Say no to reinvention. Say yes to change
I'm a huge believer in growing and changing, especially in that magical third phase of life, second adulthood. But I'm dropping reinvention from my vocabulary. Why? Let's begin with looking at Merriam-Webster's definition:
1. : to make as if for the first time something already invented
You already are who you are. You were "invented' in the moment o birth, although there certainly have been many improvements and alterations along the way. So, no. This definition doesn't work for me. Why would anyone want to make, as if for the first time, something that not only has been made before, but something that has had considerable thoughtful work done on the original version. The notion of remaking or redoing completely doesn't work for me either. What would be lost in this complete do-over?
I'm a huge believer in change, though. I'm a fan of changes as large as moving into a new pursuit and as small as learning to love dangling earrings. I rejoice in huge changes, like picking up and moving cross-country. I'm amazed by smaller changes like shifting from counseling ex-offenders to a retirement job helping people with autism move into the workplace. I celebrate giant leaps and baby steps.
A Different Model
- Reimagine
- Reassess
- Recombine
- Reassemble
This is the bare bones version:
What do you want your life to look, feel, be like? Create a no-holds-barred, barrier free image for yourself.
What skills do you have? What have you already done? What aspects did you love? What do you see yourself continuing to do?
There are so many different ways to put your skills, talents, abilities and desires together. Think of this as a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces might fit together in any pattern. Play.
Now, decide how you will put the pieces together and create an action plan.
Next Steps?
There are many career assessments, self-help books, life audits and other tools available in any book store for anyone who is prepared to strike out on their own. There are coaches and groups online and in person. If you want a quick exploration, try a 20 Minute Jump Start call, here.
Don't reinvent - get bigger and better!