Skip to content
  • About Us
  • Foundation
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
  • Membership
        • Membership

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • Chamber Membership
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Sign In
  • join
Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
  • Membership
        • Membership

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • Chamber Membership
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Sign In
  • join
  • About Us
  • Foundation
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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: [email protected] 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.

Get in Touch

Liz Brunner Headshot
Liz Brunner

Founder,

Brunner Communications

Email Liz LinkedIn

You May Also Be Interested In

Press Release

Chamber Announces Ten Greater Boston Leaders as 2024 Pinnacle Award Honorees

The 2024 Pinnacle Awards mark the 30th Anniversary of the most prestigious honor for female professionals in the region.
Read Nowarrow-go
Thought Leadership

Unleashing the Power of Women: Breaking Barriers for a Brighter Future 

Crown Castle’s commitment to supporting women transcends hiring; it’s about nurturing growth, mentorship, and building a culture where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.
Read Nowarrow-go
Women’s Network

The 2024 Pinnacle Awards Recap: Advice From Greater Boston’s Top Women in Business

At the 30th Anniversary of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Pinnacle Awards, the inspiring honorees shared their keys to success.
Read Nowarrow-go
265 Franklin Street
Suite 1701
Boston, MA 02110
Get Directions
Contact us
  • Events
  • Learning & Development
  • Economic Inclusion
  • Policy & Impact
  • Our Networks
  • Membership
  • join
  • About Us
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

© 2025 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Resources

  • Small Business  
  • News & Insights  
  • Member Resources  
  • Small Business  
Close