Episode 14: Why Trying New Things Gets Harder After 40 — And Why You Should Do It Anyway

Have you ever felt like it’s too late to start something new? Or wondered why the idea of trying something different feels scarier now than it did in your 20s?

In this episode of Wellness After 40, we dive into what’s really going on in your brain as you age—and why pushing past fear, embarrassment, and self-doubt is not just possible, but necessary for your mental and emotional well-being.

From neuroscience to psychology to an unforgettable story of a man who intentionally got rejected for 100 days straight (yes, really), we explore:

• Why your brain resists change more as you age
• What the Default Mode Network has to do with your fear of trying
• How to activate neuroplasticity after 40
• Why rejection hurts—and how to become more resilient to it
• Practical tools to start microdosing courage today

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• Jia Jiang’s TED Talk – "What I learned from 100 days of rejection"
  Watch here
• Greenwood & Parasuraman (2010) – Neurobiology of Aging Study on Learning and Age
  Study summary
• Andrews-Hanna et al. (2014) – The Default Mode Network & Aging
  Nature Reviews Neuroscience article
• Park & Reuter-Lorenz (2009) – Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition
  Research paper
• Eisenberger & Lieberman (2004) – Social Rejection and Physical Pain
  Science article
• Kristin Neff, Ph.D. – Self-Compassion Research & Tools
  Visit her site
• Carol Dweck – Growth Mindset & Motivation
  TED Talk and book info

✨ Let’s connect!
 📸 Follow me on Instagram and share with me your starting something new stories: @yogawithkatiee
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