Chapter 1: The Midlife Awakening

Have you ever trekked to the summit of a hill, only to gaze at the dull, gray landscape and think, "Is this it?" Sometimes, reaching a peak can be anticlimactic. You realize that the journey was more enjoyable than the destination itself. I experienced this in my own life, feeling a sense of discontent despite achieving all I had ever wished for since childhood.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, welcome to midlife. Here's your badge and an orientation kit filled with self-doubt, back pain, and a nagging sense of monotony.

It's worth noting that you don't have to be in your 40s to feel this way. With every generation finding life increasingly manageable, many of us feel the pressures of peak experiences much earlier than our parents did. I refer to this unsettling sensation as "peaking," which often leaves me longing for a drastic change, like backpacking across South America.

After years of hard work aimed at a specific goal, I reached that peak only to feel a sense of boredom creeping in. If you're fortunate enough to hit this peak while still healthy, you may find yourself feeling restless and unsatisfied.

Section 1.1: The Burden of Expectations

The most disheartening aspect of this experience is the inability to voice these feelings. You may have the perfect job, a lovely home, a nice car, and even some savings, making it seem like you should be content. But despite all that, I found myself grappling with a midlife crisis.

Instead of indulging in stereotypical behaviors like buying a flashy car or inappropriate attire, I chose to embark on another hike—essentially starting my journey anew and exploring new career paths.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Search for Meaning

From a young age, I had a clear vision of my future, always ready to answer questions from relatives. Now, wanting to pivot, I felt lost about what that "different" path should be, prompting a lengthy quest for answers.

I immersed myself in literature, videos, and numerous podcasts, even exploring some questionable online communities before realizing they weren't for me. My journey continued as I dabbled in stoicism, read self-help books, and began journaling.

Opinions were abundant—some argued against chasing passion while others insisted that a lack of passion would lead to failure. I was inundated with conflicting perspectives and felt overwhelmed.

Chapter 2: The Entrepreneurial Journey

In this new world where everyone is expected to be an entrepreneur, I learned that the iceberg analogy truly applies. Creating—whether through writing, art, or video—represents only the visible portion of the effort. Beneath lies a vast expanse of work that dwarfs the tip.

Writing isn't just about the craft; it's about networking, marketing, and navigating the daunting world of publishing. The process of querying agents is so infamous that it's referred to as the "query trenches," a title that alone sounds terrifying.

I used to think that waking up early was a sign of depression, but it turns out that early risers share this trait, whether they're entrepreneurs or not. Inspired by various motivational videos, I began waking up at 4:30 a.m., convinced that it was a sign of dedication.

Thus began my routine: early mornings filled with meditation, exercise, journaling, and hydration. I even tried yoga, took cold showers, and sent out countless cold emails. Just thinking about it leaves me feeling exhausted.

Chapter 3: Insights from Ada Calhoun

The first video explores the challenges faced by women in midlife, particularly focusing on insomnia and the societal pressures tied to this transitional period.

In the second video, Ada Calhoun delves into why Generation X women struggle with sleeplessness, offering valuable perspectives on navigating this life stage.