The 7 Steps To Re-creating Your Life: A Guide to Making Major Life Changes
February 16, 2024 Liz Brunner, Founder, Brunner Communications
If you had told me when I began my career as a High School music teacher, that the chapters of my life would take shape on the air as a TV journalist and later on stage as a keynote speaker, in boardrooms as a consultant, business owner and author (among other things), I would not have believed you. At the time, I had not yet experienced the full effect of weaving all of the themes and patterns of my life into the experiences that would inform my ability to embrace change and evolve into my next chapter…so, of course, it felt far-fetched!
Change is an inevitable part of life. Sometimes it’s by choice and other times it may be by circumstance. It can manifest as a career shift, a relocation, or a lifestyle transformation towards personal growth and fulfillment. No matter the reason, the steps we take during these pivotal moments can greatly impact the outcome and our sense of personal fulfillment. Here are my recommended steps to take when re-creating your life and why they matter in helping you to live your best life:
- Self-Reflection: Before embarking on any significant life change, it’s crucial to engage in self-reflection. Understand your motivations, desires, and goals. Ask yourself the tough questions: What do you truly want to achieve? Why is this change necessary? Are you running away from, or towards, something? This introspective process helps create clarity and sets the foundation for a purposeful transformation. Skipping it may mean you’re not ready to dig deep and take the careful steps to ensure you are on the right path for you.
- Goal Setting and Incremental Steps: Once you’ve gained insight through self-reflection, set clear and achievable goals. Break down your overarching objective into smaller, manageable tasks and set due dates for yourself to stay accountable. Establishing a roadmap provides direction and helps measure progress. Well-defined goals serve as a source of motivation, provide a sense of achievement and hope on this journey of change.
- Research and Planning: Knowledge is power. Conduct research related to your desired change. Understanding the nuances and potential challenges is essential so you can be prepared for setbacks and anticipate where your path might get thrown off course (because it inevitably will). Create a comprehensive plan that outlines the steps you need to take, potential obstacles, and strategies to overcome them. Ask questions of those who have already arrived where you want to go to instill confidence in your decision-making and create a community for yourself.
- Build a Support System: Major life changes can be daunting, and having a support system is invaluable. Share your aspirations with friends, family, or mentors who can offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice. Conduct informational interviews and surround yourself with a positive and supportive network that provides emotional strength during challenging times. Having a supportive sounding board can make the difference in persevering and giving up on a goal.
- Embrace Flexibility: No matter how much planning you do, unexpected circumstances may arise. It’s important to remain positive, adaptable and open-minded. Be willing to adjust, if needed, and view detours as opportunities for growth. Flexibility is a key component of resilience, so too is patience. And recognizing progress, no matter how small, reinforces your commitment to change.
- Self-Care: Amidst the hustle of change, prioritize self-care. Maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life, and relaxation. Nurture your physical and mental well-being. A healthy foundation enhances your ability to cope with stress and uncertainty. Regular self-care practices (like movement or rest days) contribute to overall resilience and remind you to pause and appreciate your progress.
- Learn and Grow: Every major life change is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Embrace the learning experiences that come with the journey. Reflect on the lessons, adapt your approach, and apply newfound knowledge to future challenges. A growth mindset fosters continuous development, resilience, and living your best life.
Taking the brave step to re-create your life can sometimes be uncomfortable. You are shedding old layers of who you once were to embrace a new vision for yourself even if the path is not clear. Take comfort in knowing that you are not the first in choosing the road less traveled. If it were easy, everyone would do it. And for everything else, I’m here to support you however I can. Drop me a line: Liz@LizBrunner.com or @lizbrunner on Instagram.
Meet the Author
Liz Brunner, CPC, is the CEO and founder of Brunner Communications, a keynote speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author of Dare to Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter, and recommended on Forbes. An Emmy award-winning journalist, Liz Brunner’s television career spanned 28 years and featured many memorable highlights. Along with co-anchoring the #1 rated 6pm newscast at ABC-TV, WCVB NewsCenter 5 in Boston, she conducted exclusive one-on-one interviews with prominent figures ranging from professional athletes to global political leaders including President Barack Obama as well as cultural icons such as Oprah Winfrey.
In 2013, leveraging her media and communications experience and expertise, Liz founded Brunner Communications. In February 2020, Liz launched her podcast, Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner, where she shares stories of re-creation and reinvention. All of her guests have taken their life experiences, the good and the bad, the successes and even the failures, and used that knowledge to not only create their “next chapters,” but to inspire others as well. In 2022, Liz’s podcast won multiple awards for “Best Host” and “Best Lifestyle Podcast” by the Communicator’s Awards.
Among Brunner’s industry recognitions are multiple New England Emmy Awards, two national Gracies from the Alliance for Women in Media, an Edward R. Murrow Award, an Associated Press Award, and a Communications Achievement Award from the American Women in Radio and Television.
In 2013, leveraging her media and communications experience and expertise, Liz founded Brunner Communications. In February 2020, Liz launched her podcast, Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner, where she shares stories of re-creation and reinvention. All of her guests have taken their life experiences, the good and the bad, the successes and even the failures, and used that knowledge to not only create their “next chapters,” but to inspire others as well. In 2022, Liz’s podcast won multiple awards for “Best Host” and “Best Lifestyle Podcast” by the Communicator’s Awards.
Among Brunner’s industry recognitions are multiple New England Emmy Awards, two national Gracies from the Alliance for Women in Media, an Edward R. Murrow Award, an Associated Press Award, and a Communications Achievement Award from the American Women in Radio and Television.
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