We’ve all done the January thing and made a bunch of resolutions. Most of those don’t last much past February, let’s be honest. Whether they last or not, maybe there are things you wouldn’t mind improving or enhancing about yourself.
Reinvention sounds like a very big concept and it can be! It can also be taking a step closer to your true self, who you really are and want to be. Whether you’re navigating a crossroads, exploring a fresh path after 40 or 50 years old, or simply wishing to improve your mental and emotional well-being, reinventing yourself can be an empowering process. It’s a process of growth, learning, and transformation.
Reinventing yourself involves recognising patterns, values, or activities that no longer serve you and changing them for better options. It can be external things, like your job, hobbies, appearance, relationships and where you live. It can also be internal, how you think and behave. It is different for everybody!
WHY?
There are many reasons to stage a reinvention and they are as varied as we are!
Do you ever find yourself questioning who you are?
Do you wonder how you got to this point in your life?
Do you daydream about doing something completely different?
Most of us have felt that we’re ‘stuck in a rut’, stagnated in one way or another. It could be because of a static relationship, a boring or frustrating job, or general lack of inspiration and enthusiasm.
Maybe change has been thrust upon you. Your life has changed and you need to adapt. And it’s okay to be fine with that, to embrace it!
You could be looking for a career change. Our careers take up so much of our time and energy! Many people who have been in the same line of work for a long time, want a new challenge and feel ready for adventure.
You might just need a change!There doesn’t always have to be a deep or meaningful reason for self-reinvention. It could simply be time for a shift in your life. From a new haircut to breaking up with your toxic partner, wanting change is a natural thing.
You’re looking for fulfilment out of life, deeper meaning and more purpose in how you spend your time. This tends to happen when we realise how much time we’ve wasted on things that don’t bring us joy.
WHEN?
People reinvent themselves at different times in their lives. It’s never too early or too late to start over! We can reinvent ourselves at any time. Reinvention is a natural part of life and can continue throughout life.
David Sparks observed that every 30 years or so, people feel the need to “repot” themselves. They need to change what they’re doing and mix things up, and reinvent themselves. They become competent in their careers and then get bored with what they’ve been doing for 20 or 30 years.
“Reinventing yourself doesn’t mean erasing or discarding your past. It’s taking the core of who you are and breathing fresh life into yourself.”
HOW DO YOU DO IT?
Reflect:
Consider your values, strengths, and areas that need improvement. Be honest with yourself! You don’t have to impress anyone else.
Identify Patterns:
Find the patterns, values or activities that no longer serve you.
Create a Vision for Your Future:
Think about the you that you want to become. Visualise what you will look and feel like after you’ve reinvented yourself.
Set Realistic Goals:
Now that you have your vision, break it down into workable tasks. Identify the steps needed to achieve your vision. Set goals that align with your values, dreams and aspirations, but keep it realistic! Make sure what you want to change is rooted in reality and achievable.
Make Changes:
Now make those changes!
Set Up Reminders:
Writing down your vision will help you to clarify your thoughts. Keep a journal to track your progress and your feelings. Put up visual reminders of your goals where you can see them daily.
Embrace Resistance:
You might feel afraid, excited, intimidated or anxious to start making changes. Resistance can take the form of guilt, uncertainty or timidity. Feel the feelings!
Be Patient:
Reinvention is a process that takes time, so it’s okay to build up to changes gradually.
Celebrate Your Progress:
Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small! Remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Acknowledge your growth and the positive changes you’re creating. Celebrating your progress gives you a sense of self-appreciation and gratitude, which is essential for a healthy and fulfilled life.
CONCLUSION
Reinventing yourself can help you to adapt better to change, stay relevant in your career and enhance your well-being. It allows you to explore new parts of yourself.
Throughout the process, you will be forced to take a deeper look at your core values. This can help to identify the things you find most important in life.
No matter how old or stuck in your ways you might feel, reinventing yourself can push you to learn and embrace new things.
It makes you resilient and agile in an ever-changing world.The world is changing, and we have to change with it. It can give you the adaptability and flexibility to deal with this in a practical way.
It boosts your positivity and lust for life. Life is so much more enjoyable when you feel proud of who you are!
