The Power of Planning: How to Reinvent Yourself One Step at a Time

"If you're not willing to risk, you cannot grow. If you cannot grow, you cannot become your best. If you cannot become your best, you cannot be happy. If you cannot be happy, what else matters?" - Les Brown

Life is full of changes and challenges.

Whether facing a career transition, personal loss, or simply wanting to grow, having a strategy can make all the difference. As someone who has reinvented herself multiple times, I've found that a simple planning process can be transformative. Let me share how this approach has shaped my life and career and how it can help you, too.

My Journey with Planning

My first encounter with the power of planning came during graduate school. I interned at a health planning agency, working directly with residents to address community health needs. This experience opened my eyes to how structured planning could create real change.

Later, I spent 25 years at United Way, starting as a community planner and eventually leading the organization. Throughout this time, planning remained our go-to strategy for tackling pressing issues like youth unemployment, housing shortages, and domestic violence.

But the real test came when I faced a deeply personal crisis. I lost my husband of 40 years, my father, and my mother all within a short span of time. Suddenly, I was alone and uncertain about my future. It was at this moment that I turned to the planning process to help rebuild my life step by step. George Elliot's words had a new meaning...

"It's never too late to be what you might have been." - George Eliot

The Four Phases of Reinvention

Here's the four-phase approach I've used to navigate changes and reinvent myself:

1. Identify the problem: This is where you assess your current situation and pinpoint what needs to change. For example, when I found myself alone after losing my loved ones, I had to honestly evaluate my life and identify what wasn't working. Maybe you're feeling unfulfilled in your career or struggling with work-life balance. Take time to reflect and clearly define the change you want to see.
2. Consider alternative solutions: This is your chance to dream big and explore different possibilities. I considered various paths when rebuilding my life, from completely changing careers to starting a nonprofit. Don't limit yourself. For instance, if you're looking to transform your career, you might consider returning to school, starting a business, or transitioning to a new industry. Create a vision board or journal about your ideal future.
3. Implement the plan: This is where the rubber meets the road. Break down your chosen path into actionable steps. When I decided to become a coach and speaker, I created a game plan that included getting certified, building a website, and networking with potential clients. Your plan might involve setting specific goals like "attend two industry events per month" or "apply to three job postings each week.
4. Evaluate and monitor progress: Regularly check in with yourself to see how you're progressing. Are you moving closer to your goals? When reinventing my career, I reviewed my progress monthly and adjusted my strategies as needed. This might mean celebrating small wins, like landing your first client or tweaking your approach if something isn't working.

This process can help you break down overwhelming changes into manageable steps and move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're looking to transform your career, reinvent your personal life, or significantly change in any area, these phases provide a roadmap for your journey.

Making It Happen: From Planning to Action

In a recent live stream, one of my listeners, Lydia, asked a crucial question that many struggle with: "How does one move forward from the planning to the action step?" This is indeed a common challenge when trying to reinvent ourselves or make significant changes in our lives.

Many people struggle to move from planning to action. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Break it down: Slice your plan into small, manageable tasks.
• Set deadlines: Create a sense of urgency for each task.
• Prioritize: Focus on the 20% of tasks that will bring 80% of your results.
• Create a routine: Incorporate your tasks into your daily life.
• Stay flexible: Be ready to adjust your plan as needed.
• Track progress: Celebrate small wins along the way.
• Be accountable: Share your goals with someone who can support you.

Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. This planning process is a dynamic tool that can help you turn your dreams into reality and reinvent yourself at any stage of life. As Amelia Earhart wisely noted,

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity." - Amelia Earhart

Whether you want to change careers, start a new project, or take your life in a new direction, this planning process can help you get there.

So why not give it a try?

As you embark on your own journey of change and reinvention, remember:

"Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end." - Robin Sharma

Your next big step might be closer than you think.

Your Mentor,

Dr. Geneva

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