Embrace Change and Reinvent Your Life!

The only constant in life is change. Nothing stays the same forever. Indeed, in today’s changing world, you may have to ask yourself, “What am I doing and where am I?”

You may say that each and every day when you wake up! When you set your day in motion, you are actually inventing or reinventing yourself. But some of us hit a point in our lives when it goes beyond having our best day ever, putting our best foot forward, making the most of the moments; you get the drift.

Some of us need a total transformation and a huge mind shift. It could be due to a health event, job change, partnership dissolution or lifestyle alteration.

The best way to approach such intense change is to prepare before it becomes an emergency. For example, if you are experiencing an emotional upheaval and are potentially headed for a complete breakdown, now is the best time to deal with that, not when you unable to concentrate or make decisions.

Embracing change, wherever it originates, is the first step to lasting reinvention. Just committing to it is most likely the biggest step you can take.

It’s important to understand that you are the only person who can change your life and realize reinvention. Just because your spouse or loved one abandons you or your boss fires you doesn’t mean you are going to necessarily change. Change comes from within yourself.

But if these things impact your life in a negative way, you can choose to simply go on as usual or listen to that little voice in your head advising you to make changes.

Experts believe that if we are not fulfilling our best purpose in life, then the likelihood of our achieving happiness and contentment drop significantly. So that little voice whispering in your ear every day that you are not finding satisfaction is also not something to shoo away. It’s definitely time for a reinvention.

Reinvention simply means changing the way you act or do things. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

Probably the most recognized reinventions involve people who quit or retire and start traveling, working part time or volunteering. But making new choices, stopping bad habits or letting go of responsibilities that are holding you back are other ways of reinvention.

Being true to yourself and not pretending to be someone or something else is a big transformation as well. If you have always been known as someone who is a great cook but you really don’t like doing it, you can set out to let the world know you are no longer the go-to person for elaborate dinner parties. If you have always served on a specific committee at work, but you would love to use your unknown but solid talent on another committee, speak up and make it happen. Show the world who you really are and what you have to offer.

In other words, stop relying on how others see you and what they have always expected of you, and give them another “you” to see. Remember, growth comes from change.

Reinvention takes thoughtful planning, too. It’s not a quick scheme to put together overnight to implement the next day. You must put yourself in a clear light squarely in front of yourself! See yourself for who you really are. Don’t daydream beyond reasonable expectations. Know what you are truly capable of achieving and give yourself small steps to achieve your goals.

Recognize that other little voice in your head giving you all the reasons not to reinvent yourself; that’s all those pesky excuses that have held you back in the past. Know that it is always easier to maintain status quo because making real change is tough. Tell this negative voice to be quiet!

One of the most powerful tools for change is known as the “power of now.” Sure, you are angry because you were unfairly fired, or your health has taken a turn, but it won’t do any good to dwell on the past. Focus on those little steps right now, which will surely lead to success in your future.

Failure along the way to reinvention is normal so be ready with adjustments to carry you over the obstacles. If you have a clear plan and can see the details worked out ahead, imagine how much you will gain at the end. Envision the end result. It’s easier to get there if you do.

Have faith in yourself and don’t worry too much about what others may say about your transformation. Naysayers are just as bad as those little negative voices in your head.
Keep your head up and become the true you. ■

Sources: theladders.com, success.com and forbes.com.