What if the most meaningful, exciting, and vibrant years of your life require you to be bad at things—on purpose?
In this episode, Michele explores why midlife and beyond might be the perfect time to stop chasing mastery and start embracing messy, awkward beginnings. If you’ve been stuck in “I should already know this,” or “I’m too old to try that,” Michele makes the case for becoming a beginner again—on your terms, with your timeline, and with plenty of self-compassion.
What You’ll Hear:
Why “Master of None” isn’t a character flaw
How our adult brains resist learning new things
Two big reasons to be a beginner (even if you're bad at it)
Six mindset tools to help you start anyway
Why being real beats being perfect—every time
A personal challenge to try something new, slow, awkward… and wonderful
This episode is for you if:
You’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s (or beyond!) and are unsure of your “purpose” or “passion.”
You’ve been putting off something you want to try because you’re “not good at it”
You love learning but it reminds you of time you’ve “wasted.”
You want to model curiosity, courage, and self-compassion for the people in your life
Listener Challenge: Choose one thing you’re willing to be a beginner at this week. Let Michele know what it is—she’d love to cheer you on.
Mentioned in this episode:
The phrase: “Jack of all trades, Master of None”
Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000 hours idea” of mastery in his book Outliers
The power of tiny habits (like one Duolingo daily language or chess lesson)
The phrase: “Let your mess be your message”
Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and share the message of plant-based living with more listeners.
For more information, to submit a question or topic, or to book a free 30 minute Coaching session visit veganatanyage.com or email info@micheleolendercoaching.com
Music, Production, and Editing by Charlie Weinshank. For inquiries email: charliewe97@gmail.com Virtual Support Services: https://proadminme.com/