The Secret To Reinvention
I was recently interviewed by my good friend and prior colleague, David Cravit. His latest book, SuperAging - getting older without getting old is an ultimate guide to “unretirement” and what comes next.
As longevity expands citizens wanting to (and sometimes having to) continue working after the age of retirement is increasing. And not only are individuals nearing retirement contemplating what comes next in larger numbers, but younger employees are also considering changing roles mid-career more often, culminating to a growing theme of re-invention.
I’ve worked with several clients in the midst of this process, and they typically encounter three common obstacles that hinder their progress.
In this blog post, we'll explore these challenges and offer strategies to overcome them.
Wanting to Know The End
One of the most significant barriers to reinvention is the fear of what the final outcome will look like. They want to delete the process entirely from their mind and jump from the start to the end. As if the end is where the magic lies. This anxiety can stem from a desire for perfection or a worry that the end product won't live up to expectations. However, it's essential to remember that reinvention is a process, not a destination.
Strategies to Overcome This Fear
Thought Created, Not Thought Solved: the fear of the end product lives entirely in our mind. There is no end product, so we can’t possibly fear it without thoughts about a dreadful future. Seeing the illusory nature of thoughts and its connection to our fear helps dissipate it.
Embrace the Process: Shift your focus from the end product to the fun and excitement of exploration and growth. Celebrate small victories along the way and recognize the skills, connections and insights you gain throughout.
Return to Presence: When you notice the fear, allow yourself to return to presence. Take a few deep breaths, notice what you can hear around you, bringing yourself to the present moment takes you from the energy of your thoughts to the energy of you beneath your fear.
Park Your Logical Mind
While logic and rational thinking are valuable tools, relying on them too early in the reinvention process can stifle creativity and innovation. It's important to allow space for intuition and exploration before narrowing down your options with logical analysis.
Strategies to Balance Logic and Creativity:
Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to brainstorm ideas without judgment. This technique encourages free-flowing thought and can lead to unexpected insights.
Set Aside Time for Play: Dedicate time to creative activities unrelated to your professional goals. This can help stimulate innovative thinking and provide fresh perspectives.
Delay Judgment: Give yourself permission to explore ideas without immediately evaluating their feasibility. Once you've generated a range of possibilities, you can then apply logical analysis to refine them.
Desire for Clarity Before Action
Many people stall by the need for complete clarity before taking action. However, waiting for perfect clarity can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. It's crucial to take proactive steps when the path isn't entirely clear.
Strategies to Move Forward Amidst Uncertainty:
Set Short-Term Goals: Break down your reinvention journey into smaller, manageable goals. This makes it easier to take action without needing a fully defined long-term plan.
Adopt a Learning Mindset: View each step as an opportunity to learn and adapt. Recognize that clarity often emerges through action rather than inaction.
Seek Feedback: Engage with mentors or peers who can provide feedback and guidance as you navigate your path. Their insights can help illuminate blind spots and offer new directions.
Reinvention is a courageous journey that requires resilience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
By addressing these common obstacles—fear of the end product, premature reliance on logic, and the desire for clarity before action—you can unlock new possibilities for personal and professional growth.
Remember, every step you take is part of a larger journey towards becoming who you truly want to be. Embrace the process, trust yourself, and enjoy the adventure of reinvention.