By Julie Perrine, CAP-OM, MBTI Certified
The theme for Ali Brown’s SHINE conference in Dallas, Texas last week was “Reinvention”. During her opening keynote, Ali presented “Your 7 Step Plan for Reinvention…for Your Definition of Success.” As we head into the final weeks of 2011 and begin mapping out our own plans and goals for 2012, I wanted to share some of the key points from this keynote address that resonated with me. I’m certain you’ll benefit from them as well.
To reinvent yourself, you need change. You cannot have a reinvention without change. In order to get something you want, you have to be willing to let go of something you don’t want. You need to make space for the new by releasing the old. This might be your mindset and how you think about things. This might be habits or self-limiting beliefs you are holding onto. This might mean changing the activities or organizations you’re involved with. What do you need to let go of to begin your reinvention?
At the same time, you have to be ready and able to make the changes you identify. Are you mentally and emotionally prepared for it? You have to be realistic, but you also have to be willing to make the leap. Have you surrounded yourself with the right mentors and coaches to support you through this time of change and transition? Are you willing to do the work to make the changes?
Based on Ali’s “7 steps”, here is a plan for preparing for your own personal reinvention in 2012:
- Accept that where you are is where you are. Don’t focus on what you haven’t accomplished. Focus on what you HAVE accomplished and where you want to take it from here. You can change the path you’re on by moving forward, not be looking backward. Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur and author, puts it this way, “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.”
- Know what you value. Values are person based. No one can judge you for what you personally hold as a value. Identify what is important to you and don’t apologize for your values. When you are clear on your personal values, you’ll be able to make better decisions that are in full alignment with your values.
- Know what you love. Distinguish between what you know how to do and what you love to do. How or where can you do more of what you love?
- Get clear on what you need and ASK for it. Don’t expect people to be mind-readers; be willing to share where you are headed and ASK for the help and support you need to make it happen.
- Seek a new community. You may need to reevaluate the networking communities and support systems you are currently connected to both online and in person. Are they feeding and supporting your growth and development or are you stagnating? Do they energize and inspire you, or do they drain your energy and leave you feeling exhausted? Seek people who are at a level you want to be at. Jim Rohn also said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So choose them very carefully. No one can do this for you; you have to be the one to make it happen.
- Do not miss an opportunity. Opportunity is the door to reinvention. It’s not a cake walk. It will almost always make you s-t-r-e-t-c-h. It’s uncomfortable. But that opportunity – that stretch – is what will take you through where you need to go. I’ve often said there is a reason why the word growth is spelled with “OW” in the middle.
- Be open to ALL possibilities – for yourself and for your career. If you truly want to accomplish something – big or small – then set out to do it. Don’t focus on the perceived obstacles that may come up. Life is a winding road, not a straight path. We learn from the twists and turns. If you really want something, if you are willing to do the work, if you are willing to ask for help, if you’re willing to make the changes required to make it happen, you can make it happen.
“Let others lead small lives, but not you.
Let others argue over small things, but not you.
Let others cry over small hurts, but not you.
Let others leave their futures in other people’s hands, but not you.”
~Jim Rohn
So what do you most need and want to reinvent about your life and career in 2012? Start making your list now. Prepare to become an even better version of the incredible person you already are. I’m right here beside you on this amazing journey.
Additional Free Resources:
“From Reactive to Proactive: Creating Your Strategic Administrative Career Plan”. Get your copy here.
© 2011 Julie Perrine International, LLC
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Julie Perrine, CAP-OM, is the founder and CEO of All Things Admin, providing training, mentoring and resources for administrative professionals worldwide. Julie applies her administrative expertise and passion for lifelong learning to serving as an enthusiastic mentor, speaker and author who educates admins around the world on how to be more effective every day. Learn more about Julie’s books — The Innovative Admin: Unleash the Power of Innovation in Your Administrative Career and The Organized Admin: Leverage Your Unique Organizing Style to Create Systems, Reduce Overwhelm, and Increase Productivity. And request your free copy of our special report “From Reactive to Proactive: Creating Your Strategic Administrative Career Plan” at www.AllThingsAdmin.com.
