Ten steps to a successful personal reinvention when times are tough

Peter Fogel, a Miami Florida based reinvention expert and author of the book "If Not Now, Then When" said that the biggest roadblock to reinvention he sees in the over 40-crowd stems from fear. And this fear is becoming even more acute given the chill factor in today's economic climate. "You can defy the myths that you hear about being over the hill after 40, 50, 60, or whatever." Fogel said. "Reinvention will serve you well. It's not hard and the benefits can be significant to you." Success these days, Fogel pointed out, demands experience, talent and authenticity. He said an individual can get recognized for the wealth of experience and talent they bring to the table. "You don't wake up and simply become the new you," he said. "You do your due diligence FIRST then focus like a laser on what you really want - and then do your damndest to make it happen." 10 steps to reinventing yourself Here are Fogel's ten steps to a successful personal reinvention. 1. Have passion. When entering a new field it all begins with the burning desire you have in your heart that propels you forward to make a change. Here's an example: Let's say you want to reinvent yourself into an Internet marketer and sell ant farms on-line. Problem is you don't give a rat's "you-know-what" about ant farms. You're just doing it for fast buck because they're a hot item now. There's a strong chance you will fail because you have no emotional connection to ants and the joy (clears throat) they give to people. As apposed to the ant farmer who really feels its his life's work. ( Sure, he might have some "issues" about bonding with ants- but at least he will move the farms quicker.) 2. Know thyself. Take a piece of paper and make a list of your strengths and your weakness then go to a close friend of co-worker and request they be brutally honest and have them list your strengths and especially your weaknesses. Compare notes; if the same weaknesses come up on both your lists, then guess what you have some work to do on yourself. 3.Have a master plan. Unless your health is at stake don't just quit your job. Instead, if you're serious about moving onto a new career just like going on a safari you must have a map with directions (or a good guide) to get you to your new destination. Do your due diligence and investigate what this new career will give you. Is this new career going to give financial stability? Is it a saturated market? What obstacles will you encounter? If you are going to start your own business, what are the costs? Important: If you do go cold turkey and quit(or get let go from!) your present position remember: it's important to have enough funds (around 6 months of salary in the bank) 4. Get out of your comfort zone. A body in motion stays in motion. and body at rest, well... zzz. You get the picture. People tend to be "happy" in their miserable zone and will do everything they can to not to take action for fear of the unknown (or failure). To successfully reinvent yourself you have to shake up your own perception of your reality and say to yourself, "What is the worse that can happen?" and still put yourself in a stressful situation if you need to. 5. Cast your fears aside. There's no getting around it . as you get older fear rears its ugly head when you want to make a drastic change. When you're younger you can "go for it." When you get older, sometimes you want it "delivered." That's when self-doubt seeps in like syrup on pancakes. Yes, you need to know your limitations. And you have permission to be scared of the unknown but you still need to find the gumption to move forward towards your dream job/career. 6. Find your defining moment. A defining moment is that particular time in your life that gives you a strong indication that you have to make a change in your work and, or, in your career.. This defining moment could be "a sign" from above (i.e. see Moses and burning bush) Or perhaps serious health issues which leaves you no choice and insists you make a change. Another defining moment could be an unexpected opportunity that comes to you. you rises to the occasion grab the brass ring and voila you hit pay dirt and realize that this is the career direction you should be heading into. 7. Get your family onboard. For a successful reinvention you not only need a happy spouse, you need your family on board as well. It's important that your immediate dependents know there is going to be a sacrifice as either mommy or daddy ventures into uncharted territory with their new career. Patience and understanding are what's needed during this transition time. 8. Be realistic. Do your homework and really investigate if this career change is viable and can sustain a lively hood. For example, If you are an entrepreneur and you want to start a business, see if other people are doing it and it and are successful at it. You always have to realistic about chasing your dream of reinvention. 9. Get a mastermind group. If you have your heart set on being an entrepreneur, then get yourself into a mastermind group. These are like minded people that all want to help each other. They are a support group who work together as a "sounding board" for your ideas. You don't want a group of people who are "wannabees." You want to be in a group of people who are already successful and are doing what you want to do. Remember, surround yourself with positive people that are at the level you want to reach. Don't surround yourself with people that have the "grab the low hanging fruit" mentality. 10. Find yourself a mentor. According to one of my mentors it takes a bout 1,000 hours to learn a new skill and become proficient at it. It you can find yourself a mentor you can cut that time to about 500 hours. A mentor is someone who has been there and done it. These are people who can guide you in your quest, regardless of your age. to help you achieve your goals. You have to find these people and then work out an arrangement that serves both of you.