Now that you have created the first three pillars it’s time to take action on your reinvention, from idea to reality. The first three pillars are done as your foundation and as your foundation it is necessary to make sure it is solid. For this reason, you will be going back to them from time to time, especially pillar #2. The more solid a foundation the easier it is to build upon. Find what works for you, daily habits to keep yourself in a frame of mind of creation and striving, of keeping your thoughts elevated and using the support which now surrounds you. What’s also very important is every big dream or project, every creation starts with very small, even tiny steps, which by the way you have done by getting to this point. You have taken small steps to a big dream. Now continue this. John Wooden the great basketball coach for UCLA started every season in the first practice with teaching his players how to tie their shoes. They were raring to go, but the first small step to victory was getting their shoes on their feet properly. So go and tie your shoes. I send you good luck and love. 

Write out a plan for yourself. Use your calendar. Fill it in weekly with the small steps you are taking. Having it in your calendar will make it much more likely that it will get done. You might keep a journal of your journey. It will be very helpful as you proceed. And keep going back to the previous pillars. Remember your foundation. 

Now it’s time to start bringing your ideas to life and Pillar #3 will make that happen. Research has shown that human beings do less well when isolated from others, then when in community where the chances of thriving and succeeding become more and more attainable. Community and connection are very powerful, whether one on one or in a group. One of their major tenets of a supportive community is I can’t, we can. In this community transformation happens and lives change. When we are creating something new which you are, simply speaking it out loud to another person of support might very well give you the permission and confidence you need to proceed and at the same time calming the negative dialogue that might be chattering in your head [see Pillar #2 Beliefs]. Support, partnership, community can be the game changer you’re looking for. It is with these thoughts that pillar #3 says find your support. Personally, I would not be the man I am today in all areas of my life without as it is said “standing on the shoulders of giants”. You might find a person or a class or a group that will support you. There might be a seemingly unrelated group or community that supports your reinvention as well. That might be joining a gym or yoga class or meditation group or whatever speaks to you. These activities and groups will empower you, power that will serve you well in your new journey. 

Tell your reinvention to at least two trusted people-they can be friends, family, a teacher, clergy member are just some examples. 

Find your support-a class, a group, a coach, a therapist to give you the support that you deserve

Our life in many respects lies completely between our ears, in our minds. Our thoughts and our beliefs drive us, they tell us what is and what is not possible. Often times we can be limited by our thinking-how many times have you come up with a good idea only to think of all the reasons why that can’t be done? Start to question these limiting beliefs. Start to see your thinking as just that thinking and not necessarily reality. Most importantly notice and not identify with your beliefs. Be curious, be patient with yourself and keep practicing. These principals have been and continue to be integral in both my personal and professional life. This is a first step in mastering your thoughts and very much a part of the reinvention journey that you’re on.  

Get out all your limiting beliefs. After all, negativity loves to hide in the darkness. Let’s bring them to light. Make a list of these beliefs. Next to the belief write if they’re really true or is it just a feeling or just what some person said. Then next to that by stripping away this old thinking write what the new possibility would be. This is brave work and you’re up for it. Stick with it. 

Imagination is the first step towards reinvention. Give yourself, your mind unlimited space to think what if, what would be terrific in my life, what would I really love, who would I love to be? By imagining you can come up with ideas that your rational mind might not be able to. Our rational minds are based on the past and are designed to keep us safe and limited. It creates constraints. There is freedom in imagination.  Don’t hold yourself back. Put no restrictions on yourself. This tool of imagination will be very important as you move through your journey of reinvention. Keep something handy where you can record some of these ideas. Don’t discount any of them!

Where do you most allow yourself to imagine, to dream without any judgements or limitations? Is it out in nature, taking a walk, a hike, a run? Maybe journaling or going to a museum where you can be inspired. Or simply turning up some music real loud blocking out any distractions. Find whatever works for you. And have fun! Imagination flourishes in fun and play.