I love the start of a New Year. It may sound cliche but it really does feel like a blank slate and I always love the opportunity to start from scratch. It's the perfect time to re-evaluate where you're at, how far you've come and set new goals for the year ahead.
Sometimes that can mean that you realize the path you're on is no longer serving you and you have to pivot, or maybe life threw a curveball at you this year and you need to adjust.
Whatever the case may be, here are five tips to reinvent yourself with confidence and grace-
1. Don't worry about what others will think of you.
What usually holds people back from going after what they want is the fear of what other people will think of them. Will you be judged? Will your peers think you're ridiculous for even trying? I've had these thoughts run through my mind more than once and what I've realized is that you have to just put on the blinders and take action. Don't allow yourself to be slowed down by something as insignificant as someone else's opinion. Because someone else's opinion of you really doesn't matter.
The truth is that you can't actually predict how others will react to you and more often than not, you will be admired for taking a risk and being true to yourself, something most people are too scared to do.
2. Don't worry about if you can or cannot do it. You're ALREADY doing it!
Another mindset that can hold us back is the paralyzing fear that you can't actually achieve what you are setting out to do. The reality is that YOU CAN. For me, I found two solutions to conquering this fear. The first is figuring out a strategy. Having a clear map of action is comforting and effective. It helps to break down your strategy into bite sized pieces so that you don't get overwhelmed and it's like you have laid out a map and you just need to follow the steps.
The second solution is ACTION. Just by doing something- taking action- you are proving your fear wrong. And don't expect immediate results or an overnight success- there is no such thing- but taking consistent action will get you there. Just don't give up.
3. Sell the new you.
One of the best ways to reinvent yourself is to start spreading the word. I started telling people that I was a photographer before I even owned a camera. I got my first professional photography job before I even owned a camera!! And it was all because I started telling people- in person + on social media- that I was taking photos and planning photo shoots.
Start telling people before you've actually "made it", because- spoiler alert- you will probably never feel like you've made it. So start telling your friends and family what you are going after and sell it with confidence!! Talk about it as if it's already happening. No one will believe in you until you believe in yourself.
4. Take the first step, even if you don't know what the end game is.
This comes back to taking action. Sometimes you don't know exactly what you are exactly going for, but you know that you want to be somewhere different than where you are. Just start doing things that feel good, that are in the general vicinity of what you are chasing.
I didn't know at first that I wanted to be a photographer, but I did know that I wanted to work in a creative field and I wanted to work for myself. I first started with a small online boutique, because I knew I loved fashion too. E-commerce was not for me, but what I really loved was the photo shoots I put together with my friends. So slowly I started focusing more on the photography and ultimately let go of the boutique. I didn't know where I was going but I took a blind step and it led me to my end game.
Don't be afraid to try things out until you land on what really sets your soul on fire.
5. But if you do know the end game.. figure out how to get from point A to point B and DO THAT.
Once you do figure out where you want to be, figure out the steps to get there. Don't get me wrong- there is usually not a clear path. Life will inevitably throw you curveballs and there will be unexpected turns and triumphs, but you can learn from those who came before you. Research, read and learn how others got to where you want to be and go from there.
While there is no cut and dried map to become a professional photographer, I knew I had to learn my equipment, find a way to build a client base, etc.
Figure out what steps you need to take and build yourself a roadmap!