Midlife – will you generate or stagnate?

Midlife – will you generate or stagnate?

Yes, the title is a bit provocative, but it is based on Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development which includes a stage called “generativity versus stagnation”. This stage is relevant to individuals in midlife (ages 40-65) to help them understand the challenges and opportunities they may be facing during this phase of their life.

Generativity refers to the desire and ability to contribute to the well-being and development of the next generation and society as a whole. It involves activities and behaviours aimed at leaving a lasting legacy, such as raising children, mentoring others, or making meaningful contributions to one’s community or profession.

Generativity is characterized by a sense of purpose and fulfilment, as individuals feel they are making a positive impact on the world around them.

Perhaps this resonates with you, or you know someone who is making the most of this stage and contributing well to others and finding purpose and meaning from spending their time this way.

Stagnation, on the other hand, represents a sense of unfulfillment and a lack of productivity or growth. Individuals experiencing stagnation may feel stuck or complacent in their lives, often resulting from a failure to find meaningful ways to contribute to others or society.

This stage can be marked by feelings of disappointment, regret, and a sense that time is passing without a sense of purpose.

Midlife is a natural time for reflection, a natural pause for a life review. People often take stock of their achievements and consider whether they’ve made meaningful contributions to their family, community, or profession. The danger here is we can be influenced by societal expectations and cultivate a sense that we ‘should’ have achieved more by now which can impact wellbeing negatively. Steer away from what society dictates. At 50 you could have another 30 years of productivity, thriving and learning, it’s never too late to readjust your life if it isn’t quite what you personally want it to be.

Generativity is about finding or reaffirming one’s sense of purpose. This may involve mentoring younger individuals, becoming involved in charitable activities, or pursuing creative endeavours that contribute to personal growth and the greater good.

Generativity doesn’t necessarily mean leaving a large, public legacy. It can involve small, everyday acts of kindness, being a supportive parent, or simply being a caring friend. Encourage them to think about how they can positively impact others in their own unique way.

To avoid stagnation, you can seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth. This might involve pursuing new hobbies, further education, or exploring different aspects of their careers. It’s important to stress that generativity doesn’t mean neglecting one’s own needs and well-being. Self-care remains essential, as it provides the foundation for effectively contributing to others and society. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals during this period of self-discovery is a sign of strength, not weakness. Feeling fulfilled in midlife can have a profound positive impact on overall well-being.

There’s no strict deadline for achieving generativity. It’s an ongoing process that can continue throughout their lives, and it’s never too late to make meaningful contributions.

By understanding the generativity versus stagnation stage of Erikson’s theory, you can begin to navigate this stage of your life with a better understanding of the opportunities it presents for personal growth, contribution to society, and the creation of a meaningful legacy.