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This article is for the latter: for the sis whose current career has run its course, the professional who has outgrown her industry, or the woman who wants to lean a bit more heavily into other facets of being a multi-hyphenate creative. If you've made the decision to make a total 360 in your career, first, congrats.
It takes a lot of courage and a bit of crazy. And you're not alone. Queen Latifah went from bold '80s raptress rocking the regal crowns to acting in iconic sitcoms to becoming a music and Hollywood mogul. Rihanna was singing dancehall-laced tunes in the early 2000s, cut her hair and went pop (selling out global arenas), and is now a hot mama of two, taking billion-dollar beauty brand meetings.
Coco Jones went from giving us sugary-sweet Disney vibes to sultry R&B hits. Tracee Ellis Ross morphed from model-daughter-of-Diana-Ross to award-winning cult-classic actress, to fashion icon, to haircare brand boss. Eve was riding rough as a blond-haired hip-hop legend, got her own TV sitcom, then went into the shadows for a bit, only to emerge as the wife of a wealthy British entrepreneur and cash in on millions of her own(with a new book release to boot).
If these examples still don't convince you that you're on to something good, and you're a bit lost as to where to start your reinvention, try these steps to get you going:
1. Get honestly clear on who you are as a professional and what you currently offer.
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If you don't know who or what you already are in your career, you don't really have a foundation for envisioning who or what you can or will become. A great place to start is adding 30 minutes of devotional, silence, meditation, or prayer time in the morning or evening (or both). This creates space for self-reflection, gratitude, and positive vibes.
Then, carve out at least 30 minutes to an hour a day to write out who you think you are professionally and what people have said you are (i.e., performance reviews, LinkedIn recommendations, career success metrics, or verbal insights from work friends, mentors, and former managers who can offer constructive criticism as well as insights on what you're good at). Ask your network to support you in getting this information. (You can even get creative with this. I once sent surveys using Google Forms.)
Once you've done this assessment and you are clear on the actual reality of where you are (versus an inner perception that might be based on ego, trauma, fear, or, let's just be honest, lies fed by negative self-talk), plan for who and what you want to be, starting today, even if that happens in the form of a brain dump, vision board, or to-do list.
2. Dip a toe in that future career water first to get experience before taking the big leap.
More than a decade ago, award-winning actress Niecy Nash was known most for thriving in comedic roles until she advocated for herself and began to go for more dramatic parts. After six years of success with the early 2000s TV series, Reno 911!, (and several other comedic TV and film roles before that), she was mostly known for her ability to command attention through slapstick antics, satire, and witty comebacks. During that period, she still appeared in smaller roles on dramas like ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and NYPD Blue.
“Once they found out I was funny, it was like, ‘You’re just that,’ ” she told Backstageabout her start in comedy despite having dreams of being a dramatic actress. “But because I wanted to work, that part of my gift opened the door first. I rode the wave of that for quite a long time before it finally manifested into what I saw in my head at the beginning.”
Now, the 2020s have been a winning one for her, as she's won big among audiences and critics alike for her major dramatic roles in films and series like Selma, Scream Queens, Clawz, When They See Us, and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
Consider this as one powerful example of how making small strategic pivots to pursue elements of your major reinvention today can lead to big success tomorrow.
3. Take deliberate, but small steps to change your current habits.
This is especially important when your reinvention includes more financial freedom (or wealth) or you're looking to make a major physical change as part of your reinvention. In the very wise words of author Octavia Butler, “Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not. … Habit is persistence in practice." And I'm sure you've read or heard this somewhere on social, but I'll remind you anyway, "You can't change while embracing the same habits."
Start with micro-actions and be consistent for 10, 20, or 30 days initially. This could be waking up 30 minutes earlier to work out, committing to (and even buying tickets for) two networking or professional events outside of your industry per month, or simply getting a new haircut or hair color (and setting the follow-up maintenance appointments immediately after your service is complete).
If you're a homebody but the new you requires more networking, get out there, even if it's to volunteer once a month. If you need additional skills, invest in a 6-week online course, certifications, or a 2-year program at a local community college (and allow the money you've paid to be your accountability partner.) If you're always hanging out with your healthcare besties for brunch, but you're trying to break into cybersecurity, take one weekend from that crowd and give it to a new crew who's in the other industry. Create new systems around new goals and stick to them.
4. Get more active on social to showcase the new (or future-loading) you.
If you think constantly posting on social is cringe, you might want to forget the shame, apprehension, or snobbery, slap the dust off those LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram profiles, and showcase the new you on those platforms (or at least who you're shifting to be).
Personal branding isn't just for influencers. Create a content calendar, start posting at least once per week (as a way to, again, build a new habit of consistency and discipline), and simply showcase the new you. Think of it as a fun project just for your own enjoyment and personal satisfaction.
Take new photos for your personal website, your social media banners, and profile photos. And you don't necessarily need to do a full-on shoot for this. Maybe there are photos you've already taken that better reflect the new vibes you want out there, or simply set up an affordable tripod with your phone, go somewhere local with good daylight (i.e., your home office, living room, veranda, or apartment complex's lobby---all places I've taken great photos for websites) and get to snapping.
If you've been put in a box in terms of the expertise or skills you're known for, post useful information, blogs, videos, or other content that showcases new knowledge or areas of interest. Update your photos, share the latest news, watch the analytics, and find out how you can collaborate with others in the industry you're looking to break into.
If your reinvention includes more public speaking opportunities, research appointments, or a promotion in your current industry, showcase yourself like that powerhouse executive with real knowledge and talent and offer your unique way of breaking down processes, problem-solving, and everyday issues professionals face. Follow the people you admire who have actually done what you want to do (or similar) or who spark inspiration, self-discovery, and empowerment for you.
5. Do at least one thing that makes you afraid or is out of your comfort zone but is a big part of bringing the future new you to life.
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Known as the always responsible marketing manager but want to totally transition out to get into stand-up comedy? Hit up that Open Mike Night Amateur Talent Show, or audition once a week, even if you could face boos or rejection. Get a coach or agent. Join an acting class or improv group. Start doing social media videos or hosting small events of your own.
Need something to help you stand out and boost your confidence when you're trying to land clients? Ditch that long dark center-part lace front, and try a chic auburn bob. Change that makeup routine you've been doing for the past few years and start wearing other brands and colors.
Want to work on boosting your self-confidence while gaining a new skill? Start an outdoor running challenge, learn a new sport by joining a local team, or take lessons on how to play an instrument. The completion of the course or that 10th practice session alone will be exactly what you need to be bolder in other aspects of your career reinvention journey.
Track your progress either via a video diary (that you can keep private), photos, or journaling. This helps you to be able to review what has worked and what hasn't, and it can help you avoid repeating cycles that won't allow for reinvention.
If you find yourself super-challenged doing these things consistently, make that virtual (or in-person) appointment with a coach or therapist because there might be a need for self-exploration and mental wellness assistance before fully pursuing the reinvention plan, and that's absolutely okay.
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