Reinvention to thrive in a changing world
If your company closes, what will happen to you? How are you going to survive? Reinvention is crucial to survive and thrive, both in business and in life.
In our fast-paced reality, it’s not uncommon for businesses to face critical moments, such as the possibility of closing. In these scenarios, there are multiple options. While some people live in a constant state of micro-change, others cling to past successes. However, just as complacency is the death of business, it is also the death of individuals. Reinvention is not only necessary in times of crisis, but also when everything seems to be going well.
The power of starting over
You are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you know. These words are not just a mantra; they are a reality when you decide to face the fear of starting over. It’s not about change for the sake of change, but about reflecting, listening, and observing your environment. Veronika Scott, founder of The Empowerment Company, understood this when she spent time with homeless people and developed a jacket that could turn into a sleeping bag. Her project not only addressed a need but also provided jobs and education, showing that reinvention had a positive impact on others.
Another great example is Doug Dietz, an industrial designer who realized that MRI machines terrified children. Instead of accepting the status quo, he redesigned these machines, transforming hospitals into more friendly places by decorating the rooms with children’s themes and superheroes. Reinvention begins when we listen, observe, and dare to break the mold.
Key points for personal and business reinvention
The need for reinvention applies both personally and in business. Here are some key points to successfully achieve it:
👉1. Culture of innovation: Explain to those around you why change is necessary and what it will entail. If you create a culture that encourages change, you’ll ease its implementation.
👉2. Know yourself: Reflect on your talents and skills, but listen to others (colleagues, clients, family) to identify new market opportunities. Reinvention must align with your strengths and what the environment needs.
👉3. Leave nostalgia behind: Thinking “the past was better” anchors you. Today’s success doesn’t guarantee tomorrow’s.
👉4. Welcome crazy ideas: Don’t be afraid to share ideas for fear of criticism. The best innovations come from ideas that seemed impossible at first.
👉5. Embrace trial and error: Not every attempt will be successful, but every failure teaches something valuable. Don’t give up.
👉6. Step out of your comfort zone: If you only do what you already know, you’re not contributing anything new. Growth comes from the unknown and from taking risks.
👉7. Believe before you see: Major changes are first visualized, then criticized, and finally perfected.
👉8. Break limits: Don’t let others’ failures define your limits. Listen to their experiences, but remember your path is unique.
👉9. Aim high: Always aim as far as you can. It’s the only way to get as far as possible.
👉10. Never stop learning: Stay in constant learning, acquiring new skills, and facing new challenges. Personal growth is continuous.
Are you ready for reinvention?
The key to reinvention lies in your ability to adapt and grow. Just as Polaroid clung to its traditional model and failed, others like Veronika Scott and Doug Dietz knew how to listen, observe, and act to create something new and meaningful. Don’t be afraid to start over. Life and business are a constant process of reinvention. And remember: you are braver, stronger, and smarter than you think.
Are you thinking about reinventing yourself too? I’d love to hear from you.
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