SAS 4: Midlife Growth. Turning Curiosity Into Your Second Act Advantage
Voracious Learning in Midlife
When was the last time you felt like a beginner? The kind of beginner who stays up late Googling, scribbles notes in the margins, and can’t stop talking about what they’re learning?
For me, that moment hit in midlife. I can honestly say I’ve learned more in the past twelve months than I did in the five years before it. And it didn’t come from going back to school or chasing another degree. It came from curiosity — the decision to follow an idea and see where it led.
My Year of Learning More Than Ever Before
It started with one decision: I wanted to start a blog.
That meant learning Squarespace from scratch, figuring out layouts and templates, and troubleshooting when things didn’t go as planned. Once the site was live, I realized blogging wasn’t just about writing — it was about being found. Cue my deep dive into SEO, where I’m still learning but now watching my search impressions steadily climb.
Then came traffic. I chose Pinterest as my main focus, knowing it’s a long game. I heard it can take a year for pins to really take off — and I can now say, it’s true. After a steady climb, I’m seeing big jumps in impressions, saves, and outbound clicks.
Along the way, I dabbled with YouTube and Instagram. I’ve used both casually for years, but now I’m learning the real difference between posting for fun and posting for growth. Spoiler: I connect better on YouTube than Instagram.
And here’s the other piece — I spend a lot of my free time learning from others. Podcasts. Free trainings. Paid courses. Networking groups. I’ve joined spaces where other women entrepreneurs are building, creating, and experimenting, and every conversation teaches me something new.
The Double-Edged Sword of Learning
Here’s the catch: when you’re hungry to learn, it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew.
I’ve signed up for more trainings than I can realistically complete. My podcast queue is endless. My bookmarks folder is bursting with “watch later” videos. And while that’s not necessarily bad, it can tip from inspiring into overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve had to create boundaries around my learning. Instead of saying yes to everything, I ask myself:
Does this align with where I want to go right now?
Do I have the time to actually complete it?
Will it move the needle for my goals — or just distract me?
Because here’s the truth: it’s not about learning everything. It’s about learning the right things, at the right time.
Free (and Overlooked) Learning Resources
One of the best surprises of this year has been discovering how many resources are available for free or low cost. If you’re in midlife and itching to try something new, here are places to start:
Podcasts: Instant access to experts, stories, and strategies.
YouTube: Tutorials for just about anything you can imagine.
Library partnerships: Many libraries offer free access to platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning.
Your network: Don’t underestimate the power of asking questions in your community.
Local business resources: Here in Ohio, the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) offers free courses and mentorship for entrepreneurs.
You don’t need to drain your savings or enroll in a degree program. Curiosity doesn’t cost much — just your time and willingness to try.
Why Learning in Midlife Feels Different
In our teens and twenties, learning is often something we “have” to do. In midlife, learning is a choice. And that changes everything.
When you dive into something new now, it’s not about chasing grades or pleasing professors. It’s about curiosity, freedom, and the thrill of opening a new door. Every skill you pick up adds another layer to your second act — whether that’s launching a side hustle, building a business, or simply keeping your brain sharp.
A Challenge for You
If you’ve been craving something new, here’s my challenge:
Pick one thing you’ve always wanted to try — not ten, just one.
Carve out 30 minutes this week to explore it.
And most importantly, let yourself be a beginner.
You’ll be amazed at how much energy learning brings into your everyday life.
Your Next Step Forward
This year of voracious learning has given me two unexpected gifts:
Dedicated creative time — space to work on my blog and podcast.
Balance — the reminder that learning isn’t just about hustling; it’s about having fun and feeling alive.
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, thinking it’s too late to start, let me remind you: midlife is the perfect time to stop coasting and start learning again.
Your curiosity might just be the spark that fuels your next chapter.
