Top 3 do-over mistakes to avoid when reinventing yourself
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 10:58AM 
My favorite inspirational gal here in Austin is Ann Daly, author of Do-Over, How Women Are Reinventing Their Lives. Her new audiobook is part memoir, part self-help, and part girl talk. It features 13 personal essays about all kinds of women who are reaching for something more. You'll hear about the rocket-scientist-turned-entrepreneur, the restless retiree, and Ann Daly's own mom.
Ann, a journalist-turned-women's-studies-professor-turned-life- coach, says women are reinventing themselves with a frequency and intensity that could hardly be imagined by our mothers' generation. But urges us to beware of the 3 common mistakes women make when it comes to do-over time or reinventing themselves.
1. Confused Purpose: These days, it's common to read or hear about a heroic woman who has quit her job to start a non-profit and save the world. That's certainly admirable, but it's not for everyone. Don't insist on finding a grand purpose that isn't yours, just because you think you "should." Make it authentic. Purpose isn't just about doing something. It's also about being someone.
2. Insufficient Passion: Similarly, you've got to find what's really yours to love, even if the rest of the world doesn't value it. No one gave a hoot about French cooking in America before Julia Child decided to share her passion for it. A Do-Over! challenges us to the core, so you need to have passion in abundance to get through the rough patches.
3. Poor Planning: You can't wing a Do-Over! Big or small, it needs to be thought-through ahead of time. Not only do you need to consider the pragmatics of change, but you also need to consider how you will handle the push-back you're likely to get from your family, friends, or co- workers.
Click here to buy or hear a sample track from Do-Over, How women are reinventing their lives.
You can watch her on "Austin Live" sharing her Do-Over tips!
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Reader Comments (6)
I agree that passion is a must.
I have to admit to finding many inspiring women during Women's Month! A new author I recommend to check out is Evinda Lepins. Her upcoming fiction tells shares true depths into a life very similar to her own. I am happy to know we have such fine women who help strengthen one another.
Thanks Melissa. A friend of mine was telling me about an idea she had. The first thing I said is you better have a passion for it because it's your seatbelt for the roller coaster ride. Actually I just made up the seatbelt part but it's very true! hehe! I will def check out Evinda!
Oh I want a do over so bad. I want to chuck it all and start over. Thank you for the post to think about it. I was going to just RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic! Thanks for posting this article, Misty. :) Such a short--and sweet--golden nugget for those of us in the re-invention trenches.
Might I also add that hiring a life coach is a *must* during times of re-invention!!! Probably THE best investment I've made in my whole life. (aside from going into mortgage-sized educational debt to get my masters ;)
P.S. I'm reading "Drive" by Daniel Pink and it speaks volumes to those of us who are searching for a more meaningful way to work, and a better business model. I highly recommend it as a supplement to the above-mentioned authors.
i think it is all about knowing what your capacity is and doing what you love to do. and everything else will follow, money and success. but the great thing is, money and success will be secondary because your work is your passion. it reminds me of an excerpt from this article about power of positive thinking Chanelling Your Creative Power "...The mindset makes a lot of difference in a person’s life – there’s a certain type you need in order to achieve success. "
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