When you use smart decisions and self-awareness to shape your life, it will reflect your deepest aspirations and founding dreams.

1. Make your life your own. Decide to decide again. Re-examine your goals and dreams. Don’t assume that what you wanted yesterday is still the right thing for you. Have your goals and dreams changed? Give yourself the freedom to decide today what you want your life to be about.

2. Make your work a pleasure. Decide to revitalize your career or try a new one. Ask yourself if you are really happy and stimulated with your work. If not, or if you feel slighted or frustrated by the lack of progress, consider a change. Understand the corporate agenda and be realistic about opportunities for advancement in your current job. If you feel like you need a change, you may be able to move to a different position or department within your company, or you may want to look for an entirely new job. If you stay at your current job, ask for raises and promotions if you feel you’ve earned them.

3. Take it to the bank. Decide to secure your financial position. Get out of debt, stay on a budget, invest your money wisely, and stay on top of your financial situation. Many women let their partners take care of financial matters, only to find that they are unprepared if they get divorced or widowed. Remember, financial stress is one of the biggest stressors of all.

4. Why are you here? Decide to create meaning in your life. Identify the purpose and meaning of your life and define why you are here on earth. When you understand your purpose in life, losses are easier to bear and all other decisions are easier to make.

5. Share your generosity. Decide to give something in return. Donate money or put your talents, skills and experience to work by volunteering for causes you care about. People who volunteer have been found to be happier and healthier than those who don’t. Remember that charity begins at home, so give to your own family, friends, and neighbors.

Whatever you choose, if you make smart decisions, the best is yet to come. Using your creativity and giving back the wisdom you have gained through experience will increase your value to others and yourself. – taken from The ten smartest decisions a woman can make after forty.