When and How to Reinvigorate Your Life with Reinvention

Reinvention is not just a trendy concept; it is a powerful strategy for personal and professional growth. The idea of reinventing oneself can be both exhilarating and daunting. It involves the strategic adaptation of skills, interests, and roles in order to align with one's evolving self-interests, passions, and purpose. Whether you are at a career crossroads or simply looking to enhance your personal life, the frequency and necessity of reinvention depend on the individual's journey.

Understanding Reinvention

Reinvention is a fluid process rather than a one-time event. It is a continuous cycle of adaptation and growth. The primary goal is to stay aligned with your evolving self, interests, and purpose. As you grow and experience changes in your life, reinvention becomes a dynamic tool for self-improvement. The question often arises, how often should you reinvent yourself? The answer is as often as necessary, with no set frequency. It is inherently tied to the rate of personal growth and the individual's willingness to embrace change.

Five Distinct Career Reinventions

Reinvention is a regular part of professional journeys, as evidenced by the varied career paths of a seasoned individual. Here are five notable career reinventions:

First Career: Law Enforcement

From a police officer, investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, to a commander of investigative support in the NYPD Intelligence Division, this career spanned 20 years. Each role involved continuous learning and the application of new skills to effectively serve the community.

Second Career: General Support Services Manager at the American Red Cross

For the next 10 years, the individual managed General Support Services at the American Red Cross in Greater New York, overseeing critical functions such as real estate, facilities, fleet services, emergency communications, and technology.

Third Career: Managing Director and Global Head of Real Estate and Corporate Services

Managing Director at a global investment management firm marked another 10-year transition, where the skills were applied to a different corporate context with a focus on corporate infrastructure and operations.

Fourth Career: Consultant

A 10-year stint in a consulting role provided a diverse range of experiences, offering the opportunity to apply and refine various soft and hard skills in different environments.

Fifth Career: Certified Career Coach

For the past 7 years and counting, serving as a certified career coach has been a rewarding yet challenging role, involving the help of individuals in their career transitions. Each of these careers involved a significant degree of reinvention through learning and adapting to new environments and roles.

Reinvention as an Innate Process

The desire to reinvent oneself can come from both conscious and unconscious drivers. Even if reinvention is not a conscious act, there are observable changes in behavior and mindset. For instance:

The individual no longer spends as much time on the internet and prefers in-person interactions. Gym membership has become a regular part of their routine. The education path shifted from chemical engineering to architecture, influenced by younger peers.

These changes, whether deliberate or subconscious, signify reinvention. Whenever there is a realization of a different path or a shift in values, one is likely to feel a form of reinvention. Some might argue that the pace of cellular change (every 7 years) indicates a cycle for complete cellular regeneration, which could be a metaphor for time for significant life changes.

The Importance of Action

Reinvention is not just an abstract concept; it requires action. Each new phase of life, whether it is a career transition or personal growth, necessitates active steps towards a new direction. Reflecting on past reinventions can provide valuable insights into what drives change and how to approach it more effectively.

For those seeking to reinvent themselves, the key is to embrace change with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to taking action. Whether it is a change in career, lifestyle, or personal development, the path to reinvention is a journey marked by continuous growth and adaptation.