The Hidden Cost of Playing It Safe in Midlife | Dr. Margie Warrell
The Hidden Cost of Playing It Safe in Midlife | Dr. Margie Warrell  
Podcast: The Midlife Chrysalis
Published On: Mon Dec 22 2025
Description: What if the real risk in midlife isn’t change but staying comfortable?In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley sits down with Dr. Margie Warrell, global expert on courage and bestselling author of The Courage Gap, to explore why so many smart, capable people feel stuck and how to move forward with clarity and bravery. Drawing from her journey from a rural Australian farm to the world stage, Margie shares powerful insights on courage, reinvention, and choosing growth over safety. In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why comfort quietly keeps you stuck- The hidden “timidity tax” of playing it safe- The tension between belonging and becoming- Why courage is a decision, not a feeling- Simple ways to take braver action in midlife If you’re ready to stop circling what’s familiar and start stepping into what’s possible, this conversation is for you.🎧 Watch now and choose courage over comfort. Timestamps:00:05 Meet Margie Warrell01:08 Margie’s rural upbringing02:33 The horse story and learning courage05:00 Traveling the world after university06:33 Early adulthood and global moves08:47 Trauma, healing, and transformation09:51 Life now and current work11:05 Why courage is difficult13:26 Becoming versus belonging16:40 Regret and missed chances21:19 Courage as action, not feeling23:42 Closing the courage gap23:42 Reset your focus29:10 Challenge your certainty33:50 Take the chance36:13 Real-life courage breakthroughs39:05 Courage, anxiety, and connection42:34 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeCrisis #CourageOverComfort #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #MidlifeReinvention #LeadershipMindset #SelfDevelopment #EmotionalResilience #FindingPurpose #SecondHalfOfLife #FearAndGrowth #AuthenticLiving #WomenInLeadership #BraveLiving #TheCourageGap