Gen X Men: Stuck, Searching, Still Hopeful

A growing number of Gen X men in Australia and New Zealand feel stuck, unfulfilled, and short on time, says mindset coach Glenn Conley ahead of Men’s Health Week (9–15 June 2025).

“Many of my clients feel like life has slipped them by,” says Conley, founder of Mindshiftr and a certified Rapid Transformational Therapist based in New Zealand. “They feel they should have more to show for their efforts – a better job, more money, deeper relationships – but instead, they’re overwhelmed, comparing themselves to others, and questioning their worth.”

Conley, who combines neuroscience, hypnotherapy, and mindset coaching, works primarily with men, many of whom feel they’ve fallen short of expectations – their own and society’s.

“They’re not where they thought they’d be. They look around on social media and feel inadequate. They’ve internalised a damaging belief that it’s too late to change, but that’s simply not true.”

Conley's position is supported by recent ASX-listed SEEK, which surveyed 3,033 working-age Australians to uncover the startling workplace revelation, with money problems listed as the most common reason for remorse. Career regret was reported by 57 per cent of Gen X workers, 54 per cent of millennials, 52 per cent of Baby Boomers, and 40 per cent of Gen Z.

Rather than waiting for motivation to strike, men can benefit from building small, consistent habits that restore a sense of control and direction.

1. Create daily momentum 
“Nothing changes if nothing changes,” says Conley. “We can’t sit and wait for the spark – we have to create it.” He suggests starting with one simple daily action: write down a small win, express one point of gratitude, and set an intention for the next day. The goal isn’t radical transformation overnight, but cumulative progress. “Even one percent a day in the right direction adds up,” he says.

2. Challenge your internal narrative 
Many men are unaware that their sense of inadequacy or failure may come from beliefs formed in early childhood. “We absorb messages about success, worth, and identity before we’re even aware of them,” says Conley.

Recognising those old scripts is the first step toward rewriting them. He encourages clients to practise self-compassion and question harsh inner talk: Is this true? Would I say this to a friend? Reframing these thoughts can help reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience.

3. Unpack financial conditioning

Financial stress often comes up in midlife, but Conley says it’s not always about money itself. “It’s about your money mindset – which is usually inherited,” he says. “If your parents saw money as scarce or believed wealth was morally wrong, those beliefs live on.”

Conley says it is important to identify those early money stories and replace them with a healthier, more abundant mindset. “Money is always available to us, but if you believe you’re not worthy of it, you’ll never attract or manage it well.”

Conley, who holds a BSC(Hon) majoring in physiology, a Masters from UNSW and is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, says meaningful change is achievable regardless of age.

“I’m 50, but I feel 30 because I do the inner work. Age is irrelevant. The soul only cares if you're aligned.”

For Gen X men feeling like time is slipping away, Conley offers a simple message: It’s not too late. But you have to start.

Sources: https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/why-are-aussies-working-longer

ABOUT 

Mindshiftr helps people break free from limiting beliefs, emotional blocks, and subconscious patterns that keep them stuck. Founded by Glenn Conley, a certified Rapid Transformational Therapist and mindset coach based in New Zealand.

Mindshiftr offers practical, neuroscience-backed tools to support real and lasting change. With a focus on midlife transformation, Mindshiftr empowers clients to reframe their inner narrative, reconnect with purpose, and build a life aligned with who they truly are.

Whether through one-on-one sessions or the Breakthrough Programme, Mindshiftr creates space for clarity, healing, and growth—because it’s never too late to shift your mindset and reclaim your direction.

© Scoop Media