Summary

The web content discusses how writers in their 40s often reach their peak storytelling abilities, embracing vulnerability and life experience to create resonant and empathetic work.

Abstract

The article titled "Your 40s Kick Off Your Best Writing Years (Chilling Secret I Realized)" emphasizes that the best writing comes from personal storytelling, a craft that many writers refine in their 40s. It suggests that with age, writers shed societal fears and judgments, allowing them to share raw and impactful narratives. The author, in their 20s, contrasts their own guarded nature with the openness of their aunt, who freely shares personal stories, including one that led to positive life changes. The piece highlights the value of lived experience, using examples from both the author's family and public figures like Alex Hormozi. It argues that age brings a perspective that enriches writing, making it more authentic and relatable. The article encourages writers to embrace their age as an asset, suggesting that starting late in writing is not a disadvantage but rather a path to deeper connection with the audience.

Opinions

The author believes that the best writers infuse their articles with personal stories, leaving a piece of themselves in their work.
It is observed that as people age, they become less judgmental and more accepting, which is reflected in their storytelling.
The article posits that societal-induced fear of judgment diminishes with age, allowing for more authentic self-expression.
The author cites Alex Hormozi as an example of someone who has lived fully and learned that short-term worries often become insignificant over time.
The piece suggests that older writers have a unique ability to convey empathy and vulnerability, which is highly valued by readers.
The author expresses that the fear of judgment can be flipped into an advantage by using it to appear humble and genuine when sharing successes.
The article concludes that age can be an advantage in writing, as it provides a wealth of experiences to draw from, leading to more impactful stories.

Your 40s Kick Off Your Best Writing Years (Chilling Secret I Realized)

It’s okay to start late.

Screenshot by Annie Wegner | Image Generated with Gencraft

Have you ever realized the best writers tell stories?

Well, I have.

I found out they leave a tiny piece of themselves behind in their articles. I read tons of blogs. First for the headlines — x numbers of ways to never be the same person again. I skid into these titles as if they were slippery highways. But became a regular for the authors who told stories.

I’m in my 20s. My walls are high. I judge people. I assume most people do the same. So! When I hang out with my aunts, uncles, or grandparents, I experience a bone-cold chill.

They don’t judge themselves or others, period.

Here’s an example. My aunt (as casually as Sunday turns to Monday) is quick to release memories from her mind’s archive. She’ll share in painful detail. One year (when I was seven) after Thanksgiving, I poked her squishy stomach. I told her, “Oh, you walked back for thirds this year.”. I’ve never forgotten it — because she won’t let me.

Her lips curve into a smile each time she tells the story.

How come?

It is fun for her to watch me squirm. It’s also the year she didn’t take good care of her health — working three jobs. She quit doing that. And Anita says it all because out of everyone, I spoke up. I said something to her. It gave her pause. She took better care of herself ever since.

Age washes a way of societal-induced fear. I’ll get judged harshly for my opinion, especially if it isn’t traditional. I have to pick the side which serves my interest. Or will please my employer or anyone who will track my social media activity.

Glorious New Beginning

In your 40s, you realize you’ll live. And you have lived.

Alex Hormozi isn’t 40. He’s 31. But he’s someone who lived. Picture being a kid again when every adventure is new. Talks about fresh explorations burst from your insides if someone stands within earshot.

Alex’s experiences taught him a critical life lesson. What you think matters today; doesn’t. Let us say. On August 21, you agonized over a logo. On the fifth anniversary, you’ll laugh over coffee, telling someone you called the designer like a manic for a last-minute color change. Now, you don’t remember the logo. You became the face of your business.

If you are religious and happy, please keep doing you. Otherwise…

Two rules that quieted my anxiety, sadness, fear of failure, and rejection and pulled me out of my darkest hours:

1) Nothing matters

2)Never forget rule #1-Hormozi.

A well of Literary Freshness

I spoke with my aunt this weekend. I asked about her schedule. My aunt said she isn’t working on Monday. Then she shared the tummy story again.

Today, shock! I’m reading stories here. What is the difference? I didn’t cringe. Then smile like I do on the phone with my aunt. I skipped the cringe, hopped to smiles and understanding. Many older writers and parents plucked stories from their lives to share on this platform. It’s far better than McDonald’s. So, yeah, I love it.

Raw struggle, depth like you’re their confidant from whom they hold nothing back, and context because of the lifestyle driving their choices. I saved you the tasty last bite. The empathy hugs you tight, as if you may never see another story from them again. Writers in their 40s lived and continue to live. And an even bigger win, they let go. So, while I’ve sometimes used the agitate copywriting model. They soothe and it works. Even better, too.

How to get anyone to love you (and never want you to leave):

Make them look important (to others)

Make them feel important (to themselves) — Hormozi.

I deeply felt the first story I’ve ever read from an older person. The writer took me into the caregiver home where she placed her mother. She walked me through a park filled with cost trees and medical expenses. My parents are nowhere near needing hospice (I hope). But her words still comfort me whenever I think of my parent’s aging.

An ability to be vulnerable with your audience is a top tier skill.

Many writers don’t learn to use it until they’ve lived or aged. Why is living also a route to being a storytelling writer? Imagine memories as clothes. The less exceptional ones you have, the more guarded you are of each. You’ll say, “No, I’ll save this little black dress with a tight bodice and chest cutout for a special occasion.”

Unlock Yours

With age you realize there is a pro side to every fear of judgement.

You’re not afraid of failure. You fear judgement. -Kieran Drew.

Fear: I can’t let people know I’ve failed.
Flip: How else will I appear humble when I share my successes?
Fear: I am scared people will judge me for my weirdness.
Flip: I’ll just tell people what I do now that I’m older.

It’s normal for people to tell you want they know now that they are one year older. That’s fine. Here’s the exceptional.

If water were a headline, it would be — “It took me 40 years to realize I hate these 5 things”. In my twenties or thirties, I’d never admit to birthing a baby on all four while roaring. But time doesn’t just heal all wounds, it helps you feel less self-conscious talking about your pain.

So, I believe starting late isn’t a problem.

You can start at any age. And sometimes, age is your advantage.

I’d Pay Alex Hormozi $5,000. I’m Shocked We Talk for Free

I was in for a pleasant surprise!

medium.com

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