Why we need to re-invent what we do (not who we are)

The only thing we absolutely can count on in this life is change. This statement has never been truer than in the modern world we find ourselves in. But change is as much an internal process as it is an external reality. Growth and development is a part of who we are, and constantly reinventing ourselves is a part of our human journey. However, all too often this is misinterpreted as trying to change who we are, instead of what we do and how we do things.

Are you looking for positive change in your life? Perhaps you’re struggling to develop good relationships or a fulfilling career, or you simply feel stuck and in need of something new. Whatever the motivation behind it, it’s important to realise that although you may need to change what you do and how you do it, you don’t need to change who you are. There are two major reasons for this:

Firstly, you are who you are and your past is what it is. You cannot change who you are by nature, or the sum of a lifetime experience, but you can change who you become by adjusting what you do today and how you do things tomorrow. Use your experience, and I mean all of it the good stuff and the bad, to create the future you want.

Secondly, there is no-one else like you. Learn to embrace the fact that you are a truly unique, one-of-a-kind individual and you’ll soon stop comparing yourself to others or trying to be someone you’re not. There is no benefit in that. Instead, start using your uniqueness and you will always be able to set yourself apart.

There are however, several good reasons why you may need to change what you do or how you do things.  

1. Negative self-talk.
Are you stuck in a self-destructive cycle of telling yourself negative stories that lead you to believe that you aren’t capable of achieving your dreams? If so, it’s time to put a stop to this damaging behaviour that is holding you back from your true potential. Reinvent how you treat yourself and how you speak to yourself and you will soon see how this has a dramatic impact on your ability to change what you do.  

2. You didn’t make a choice.
Do you ever sit back and wonder how you ended up where you are? All too often we find ourselves on a path that has happened to us, rather than one we have actively chosen. Perhaps you felt pressured by parents, partners or friends, or simply didn’t take the time to reflect on what you truly wanted so you ended up taking the first opportunity that came your way? If you want to change your direction it’s up to you to decide where you want to go and then start taking the necessary steps to get there. Remember that if you don’t create your roadmap, someone else will do it for you.  

3. You’re feeling stunted.
If you find yourself feeling frustrated, bored or stuck in a situation, it’s a clear indication that you need to look at changing things up. Perhaps you’ve been in the same job or career too long? Alternatively you may have been without a job for a while and now can't see a way back. Whatever it is start taking the first steps to change your circumstances, and before long you will be on a path to reinvention.

​As with most things in life it starts with raising your awareness. Figure out what is going on, what is working well and what you would like to change. When you have that clear it is much easier to start taking the right action, the action that will take you where you want to go and to become the person you want to be.

If a new career is on that list you should check out our free guide '5 mistakes to avoid when creating a new career'. You can download it here.

​Have a wonderful day and remember it is never too late to create a life and career you love.