Life Reinvented

Devlyn Steele 

If life doesn't offer a game worth playing, then invent a new one.  
                                                                                              -Anthony J. D'Angelo

     A reality that we forget is that as we travel through life is that we are constantly reinventing ourselves. Some how when we "grow up" we think we have finished this process.  We begin to think that who we are is who we are. This concept of having grown up and knowing who we are in all actuality can be damaging. 

     I hear all the time that you are supposed to discover who you are. That idea is again reinforcement that there is a definition of you and that your goal in life is to discover that. If you stop and think about your life, you will see that there was never a definition and that who you are is always changing.

     At one point, you were in grammar school. When you went to junior high school, you reinvented a lot of who you are. Then in high school, you changed. Just when you get the hang of high school, it is over. If you go to college, once again a new you; a you not living with your parents. Then a few years later as you hit the job market a new you has to emerge yet again. Your reinvention is endless as you develop romantic relationships, get married, have kids, have grandkids, overcome obstacles, move. You are always playing a new role and always reinventing yourself.

     Your success in life depends on how well you reinvent yourself to new circumstances as they are presented. When you get stuck in your old roles, you limit yourself. The captain of the high school football team has to learn a new set of skills and roles as he moves forward in life. This is true throughout your life. I always tell people that there is no definition of you other than the definition you give yourself. You can reinvent yourself at any moment in time.

     Often our definitions of who we are limit our success by declaring that we are forgetful, not on time, can't control this or that, don't like to exercise and more. This definition ensures that we do not change our behavior towards success. Furthermore, we recreate the same relationship patterns by thinking we are a certain way. Besides the personal definitions that keep us trapped in failed behavior and situations, there is also the career definition that controls us.

     In these economic times of layoffs and insecurity, it is more important than ever to realize that there is no definition of you. You can reinvent your skills, your career and your life. In these challenging days, knowing that can be your greatest assets towards new success.

     Remember that there truly is no definition of you. You can give yourself a new definition. Start creating definitions that will lead you towards behavior that will create success in your physical, emotional, relationship, career, financial and spiritual life.

     Do not get stuck in your old inventions of you. Your life is your invention. Who do you want to invent, today?