“Once you’ve identified this new self, you can rewire your brain to believe you actually are that person.”
Eulogy Values vs. Resume Values (20:41–22:27)
True fulfillment comes when you prioritize the legacy you want to leave over titles, money, or status. The “eulogy exercise” helps clarify what really matters and guides midlife pivots
“The second part of your life is all about eulogy values—what do you want to be remembered for?”
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