Transformation is a vital theme in the lives of many people. However, some reports show that a major transformation usually happens at a period in a person’s life that many call midlife.

At this point, building up and playing it safe is not what people long to do. There’s the need to venture into the unknown and leap toward something bigger and greater. If you are this point in your life and you have no idea how to go about implementing a massive transformation, don’t you fret. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Live in a new place.

If you have never lived in a different place before, make it this year’s goal to do so. Immerse yourself in a different culture and pace of life. This transformation can open your eyes to new possibilities — from becoming the kind of person that you can be, to creating a lifestyle that’s not only easier to maintain, but more joyful as well.

Try living abroad, particularly in a location that is quite different from your home country. One of the best destinations to consider is the Caribbean. This tropical region is the favorite getaway of the rich and famous, from members of the royal family to Hollywood celebrities.

But apart from being a popular destination for the well to do, in recent years, the Caribbean has become the second home of expats from different parts of the globe. Seeing the upward trajectory of the economy in some nations of the region, a lot of foreigners have decided to take advantage of the second citizenship by investment program offered in the Caribbean.

The program grants Caribbean citizenship to qualifying individuals in just a matter of months. It comes with the purchase of a property or a specific donation to the government. Dual citizenship will allow you to split your life between two countries and harness the best that both nations have to offer. But, more importantly, in your second home country, you can easily create a different life from what you originally had.

2. Pursue your passion actively.

If this is something that you have not been doing despite your financial capability, now is the perfect time to do so. Quite often, it’s easier to indulge in this when you start living in a different place. A lot of expats in the Caribbean who were accomplished professionals in their home countries launch into a different career path after settling into the islands.

Many avid scuba divers, yachters, painters, and writers are able to turn their hobbies and interests into their primary or second career here. Former British Intelligence and newspaperman Ian Fleming managed to pursue his love for novel writing in Jamaica, where Agent 007 was born. He is the perfect example of someone who made a successful life transformation by actively pursuing a passion.

3. Aid others.

If you have never tried volunteering or working for a non-profit organization before, do so as soon as possible. The experience is not only life-changing, but quite gratifying as well.

Using your know-how and even your financial resources to alleviate the problems of certain sectors of society will provide you with an entirely different perspective on life. Not only that, this is also a good opportunity to meet new people and expand your social network.

It’s important to mention as well that working to aid others is a huge advantage for entrepreneurs or business folks. Social impact is one of the most influential trends in business. If you are a business owner, why not consider pursuing this activity and refreshing the vision, image and reputation of your company?

4. Make your health a true priority.

If you have developed habits in your younger years that compromise your health, give them up. Focus on your complete well-being now. Start a fitness regimen, follow a healthy diet, and learn how to manage stress effectively.

Invest in your health and well-being this year by employing the services of experts. Consider hiring a coach, especially if you need help in cultivating solid relationships by understanding other people better. And again, live somewhere else, preferably in a place that is close to nature and that has a slower pace of life.

If you have been directing your income toward safeguarding your future since you started working, it’s about time to start tapping into your financial means to improve the life you currently have.

5. Meditate every single day.

Take it from Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, and other successful people who swear by dedicating anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes every day to meditation. It may not seem to make a significant change, but it does, especially if you are like Elon Musk who considers work hours to start from the moment the eyes open from sleep and to end at the moment of closing them for slumber.

Carving out time to free your mind of concerns and harnessing power through positive imagery is not going to be easy, but you can trust that it’ll do wonders in your quality of life. Studies show that meditation is a powerful practice for behavior modification. It can boost patience, kindness to oneself, cognitive performance, and confidence.

There are also claims that from this practice alone, many were able to rewire their brain, improve integration, and boost resolve and creativity for a new and more fulfilling life.

Midlife for many people can be quite a crazy time. However, you can turn a stereotypical time of crisis into a reproductive era in your life. Remember, big changes bring big results.

Of course, it can be quite daunting to take a different turn in life, especially when you’re in your 40s or 50s. However, once you implement a single massive change that pulls you out of your comfort zone, you will find other transformative decisions less intimidating to put into action.

AUTHOR BIO

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.