50'S ARE THE NEW DON'T GIVE A F*CK ERA

Turning 50 (now 53) has significantly shifted my mindset and perspective. It's a time when many people feel more liberated from societal expectations and external judgments. I believe now is the time for not giving a f*ck and having fun! I wish I had this moment in my 20s! I have worked with 1000's and spoken on stage to 10,000's of leaders about the power of being the best leader and human you can be - and it is about owning who you are, knowing what you stand for and why you want to lead - whilst having fun, finding joy and only giving a f*ck about what matters.

Here are a few reasons why "your 50's are the new don't give a f*ck":

1. Life Experience and Wisdom: By 50, we have experienced a lot—successes, failures, joys, and challenges. This wealth of experience often brings a sense of clarity about what truly matters, making it easier to let go of things that don't.
2. Freedom from External Validation: Today, I feel less pressure to conform to others' expectations or seek approval as I age. There's a greater focus on self-acceptance and living authentically.
3. Prioritising Self-Care and Boundaries: There is now a stronger focus on self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritising my needs. The idea of people-pleasing loses its appeal in favour of doing what's best for oneself.
4. Confidence in One's Identity: I have a renewed confidence in my identity, understanding their values, strengths, and boundaries. This self-assuredness makes it easier to brush off negativity and focus on personal fulfilment.
5. Embracing Change and Letting Go: Reaching this age can bring a realisation that life is too short to worry about things that don't serve your happiness or growth. It's a stage of embracing change, letting go of old baggage, and stepping into a more carefree attitude.
6. Honouring Authenticity: Today, I find my self-celebration of being true to oneself. The focus shifts from trying to fit into prescribed roles to living on my terms, unapologetically and authentically.

This mindset shift can be incredibly liberating and empowering, embodying the essence of truly not giving a fuck about what doesn't align with your journey.

How not to give a f*ck in your fifties (or at any age!)

Embracing a mindset of not giving a f*ck in your fifties can be incredibly freeing. Believe me! Here are some practical tips to help you adopt this attitude:

Define Your Priorities:

• Focus on what truly matters to you. Identify your values, passions, and the people who genuinely support you. Let these guide your decisions and actions.

Set Boundaries:

• Learn to say no without guilt. Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your time, energy, and mental health. Don't feel obligated to explain your choices or justify your boundaries to others.

Embrace Self-Acceptance:

• Accept yourself as you are, flaws and all. Let go of the pressure to be perfect or meet others' expectations. Celebrate your uniqueness and the journey that brought you here.

Let Go of People-Pleasing:

• Recognise that you can't please everyone, and that's okay. Focus on your happiness and well-being instead of constantly seeking approval from others.

Practice Mindfulness:

• Stay present and mindful of your thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness helps you detach from the unnecessary worries and judgments that often hold you back from living authentically.

Limit Negative Influences:

• Reduce exposure to negative people, toxic environments, and media that make you feel inadequate or stressed. Surround yourself with positivity and influences that uplift and inspire you.

Prioritise Your Health:

• Invest in your physical, mental, and emotional health. Exercise, eat well, and engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself. A healthy body and mind reinforce a strong sense of self-worth.

Celebrate Your Achievements:

• Reflect on your accomplishments and the wisdom you've gained. Recognise how far you've come and credit yourself for your resilience and growth.

Embrace Change:

• Be open to change and new experiences. Don't cling to the past or fear the future. Embrace the idea that life is ever-evolving, and so are you.

Focus on Gratitude:

• Shift your focus from what's missing or wrong in your life to what's excellent and abundant. Practising gratitude helps you appreciate the present moment and reduce the urge to care about trivial things.

Adopt the 'Let Them' Mindset:

• Lean into the "LET THEM" mindset—let others think what they want, do what they want, and be who they want. Focus on being true to yourself rather than controlling how others perceive or treat you.

Live Authentically:

• Embrace who you are without apology. Pursue your interests, speak your truth, and live in alignment with your core values. Authenticity breeds confidence and reduces the need to care about external opinions.

By integrating these practices into your life, you'll find that not giving a f*ck becomes less of an effort and more of a natural way of being—freeing you to live your fifties (and beyond) on your terms!

50's New F*ck-Offs!

Embracing the "50's New F*ck Offs" mindset is all about confidently letting go of what doesn't serve you and unapologetically prioritising your happiness.

Here are the top "f*ck offs" to embrace in your fifties:

F*ck Off to People-Pleasing:

• Stop bending over backward to make others happy at your own expense. It's time to prioritise your own needs and desires without guilt.

F*ck Off to Unnecessary Drama:

• Say goodbye to drama and negativity. Life's too short for toxic relationships and unnecessary conflict. Surround yourself with positivity and those who lift you.

F*ck Off to Perfectionism:

• Perfection is an illusion. Embrace the messiness of life, and don't sweat the small stuff. Good enough is often more than enough!

1. F*ck Off to Age Stereotypes:

• Challenge the clichés about what you should or shouldn't do at your age. Wear what you want, do what you want, and live on your terms, not according to some outdated script.

F*ck Off to Regrets:

• Let go of past regrets and what-ifs. Focus on the present and the opportunities ahead. Use your experiences as lessons, not anchors.

F*ck Off to Guilt and Shame:

• Release the burden of guilt or shame for past mistakes or perceived flaws. You're human, and embracing your imperfections is part of your power.

F*ck Off to Overcommitment:

• Stop saying yes to everything. Protect your time and energy by committing to what truly matters to you.

F*ck Off to Negative Self-Talk:

• Silence that inner critic that tells you you're not enough. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and self-compassion.

F*ck Off to Unhealthy Obligations:

• Release yourself from obligations that no longer serve your growth or joy. It's okay to outgrow specific commitments and change your mind.

F*ck Off to Comparison:

• Stop comparing yourself to others. Your journey is uniquely yours, and measuring yourself against others only detracts from your achievements.

F*ck Off to Fear of Judgment:

• Please don't worry about what others think. Their opinions are not your reality. Live boldly and authentically, free from the shackles of judgment.

F*ck Off to Overthinking:

• Ditch the overanalysis and go for it. Life is about action, not endless contemplation. Trust your gut and take those leaps of faith.

F*ck Off to Clutter—Physical and Emotional:

• Simplify your life by decluttering your space and your mind. Let go of the stuff (and baggage) weighing you down.

F*ck Off to Settling:

• Whether in relationships, work, or how you spend your time, don't settle for less than what makes you truly happy and fulfilled.

F*ck Off to Playing Small:

• Stop dimming your light to make others comfortable. Own your brilliance, take up space, and let your presence be known.

Adopting these "f*ck offs" allows you to fully embrace the freedom, joy, and authenticity that come with this empowering phase of life. It's time to shine unapologetically and live exactly how you want to!

Finally, why 50's is about MORE FUN!

Today, I only want to have fun and enjoy every moment. Having more fun is about embracing joy and spontaneity and doing things that light you up.

Here are some ways to infuse more fun into your life:

Reconnect with Your Inner Child:

• Think about activities you enjoyed as a kid—playing games, crafting, exploring outdoors—and find ways to incorporate those into your adult life. Don't be afraid to be playful and silly!

Try New Things:

• Break out of your routine by trying something new, whether a hobby, a new restaurant, a dance class, or travelling to a new place. New experiences can reignite your sense of adventure and excitement.

Plan Spontaneous Outings:

• Embrace spontaneity by saying yes to last-minute plans, surprise adventures, or impromptu gatherings with friends. Sometimes, the best fun happens when it's unplanned.

Surround Yourself with Fun People:

• Spend time with people who make you laugh, inspire joy, and bring positive energy to your life. Their enthusiasm can be contagious and elevate your mood.

Get Creative:

• Engage in creative activities like painting, writing, dancing, or cooking something new. Creativity is a great way to express yourself, relax, and have fun.

Prioritise Play:

• Schedule time for fun and play just as you would for other essential activities. Whether it's a game night, a day at the beach, or a visit to an amusement park, prioritising playtime makes fun a consistent part of your life.

Laugh More:

• Watch a comedy, listen to a funny podcast, or spend time with friends who make you laugh. Laughter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost mood and have fun.

Be Present:

• Focus on being present rather than worrying about the past or future. Finding joy and having fun is easier when you are fully engaged in your work.

Embrace Your Passions:

• Dive into the things you love, whether gardening, hiking, reading, or playing music. Engaging in activities that you're passionate about brings a natural sense of fulfilment and fun. I have started painting again and love it!

Let Go of Perfectionism:

• You don't need to worry about things being perfect. Embrace the messiness of life and find fun in the imperfections. Whether it's a DIY project gone awry or a dance move that doesn't quite land, focus on the joy of the experience rather than the outcome.

Explore Nature:

• Spend time outdoors—hiking, picnicking, stargazing, or walking in the park. Nature has a way of grounding us and bringing simple pleasures that are inherently fun.

Dance Like No One's Watching:

• Put on your favourite music and dance around your living room. Letting loose and moving to the rhythm is a great way to have fun and release stress.

Say Yes More Often:

• Be open to opportunities and invitations. Saying yes more often can lead to unexpected, fun, and memorable experiences.

Plan for Fun:

• Look forward to something exciting by planning trips, events, or activities that bring you joy. Anticipation can be just as fun as the event itself!

Practice Gratitude for Fun Moments:

• Keep a journal of fun moments, no matter how small. Reflecting on these can help you recognise and appreciate the fun you're already having, encouraging you to seek out more.

By Sonia McDonald

Mum to an extraordinary daughter!

Crazy average painter who is getting better

Op Shopper Extraordinaire

Electric Bike Cruiser

Avid Hiker and Explorer

Passionate about Mental Well-Being, especially teenagers

Teacher, Speaker and Writer on everything kindness, leadership, and courage

Coach and mentor to as many exceptional people as possible.

Extraordinary Commitment to building great future leaders and women in leadership.

She loves creating incredible, great cultures, teams and leaders.

Finally, the CEO, leader & founder of the company LeadershipHQ, The Leadership Collective, Outstanding Leadership Awards and an extraordinary team.

Named as one of the Top 250 Influential Women in the world and Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs by Richtopia, and is internationally recognised as an expert in leadership and culture, organisational development, kindness, and courage, as well as workplace diversity and the neuroscience of leadership.

She has over 30 years of experience in human resource management, leadership, and organisational development and has held leadership positions worldwide. Today, Sonia and her team have worked with thousands of leaders, teams, and organisations, building outstanding leadership and cultures.

Sonia has written several books on leadership, including Leadership Attitude, Just Rock It!, and First Comes Courage. She writes regularly for publications such as The Australian, HRD Magazine, BBC Capital, and Business Insider. She has also spoken on stage for AHRI, HRD Magazine, and a number of other leading global HR platforms and conferences.