"Even the most successful women have fears and limiting beliefs that can hold them back."

I'm absolutely thrilled to share some golden nuggets from this podcast episode with the brilliant Cate Field. We had an incredible conversation about celebrating the creativity and fearlessness of older women, and let me tell you, it was packed with so much wisdom and actionable advice, it’s hard to contain my excitement!

Cate Field is a life coach and therapist who brings a no-nonsense approach to helping women achieve their creative and career goals. With over 25 years as a teacher and a rich background in mental health services, she knows a thing or two about transformation. And here’s the best part—she’s walked the walk herself, completing an MA in Fine Arts at 55 and rocking out with an acapella group. Talk about inspiring!

Alright, let’s dive into some key takeaways and actionable advice from our chat:

1. Identify Your Core Values

Cate emphasizes starting any career change journey by identifying your core values. This foundational step helps you understand what truly matters to you and guides you toward career choices that are in alignment with those values. Some examples of core values might include creativity, freedom, or personal development.

Exercise Alert!

Grab one of your hundreds of notebooks (I know you have them!) and jot down five core values that resonate with you. Think about the people you admire and why. This exercise can offer surprising insights into what drives you and where you want to go.

2. Challenge Those Limiting Beliefs

Even the most successful women have fears and limiting beliefs that can hold them back. Cate encourages us to write down these beliefs and then systematically debunk them. It’s all about challenging that inner voice that says, “You can’t” and replacing it with, “Watch me!”

Actionable Tip:

Create a list of your limiting beliefs and write a counter-argument for each. For example, if you think, “I’m too old to start something new,” counter it with, “I bring a wealth of experience and perspective that is invaluable.” Trust me, this exercise is incredibly liberating!

3. Get Visual with Your Daydreams

Cate encourages her clients to use visual tools like journals or sketchbooks to brainstorm and daydream about their future careers. Think of it as a no-judgment zone where your imagination can run wild. Whether you doodle, draw, or scribble, let your creativity take the lead.

Try This:

Dedicate a few pages in your journal to this exercise. Don’t worry about whether an idea is feasible—just let your thoughts flow. After a few days, review your ideas and highlight the ones that excite you the most.

4. Surround Yourself with Support

None of us can do this alone. Cate highlights the importance of having a supportive group around you—whether it’s friends you’ve known forever or a new community online. These people will pick you up when you wobble and cheer you on when you soar.

Pro Tip:

Identify a few people in your life who you can trust for honest feedback and encouragement. Schedule regular check-ins with them to share your progress and get their input.

5. It's Never Too Late!

If there’s one thing Cate wants us all to remember, it’s that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Age is just a number, and middle age can be a time of incredible creativity and freedom. Don’t ignore that little voice inside that’s urging you to try something new.

Final Thought:

Next time you find yourself daydreaming about a different career or a creative project, pay attention. That little spark could ignite an amazing transformation.
Thank you so much for being part of this wonderful journey with me. I hope you found these insights as valuable as I did. Go ahead, grab that coffee or wine, light that soy candle, and start dreaming and planning your next big move. You’ve got this!

P.S. If you haven't yet, check out this fantastic episode for even more inspiration. And as always, feel free to reach out to me on social media. I love hearing from you!

OTHER RESOURCES

ABOUT SUZANNE PROKSA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, HHP

I'm Suzanne Proksa. A SHRM-SCP and SPHR certified Human Resources and Business Strategist, IAWP Certified Wellness Coach, AADP certified Holistic Health Practitioner, fierce supporter of women, and autoimmune educator + advocate. My focus is supporting, coaching, and creating programs for women, people-focused organizations, and online businesses so they can positively impact their own lives and those of others.

In my time as an online strategist, I've helped thousands of women gain confidence, establish clarity in their businesses, get visible and drive audience growth, create simple strategies and automation to grow their businesses, crush their tech challenges, and start making sales. During my time in HR, I have launched and led multiple initiatives to enrich and improve company culture and the employee experience. I've had my hands in business nearly my entire life starting when I was a kid selling my creations in my neighborhood. My business Bliss Candles was a Featured Seller on Etsy, featured in the book “How to Make Money on Etsy,” and a community favorite - and also a trailblazer in online marketing for small business.

My work has been published and featured in the Huffington Post, Medium, Thrive Global, the Amazing Women of Influence Summit, and on my beloved podcasts.

I've been honored with nominations for the MISHRM Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award, the HR Unite! Inspire Award, and the HR Unite! TA Trailblazer Award.

When I'm not loving on my business or being the best HR leader I can be -- I'm lifting up people however I can, strength training, studying all things women's health, geeking out over technology, attending networking events, and working/living in the beautiful oasis I've built at home.

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