Audio Version (08:37)
There comes a point in many people’s lives when everything just feels… off. Perhaps you’ve ticked all the boxes —career, home, relationships —but you still feel stuck, tired, or disillusioned.
Perhaps you’re at a crossroads, facing a change you didn’t choose: redundancy, a relationship ending, or your kids leaving home. Or, like I was a few weeks ago, knowing that something needed to change but not really knowing what.
Whatever the reason, you might find yourself asking the quietly terrifying question: WHAT NOW?!
If that’s you, first of all, you’re not alone. Reinvention is something I see regularly in my coaching practice.
People from all walks of life come to a place where the old version of themselves no longer fits. They want more meaning, more authenticity, or simply a fresh start. But knowing you want to change and actually changing are two very different things.
This article is about bridging that gap. It’s not about finding the answer (because no one has that), but about offering a grounded, human approach to figuring out your next step.
In the extended YouTube version, I also discuss an additional four steps to self-reinvention. You can watch it here.
Reinvention Doesn’t Mean Starting from Scratch
Let’s bust a myth right up front: reinvention isn’t about wiping the slate clean and becoming someone unrecognisable. It’s not about pretending the past didn’t happen or chasing perfection.
It’s about realignment. It’s about stepping closer to the person you’ve always been underneath the layers of obligation, expectation, and survival mode.
Reinvention is rarely one dramatic leap. More often, it’s a series of small, brave decisions made consistently over time.
Step 1: Get Uncomfortably Honest
Before you can reinvent yourself, it helps to understand what exactly you want to change, and why.
That means pausing long enough to get quiet and listen. What’s not working? Where are you pretending? What parts of your life drain you, and which ones energise you?
Here are a few questions to reflect on (I highly recommend getting a pen and paper – old-school – and journaling your answer to these questions):
What do I complain about most often (even silently)?
When do I feel most like myself?
What would I do if I didn’t care what anyone else thought?
Where am I just going through the motions?
Journaling your answers can help you spot patterns or themes. Don’t worry if they’re messy or contradictory; clarity comes through exploration, not perfection.
Step 2: Drop the Labels
Reinvention often feels hard because we’re trying to shift while still wearing old labels.
You might think:
“I’m not creative.”
“I’m terrible with money.”
“I’m too old to change now.”
“People like me don’t do things like that.”
But none of those statements are facts. They’re beliefs (limiting beliefs). Outdated, often inherited. As I often say to clients, just because you’ve thought something or were told something about yourself and your abilities a long time ago doesn’t make it true.
Instead, in your journal, write counter statements or affirmations (for affirmations to work, you have to believe that they are or could be true for you):
“I haven’t prioritised creativity—yet.”
“I’m learning how to manage money better.”
“I’m just getting started.”
“I can do anything I set my mind to.”
Language matters. Reinvention starts with changing the story you tell yourself about who you are and what you’re capable of.
Step 3: Define Your Version of Success
This is where a lot of people get stuck. They know they want something different, but different how?
We’re bombarded with curated versions of success: six-figure businesses, minimalist dream homes, or #vanlife adventures. While those things are great if they’re aligned with your values, they’re empty if you’re just chasing someone else’s highlight reel.
A better question than “What do I want?” is “How do I want to feel?”
You might want:
More freedom
More creativity
More connection
More calm
More Peace (which is one thing I’m trying to create more of in my own life)
Once you know how you want to feel, you can start reverse-engineering your life to support that. Reinvention, then, becomes less about what you do and more about who you become.
Step 4: Audit Your Life
With your vision in mind, take a look at what you’re currently doing and ask yourself, Does this support the life I want to build?
In your journal, consider these areas:
Work: Does your job energise you or deplete you?
Relationships: Who lifts you up, and who drags you down?
Health: Are you giving your body what it needs?
Environment: Does your space reflect the new you?
Habits: Are your daily actions aligned with your goals?
This process isn’t about shame or blame. It’s simply about awareness. Once you know where the friction is, you can start to shift.
Step 5: Take Micro Steps
Reinvention can feel overwhelming, especially if it seems like everything needs to change. The antidote? Micro steps.
Small, consistent actions are far more sustainable (and effective) than grand, unsustainable gestures.
Want to be healthier? Start with one nourishing meal a day or a ten-minute walk.
Want to change careers? Read a book, take a short course, talk to someone in that field, or re-write your CV!
Want more creativity? Block out one hour a week to experiment.
Each tiny act sends a message to your brain: This is who I am now.
Step 6: Create a “Not Anymore” List
Sometimes clarity comes not just from what you want, but from what you’re no longer willing to tolerate.
Try writing a “Not Anymore” list. This might include:
“I don’t say yes when I mean no.”
“I don’t criticise myself for resting.”
“I don’t pretend to be okay when I’m not.”
This list is powerful because it sets energetic boundaries. It reinforces that you’re evolving—and that not everything (or everyone) gets to come with you.
For the final four steps on How to Reinvent Yourself, watch the YouTube video. You can watch it here.
The Wrap-Up
The truth is, we’re always changing. Reinvention isn’t something you do once, it’s a lifelong process of evolving, shedding old skin, and moving toward who you really are.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t have to do it quickly. You just have to start. If you’re already doing that, if you’re questioning, reflecting, experimenting, you’re already on the path.
The next chapter doesn’t write itself. You have to be active in creating it!
What Next?
Again, in the extended YouTube version of this article, I discuss an additional four steps to self-reinvention. You can watch it here.
If there are any subjects you’d like me to cover in upcoming content or if you’d like coaching support with anything I discuss in my videos or articles, please email me at info@jobanks.net.
However, recently, I’ve received many emails and DMs from people asking for my views on their personal/professional situations. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, I can’t provide individual advice unless you are a client.
As always, thanks for your continued support.
