As we approach the end of the year, a lot of us start to get antsy in our own skin. We feel the need to RENEW or CHANGE. Or if you are like us, you’ve been striving (not thriving) and are ready to REINVENT yourself.
Am I right?
Just like the seasons, things in our life need to go through a hard growth time and then die off in order for us to really change.
Ouch.. that sounds painful. But hear me out.
Maybe the best way to REINVENT yourself is to allow growth, but at the same time dig deeper in your roots.
I know, I’m speaking so metaphorically here, but I speak of our current situation. We’re REINVENTING ourselves by going backwards and here’s how.
3 ways to REINVENT yourself (or brand).
- Don’t Chase Approval- Oh boy, easier said than done, yes? We need to focus on chasing what we TRULY want to represent. No matter what others may think. To be honest, I truly want to be a better wife. Yep, House Wife, sherpa Wife, Homemaker, a support system, whatever you may call it these days. I may sound old fashion, but that’s okay by me!
- Go back to your roots – What is that made you feel PURPOSEFUL? What is a goal? A passion? A season of life you remember being full of Joy? Or all of the above? Whatever is it, go back and tune in to what gives you that drive. For us it’s pretty basic. I like to cook, feed, nourish, and share life with others. It’s simple. It’s PURPOSEFUL. It’s how this blog BEGAN in the first place.
- Jump while your still growing –Â I think this is hardest lesson for me (us) because fear can hold us back. Shouldn’t we just endure growth and wait it out? Â Well, according to the sigmond curve, the making a jump when you are still in the process of growing allows continued growth and forward progress. Yes! Do it! Work through the growth, build extra strength, and TRUST the process.
These are things that my husband and I have both realized these past few months. In order to thrive and reinvent ourself, we must start again… where our true passion and JOY came from. Finding our roots, intertwined. DREAMING big.
So cheers to this season! One where we can grow and change and reinvent.. or rather, REDISCOVER!
 What area of your life need reinventing?Â
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Cheers,
Team Cotter
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This is great. When I moved to SF, everyone said “fresh start, reinvent yourself”. I tried to think of what I wanted to do differently… but I just couldn’t. For the most part, I liked myself and I was comfortable with everything. Maybe I need to give it a little more thought.
Such a great post! My fiance and I met through cycling and fitness is something that we are both very passionate about. But with the arrival of our second baby everyone in our family is having to redefine themselves and figure out their new role. I love the idea of going back to what made us feel passionate and purposeful, we will have to work on that thus season.
oh that will definitely change things! Keep me posted on how you and your family redefine your life. I love that!
love how you said “we must start again… ” totally agree!! sometimes letting go and doing it from the start is the best thing we can do!
I’m trying hard to reinvent one area and being patient because I guess the time isn’t quite right. There’s this tough area when you know YOU want to, but patience is the plan… I think I’ll never be good at waiting. 🙂
oh me too friend. sigh…
I really needed the reminder on going back to your roots. I’ve gotten bogged down in so many other things, I’ve forgotten this one! Thanks for sharing.
LOVE this!!!
I love how you’re reconnecting with your roots and purpose. The more I learn, the more often I am checking back with my purpose. On many days, it gets out of whack, but my favorite thing to do is take a little bit of time every night, to evaluate my day, and listen to my gut. How did it go? Did I live true to my goals and priorities? How can I do better tomorrow. I always love when I do this, but sometimes, I admit to crashing first. Take care, Lindsay. You’re inspiring.
oh yes, we crash and burn but then can always repair!
This post is everything, and I love everything about this post. It was just what I needed to read today and is so true about reinventing yourself. It’s not even creating a new you it’s just reinvesting in YOURSELF. love, love, love!
yes, our roots are so genuine, ya know?
oh friend, I ADORE this message so much!! I completely agree with you on this, it is SO hard to jump when you are still growing and it is equally hard to *not* seek approval and to just DO. I think reinvention is such a personal thing, yet it is hard not to want some sort of approval before seeking a certain path, but trust, faith and confidence are what we should rely on instead, yes? Excited for your season of renewal and reinvention my friend!
I love #1!! Don’t chase approval – do what works for you and makes sense for you.
Sending you crazy Cotters SO MUCH LOVE!!
and we love you! true inspiration
LOVE love love this! I feel the sense of renewal and change in the air.
Karen @karenlovestorun
amen to that!
woohoo! me too karen!
So inspiring as usual! Xxxx
You know what’s interesting? I am starting to veer off of my ROUTINE and I am actually totally OKAY WITH IT… It’s pathetic how ROUTINE I have been over the course of my life, and the fact that I am just NOW reinventing myself by not being so TIED DOWN to doing X Y & Z at specific times is kind of lame but at the same time, it’s better than NEVER figuring it out. I certainly have LA (and the constant changing schedule I have) and a certain someone to thank for this!!!
Jumping while I am still growing is hard for me to master – specially when it comes to my work life. I kinda get in my comfort zone and stay there – I excuse myself by saying, hey as a single parent I need and appreciate where I am because of it’s many benefits – though I should have jumped along while ago.
I need to have this post as my screen saver so I don’t loose sight!
Great tips! I’ve been feeling like I need a change recently but I haven’t figured out WHERE I need to make the change yet. Once I do, I’m def gonna remember these for when I actually do it!
Yes, yes, and yes!
I love the go back to your roots- what makes you happy, the real reasons why you do something, etc. Once again, great reminders!
Love this (and you, of course)! Definitely will be sharing in my next round of Fitful Focus Finds 🙂
This post could not have come into my inbox at a better time. My husband retired from the military after 29 years of service, we renewed our vows– change has been emerging for awhile and this right of passage, symbolizes the turning of the page so to speak. We are on to a new chapter, and these are great tips to help us. I saw a group of vultures the other day– some might think, “eww, how scary or gross,” but I thought it was God’s clever way of saying your old ways are dead– time to move on. The vulture is a magnificent bird who can successfully digest rotten meat.. in my mind Vultures are one of the most adaptable, and powerful creatures. I like to think God was nudging me saying, “you got this, you’re adaptable.” Call me crazy nature lady, but these subtle signs are what get me through life– that and good friends like you. xoxo
i love your nature analogies, and they are so true. Yes, new page of life… the old is gone but never forgotten! and congrats to you and your husband. <3
Oh yeah, I love everything about this post. The jumping part was wise my friend. I think we are both on the same wave length here. Can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store for you.
I love your wisdom girl!!
I love this! i feel like i constantly want to reinvent myself but fear holds me back. fear is the worst. its this constant nagging that bc im 31 and a mom of 2, that thats that. almost like theres no more room or time for growth but thats bullshit! theres so much more to accomplish! great post!
oh girl, you are amazing! i love YOU!
I love your insights. Going back to our purpose… sometimes it’s easy to get distracted and off track. I think that’s also what the devil wants for us — to forget our unique traits and qualities — our God-given talents and desires that can help impact the world.
always well said my friend. <3
I’m coming up to some seasons of change and have taken small steps but not really JUMPED…I needed this today! Thanks for sharing (and I love your goals! I want to be the best wife I can be too! That’s admirable!) and for illuminating this subject. Love the graph – and YOU! Oh – I’m coming to Austin this weekend! How have I not told you before this?! Let’s email. 🙂
This is something that I’ve been struggling with a lot lately. I feel like I’m missing something but not sure what it is and have made it a priority to figure out so that I can live life to the fullest!!!
I just love you & this posts. So true for me as well. Change is such a good thing & IMO as long as u do it for YOU it’s even better. Growth is good & I love growth as a person. <3 🙂
That sigmoid curve is blowing my mind.
You are spot on with this time of year inspiring a lot of ambition/motivation to change.
I LOVE the idea of “go back to your roots” and am so thankful to have read this today, Linds. It’s gonna be my “theme” of my thinks and my prayers today because it is really striking to me. Hmmmm.
yep, same. ROOTS ground in HIM and HIS Promises!
What a great and encouraging post! I want to focus on being a better wife and mother at the same time. Balancing the two is tough, but I want both of the special people in my life (the hubby and Belle) to feel loved, supported, and important at all times!
Breaking free of validation and getting back to your roots <3
Yes, yes, yes–thank you for this constant reminder. Focusing on your purpose can be tricky for sure, but it’s so important!
You speak to my heart sister!!
I need to reinvent my business life and it takes its toll. Fear, insecurities and all that jazz. Not going to let it dominate me!
Ooh, I love this so much. The no comparisons and getting back to your roots– yes, yes! And jump while you’re growing is a new concept to me but makes so much sense. Thanks for the encouragement this morning my friend!
Yes to #1! That is something I finally figured out a few years ago and it was so liberating.
This is perfect since I’m going through a bit of reinventing myself right now! I love the emphasis on getting back to your roots, not only do they keep us strong but they are where the passion grew from in the first place.
amen to that friend! Excited to see where this next year RE-takes you
great post LC! i have always chased approval; and now i am trying to do things for me! i am back to basics with my running – started back up from scratch and looking forward to marathon training (i have a love/hate relationship with running in the boston winters though!).
i’m so glad kim!!! wish we could trail run together. Keep me posted on YOU
This is a great season for reflection and taking stock of everything. With NYCM done, I’ve got next year wide open and it feels pretty good to just breathe for a bit.
LOVE THIS! My life story – the always trying to reinvent & quite honestly figure out who I am. I spent so many years being that others wanted me to be or do that I have no idea who I would be if I had not done that.
For me I am older & unfortunately if there are $$ issues, that has to come first.
Oh my gosh…. YES for SO many reasons!!! I love this post Lindsay, and like you, it hits me SO hard right now because I feel like I’m definitely entering a new season of my life. Here’s to lots of personal growth and reinvention in the near future! 🙂
Oh man the first one is so hard for me. I did that Meyers Brigg’s test and one of the things even talks about the need for verbal approval. Great …. I have a very difficult time trusting and believing in myself enough to follow through.
I need to reconnect with FUN me. Too much work, not enough laughter. The vacation last week helped. 🙂
I love the “jump” while you’re growing concept! Great to think about!
As always good things to think about. I’m trying to decide what my word will be for next year to keep me focused on what matters
I love, love, love the JUMP. Tawanda!!!
this post is so spot on for me right now! I have had this growing need to make a big change in my life, and I finally figured out what I need to do, but with that comes a great deal of excitement AND anxiety regarding the future. trying to balance it out while still living in the present. you always bring me comfort! xo
I’m so glad friend! Keep me posted on your progress!
I think what I need is to figure out exactly which facet of my work life I want to focus on the most–I’m a bit too scattered. Thanks for giving me a little kick in the pants to do it!
Oh I love this! I spent a lot of time worrying about when and how I was going to go back to work after having my daughter before realizing that I REALLY wanted to be a stay at home mom – and that’s ok. Now I’m figuring out what that truly means and how to best be fulfilled in this role. Great post! 🙂
I don’t know that it’s so much reinventing as it is finding. I know the true me now without all the “stuff” getting in the way. 2014 has been remarkable. Still, so much growing to do!
ahhh I AM LIVING THIS REINVENTION RIGHT NOW TOO.
Great ideas. Reinventing is hard– one big thing I am working on this year is TRUST. In myself, and in others. It’s been a really great journey!
The rediscovering part is the best, it’s like when you finally have that “a-ha” moment and wonder what took you so long to get to that point. But I guess that’s all part of the journey.
I’m old fashioned too. Being the ‘housewife’ brings me joy :).
This is totally why I blog break so often [uhhh and cause blogging is really hard to keep up with haha!] – It let’s me get back to just me and the family and figure out what our dynamic/purpose/passion is at that very moment and barrel towards it. Right now we’re all feeling the travel bug so I think I’m going to give in to the wanderlust and maybe not check my bank statement for a while! haha! Ignorance is bliss!
haha, yes! i so get that. Ahh, why don’t we live closer? I’ll be ignorant with you. <3 you
This is wonderful Lindsay, I think we all need this advice sometimes, and there is nothing wrong with that at all. I love going back to basics, and Steve is all about that, especially with my running….its what we are doing right now. I definitely believe in being who you are, not chasing approval like you mentioned. Great post!
that’s exactly what James is doing too. Hence the trip back to New Zealand!
i love this post friend. It’s tricky, isn’t it? Definitely something that I’ve been thinking about and struggling with. We get pulled in so many directions and yes, strive for a lot but how does all of that contribute to the bigger dream? I think going back to roots is a big part of it. Cheers to this season of renewal and growth. xo
tricky indeed…. and i don’t think i’ll ever really figure it out, but at least i know what NOT to do now. haha
Jump while you are still growing–such a good point–don’t try to create momentum and jump for the sake of jumping! That is wasted energy and effort, like wearing the best outfit ever that no one will see.
well said my dear!
Haha I just got done writing on my blog yesterday that no one uses the term “housewife” any more. 😉 I guess I have been proven wrong! Whatever you call it, there’s no shame in that. I think God truly calls us to be the best wives we can be, so that is a worthy goal.
I don’t know that I’m reinventing myself, but trying to improve on the old version for sure. 🙂
haha well maybe i should say homemaker? i don’t know, but either way it’s a good role! And i love you and your old version… inpsiring!
Refocusing on what is important and setting new goals is so necessary from time to time. I feel like as a mom, as my kids grow and reach new stages I have to reinvent myself.