Reinvention 2

Reinventing one's self - or even considering it - represents an interesting dilemma. "Why should I change," we may ask ourselves, "when I like me? I like who I am and the way I am?" Without doubt, these are valid questions. They remind me of the old adage, "If it ain't broke, then don't fix it." Indeed. Of course, given life's ever-changing circumstances, sometimes things need to change or be changed even if they are not broke. Particularly because of life's fluidity, for any one or thing to survive, then reinvention is a necessity - the constant order of the day.

No less of an authority on survival than Charles Darwin wrote about this over 150 years ago when he said for a species to survive, then it must be able to adapt to its ever-changing environment. For all of us here in the 21st century, this means "reinvention." While we may be happy with the person we are today, two years from, for instance, we may not be overly thrilled with ourselves if we have not kept pace with new technology, the fact our child is now a full-blown teenager, or that our parents are too frail to take care of themselves. These are just a few of the many real-life challenges that demand we adjust our own priorities, state-of-mind, etc. if we are going to have even a slight chance of dealing with them successfully.

The question then becomes: how best can we do it? How can we be nimble enough to stay ahead of or at least on top of the challenges before us? One strategy is to be totally honest with ourselves; treat ourselves as if we are our own client. This means continuing to assess that which is around us, including at home, at the work place, and our surrounding society itself, and identifying our strengths and weaknesses with a detached objectivity in the context of that which comprises our world. Then, if necessary, devise strategies to adapt to or content with our new challenges. Upon first blush, this may seem simple, but the fact is it is not. Being bluntly honest with ourselves never is. Communicating honestly and with respect, however, helps a great deal. Even if it is with ourselves.