Reinvention – What’s Your Story?
Yvonne Orji is a Nigerian-American actress who stars with the amazing Issa Rae in the HBO comedy “Insecure,” and she’s telling my story. Her show name might well be one of the theme lines for my life as well, on this topic of reinvention. Rolling Stone recently featured her talking about her superpowers and reinventing herself. These are subjects I love exploring – and always make me wonder: what’s your story there?
As A Child of Immigrants
Parents generally want the best for their children. Like Yvonne, my parents were born and raised in another country and culture. So, I was kind of born into reinventing. That’s because, in my formative family years, reinvention was the main imperative for going from refugee status to American citizen.
Both of our parents had ideas for what we were to “become” when we grew up. And like Yvonne, the version of what my life would look like differed from theirs for sure. That may be true for you as well.
Mine would be very different – if for no other reason than because I really had little idea of what it was like where they came from. Living through and escaping from a world war was also not on my list of things to ever do.
While our parents want what’s best, often what they envision for you is not what you ultimately pursue. For me, that out led to a series of career changes, as I figured out my own superpowers – my preferred skill sets, how I wanted to work, and how and where I wanted to live.
Those changes can create a feeling of insecurity, especially when outside measures of success and what other people think don’t quite match the life you’re trying to create for yourself.
Know what I mean?
What Is Reinvention Really?
I’d say it’s two things: first, really knowing yourself – your “superpowers” and how best to use them – and then, just continuing to be the best version of yourself possible. Yvonne noted that, too. It led her from future doctor to professional actress!
Ultimately, that all led me into my own business. There, I could serve in ways that were meaningful to me, shift focus with changing times, continually learn, use my preferred skills and generally enjoy the work I do and the clients I work with. For me, my own business also allows for continual personal refinement and reinvention.
The process of getting there included the opportunity to travel and live where I want, but just relocation is often not enough to find that sweet spot for both work and life. As Yvonne put it:
“Sometimes people are lying to themselves so
they just keep going to different places, but it’s the same person that’s going,
and they think a new city will change them.
You have to reinvent and refine to make sure you are
the person you are supposed to be,
so that wherever you go and in whatever space you reinvent yourself,
you are the best version of yourself.”
She hit the nail on the head there.
That Picture Changes Over Time
Exercising your superpowers and being the best version of yourself are matters that present a moving target throughout the rest of life, too. Consider:
- Are you being the best version of yourself now?
- Have you created everything you want for both work and life?
- Are you using your currently preferred skills so you can be productive and constructive, feel like you’re making a meaningful contribution, and enjoy everything (and everyone) in your life that’s important to you?
If not, it might be time for some refinement and reinvention. And if that’s the case, I encourage you to get on with it. Because as I like to say:
“Life Really Is Too Short not to absolutely love it.
(And you’re the only one who can do anything about that)”
Mastering The Art of Reinvention Does Two Things
Learning to reinvent quickly and easily at any age also does two things: it keeps you current and timeless, as well as flexible and happy. You don’t get stuck in some version of yourself that doesn’t fit, or if you’re approaching that, you can change it!
If you want to talk about what that means for you, I’m here to listen. Click here to apply for a New Directions Discovery Session and we can explore further. If I can help, we can talk about that possibility as well, or I will recommend another resource that can help you move forward.
Go ahead, reinvent a little. (You know you want to…)
About Dolly
Dolly Garlo, is a professional coach with multiple specialty certifications, and a background in healthcare, law and business. She works with professionals, small business owners, and senior executives in business and government service when they are ready for a change of direction in both work and life. Typically this occurs at mid-career, when anticipating early or full financial retirement, following a significant life event or sometimes just because the career ladder is leaning up against the wrong wall. When it’s time to make that move with clarity, confidence and support - to fulfill greater aspirations for more inspired living, purposeful work, confident leadership and even meaningful legacy… it’s time for a Masterful Life Redesign!
Learn more with my free guide, the Masterful Life Redesign Roadmap – get it here: Masterful Life Redesign Roadmap
Or, identify your best next move forward by applying for a New Directions Discovery Session
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