Introduction
In this article, I will discuss how to turn your crisis into your comeback. Failure is often your best teacher. It’s one thing to watch someone else fail, but it’s another thing to fail yourself. Once you experience it for yourself, you never forget it. And, if you’ve learned the lesson from your failure, you are then poised to eventually get it right.
One fact in life is that we all make mistakes. We all make wrong decisions. But, it’s important to never give up, no matter how old you are! And the harder the failure, the greater the lesson. Life doesn’t end at 35—it often begins.
If you’re facing burnout, divorce, career shifts, or a loss of purpose, that nagging voice telling you “this isn’t it” is actually your most powerful wake-up call. It’s time to turn your crisis into your comeback—and this article will show you how.
Legendary Comebacks
Many years ago, I used to read Success Magazine. My favorite edition was their featured article on “Great Comebacks”. It was filled with stories of people who came back and succeeded after colossal failures.
In the “Leadership Comebacks” article by Korn Ferry, they discuss Four Legendary Turnarounds. The article emphasizes that, “History is replete with stories of monumental failure followed by inspired redemption.“ And indeed, that is true.
It is always very inspirational to read about great comeback stories. Although everyone fails at some point, the satisfaction of rising from the ashes and turning things around is tremendous.
Why Avoiding Risk Can Be Riskier Than Taking It
Many people think that avoiding risk keeps them safe, but the truth is, inaction has its own dangers. Playing it safe can lead to missed opportunities, stagnant careers, and unfulfilled dreams. Whether it’s starting a business, changing careers, or pursuing a personal goal, the biggest regret for many is not failing—it’s never trying at all.
Taking calculated risks doesn’t mean being reckless; it means making informed decisions with the understanding that growth almost always requires stepping into uncertainty.
Reframing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success
Fear of failure often paralyzes people before they even start, but failure is rarely final—it’s feedback. Every successful entrepreneur, athlete, or leader has failed multiple times, learning from each setback. When you reframe failure as a natural and necessary part of growth, you remove its power to hold you back. Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” try asking, “What will I learn?” Or even better, ask yourself, “What if I succeed?” This shift in mindset transforms fear into fuel, making each attempt a stepping stone toward success.
Why Age 35+ Is Perfect for a Comeback
- You bring insights from successes and failures.
- You know what no longer works.
- You’re ready to reinvent with purpose.
- Your maturity gives you staying power.
So, let’s take a look at steps you can take on your road to your phenomenal comeback story.
1. Reframe Your Crisis for Growth
“Crisis” isn’t just chaos—it’s clarity in disguise. Use it to assess your values, align with what matters, and push forward with intention. When you can turn your crisis into your comeback, you reclaim power.
2. Reset Your Identity
Many men feel lost after 35 because they’ve worn a label (e.g., lawyer, veteran, executive, provider). It’s time to retrieve the “you” beneath the title. Ask: What legacy do you want? What life excites you?
3. Jumpstart Your Vision
Create a clear “New You” vision—detailing your self, habits, relationships, and work 1–5 years in the future. Reverse-engineer that vision into small, actionable steps.
4. Lean on a Personal Development Coach
Working with a personal development coach helps accelerate clarity and accountability. A coach helps you transform insights into actions and keeps you moving forward when doubt creeps in.
5. Build Momentum with Daily Habits
Reinvention requires daily commitment—not grand gestures. Small shifts, like journaling, habit trackers, and gratitude reminders, compound into breakthrough change.
6. Treat Fear as Fuel
Fear (often described as “false evidence appearing real”) isn’t your enemy; it’s the signal that you’re entering growth territory. Turn your crisis into your comeback. Use tools like visualization, reframing, or confidence ladders to transform fear into fuel.
7. Commit to the Journey
If your crisis shocked you awake, now your comeback needs endurance. Turn your crisis into your comeback. Stay curious, take action, review results, and refine.
Conclusion
This is your moment—not a breakdown, but a breakthrough. You can absolutely turn your crisis into your comeback, starting now.
Turn your crisis into your comeback. Need help mapping your comeback? Discover your Reinvention Readiness Score? I invite you to take the free Reinvention Quiz and then receive your free Reinvention Blueprint on my site. In 90 seconds, you’ll get a custom roadmap to help you start over after 35 and become unstoppable. * Note: For access to the quiz, we recommend using Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Privacy browsers like DuckDuckGo may prompt you to log into Google.
Visit 👉 nextmissioncoach.com to schedule your free call and learn how the 12-week one-on-one reinvention coaching program can help you rebuild your confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Anthony V. Johnson is a personal development coach helping men over 35 reclaim their energy, clarity, and life purpose through personal development strategies and burnout recovery systems.
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