THE RULES OF REINVENTION.

There is a lot of value in taking stock of your life. If you know you need a change but you're stock, then it's probably time for reinvention. Such a transformation could be mental, spiritual, physical or all of the above. For some, it's working at jobs they hate but staying because the jobs fit their lifestyle or others' expectations. For others, it's feeling trapped in a loveless or worse yet, abusive relationship without a clue about how to escape. Then there's the weighty issue that plagues many of us: figuring out how to lose the last 20,30 or 40 pounds.

Your ideal life doesn't come conveniently packaged in a bottle. The only way to get where you want to be is to take a chance that you can live the life of your dreams.

RULE #1: UNDERSTAND WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU ARE.

It's important to recognize what's causing you to want to reinvent yourself, to see if the problem is perceived or real. Is it age related, peer pressure, family expectations? Is it a specific developmental stage you’re in? Or is it a reaction to something else in your life that you’re unhappy with? The answers will reveal themselves when you take an honest look at what’s going on. Get a journal and write down every thought that you have about where your life is now. Are you happy? If not, why not? If you could be doing something different right this second, what would it be? Waiting for everything to be perfect can be a block to getting started.

The self-discovery process can help you decide the direction in which your life should go. But thoughts about who you are and what you want must be written down to be an effective part of the process.

RULE #2: EXPLORE YOUR GIFTS AND TALENTS.

Focus on a physical, mental and career rejuvenation. To help clarify your career goals, take personality and self-assessment tests. www.myerbriggs.com. Center For Applications Of Psychological Type. www.capt.org.

When pursuing your own career reinvention, talk to those who are already doing what you want to do. Ask questions like, “what is it really like on a day to day basis?” and “what additional skills do I need to be successful?” Attend a conference; join an association, even intern as a volunteer. Surround yourself with people and information that creates momentum, that moves you toward what you might be passionate about, this is your time of exploration.

RULE #3: FIGHT PAST THE FEAR.

Fear as a self-limitation is not uncommon. Fear is the primary reason people don’t do what they love. We’re afraid of failing, afraid of rejection, afraid of what others will think. No one is immune. If we allow fear to keep us from making choices, it will prevent us from attaining our goals. To walk through the fear, explore the perceived obstacles. What’s the worst thing that could happen if you leave your job for the one you really love? The only way to find out is to take one step toward making that dream a reality.

RULE #4: TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME.

In a world of instant money, fame and power, we want it all, and we want it now. But that’s also the quickest way to lose it all. You don’t appreciate what you haven’t worked for. Therefore, break your goal down into very small, manageable, baby steps. Set up a calendar system to keep track of everything that needs to be done. To get from point A to B, break the goal down into small, manageable, do-able steps, so they’re not focused just on the end result.

When you embark on your reinvention, don’t look farther than where you are.

RULE #5:CREATE A SUPPORT TEAM.

People need support in standing in their own power. That support can come through a teacher, mentor, coach, therapist or group. Whether they are experts or not, your support group should be made up of trustworthy individuals you respect who have your best interest at heart.

RULE #6: ALLOW THE TRANSFORMATION TO TAKE TIME.

Life is a series of choices. You can’t follow your passion unless your basic needs are being met. Instead of waiting for change begin to create it. With any transition, you must give yourself time to adjust. Write out weekly, monthly and yearly goals, so you can see the transformation-taking place over time. If you find yourself in a never-ending cycle of actions that don’t move your plan forward, then consider retooling your plan. Signs that things are not working might include missed opportunities, the inability to find support, disorganization or lack of enthusiasm on your part. That’s why it’s important to remain flexible throughout the process.