The Reflection Trap – What Turning 40 Taught Me About Business
Turning 40 hit me harder than I expected. Not because of the number, but because of what it represents—time, progress, growth. I found myself thinking, “I thought I’d be further along.” It’s a thought many of us have in business, construction, or life in general.
But here’s the thing: that mindset is a trap. It focuses on what’s missing instead of what’s been achieved.
I had this internal battle on my birthday. I was frustrated, disappointed even. But then I asked myself, “Okay, you thought you’d be further along. And? What are you going to do about it?”
That’s the real question.
Are you going to dwell on it?
Or are you going to take action?
A friend’s simple message changed my day: “I can’t believe you started over at 33.” It shifted my focus. Instead of thinking about where I wasn’t, I started appreciating where I was.
In entrepreneurship, setbacks are inevitable. But progress isn’t always linear. Sometimes, growth looks like small wins stacked over time.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:
What have I accomplished that I’m overlooking?
What’s the next step I can take today?
Don’t measure success solely by where you thought you’d be. Measure it by how far you’ve come. Shift your perspective, shift your outcome.
