1,110 Miles

“Why did you go to college in Missouri?”

I can count on this being the first question asked when someone discovers I grew up and attended high school in Virginia but went to college in Missouri.

1,110 miles.

The distance was not just a number, it symbolized a significant change in my life. Leaving behind the familiar faces of family and friends was not easy.

I was not running from them; I was on a journey of self-confrontation and reinvention.

Initially, I thought these feelings were unique to me, but I soon learned it's a universal aspect of the human experience.

Life is a continuous evolution. At certain crossroads, we are compelled to redefine ourselves. Reinvention isn't just about adapting; it's about courageously transforming into the person we aspire to be.

For me, the fresh start at a college 1,110 miles away was what I needed.

Reinvention runs deeper than surface-level changes. It demands a profound internal shift. It involves recognizing our growth and embracing the necessity for personal evolution. It's about shedding old habits, beliefs, and perspectives that no longer serve us, and embracing new opportunities with open arms.

My journey allowed me to unlock doors I'd been too afraid to open. I was holding myself back from own goals and dreams, and it was impacting my confidence.

The path to reinvention begins with self-reflection. When I teach leadership classes, I encourage the attendees to reflect on themselves. We must take the time to understand our strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations. What aspects of your life feel out of alignment? What dreams have you shelved? Introspection lays the foundation for meaningful change.

Look in the mirror and tell yourself not what you see, but what you want to see.

Next, set clear intentions. Define your purpose and intentions for reinventing yourself. Maybe you want to pursue a new career path, improve relationships, or just enhance your personal well-being. Whatever it may be, having clear objectives will guide your transformation.

“Embrace the suck.” Change can be uncomfortable, but it's also a catalyst for growth. Embrace the discomfort that comes with change, as it signifies that you're stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to become better.

Never stop learning and develop a growth mindset. Lifelong learning will open the doors to new opportunities. You must believe in your ability to learn and adapt and learn some more. View failure or challenges as learning experiences. Success stems from trying, failing, adapting, and trying again. The cycle never ends.

Look to the experiences and perspective of others. Their stories offer guidance, motivation, and a roadmap for your own journey. 

For me, my self-confidence grew. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was watching myself grow into the person I wanted to be and the person I wanted to see in the mirror. I had a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose and was opening doors to all sorts of opportunities.

Reinvention doesn’t require physical distance. It also doesn’t need to be a one-time event. Embrace change, challenge the status quo, and step into the realm of possibility. By daring to reinvent yourself, you craft a life that mirrors your true potential and aspirations.

- Brian Townsend, Eagle 6 Training