Reinvention after 50? Yes, you can.

Reinvention after 50?
Yes, you can.

looking at reinvention as a way to become more of whoever you are-ore whoever you want to be.

look at reinvention as a way to become more of whoever you are-ore whoever you want to be.

Whether you’re facing an empty nest, retirement or are just ready for a change, times of great upheaval can be ideal opportunities for reinvention—the process of evaluating and transforming any aspect of your life: habits, philosophies, how you spend your time or who you spend it with.

So many women in our Boom community have reinvented themselves later in life.

Our founder, Cindy Joseph, became a silver-haired model at 49 and founded BOOM! at 61. Boom Ambassador Kim Bomberger started her own photography business at 60. 70-year-old Sandy Evenson became a transformational coach after decades in the beauty industry.

Others travel around the world, RV full-time, or move to a place they’d always wanted to live.

Reinvention is a great way to try something you didn’t have the time or opportunity to attempt before.

Many women look at reinvention as a way to become more of whoever you are—or whoever you want to be.

Your reinvention can be large or small. It can mean taking on a new hobby or changing your whole way of life.

Either way, reinvention can help you live a healthier life, widen your social circle or even improve your finances.

But more than anything else, having new goals and adventures can help you feel excited and enthusiastic about what’s ahead. And that just feels good.

So many women cut back on hobbies or causes when life gets busy with caretaking, kids, work or all three. As responsibilities ease, it’s a great time to reconnect with those interests.

Ready for your reinvention? These tips can help you get started.

1. Discover a new or forgotten interest.

So many women cut back on hobbies or causes when life gets busy with caretaking, kids, work or all three. As responsibilities ease, it’s a great time to reconnect with those interests.

Or, try something entirely new. Develop your creative side with a painting or pottery class, or get involved with a cause that interests you.

Forget about what’s “normal,” usual or expected. Instead, imagine what you would do if you had no limits and no fear.

Who would you be? Where would you go? How would you spend your time and who would you spend it with?

2. Use your assets.

Depending on how you decide to reinvent yourself, you may need additional skills, credentials or experience to get where you want to be.

Furthering your education—whether that means taking classes, finding a mentor, asking for help or a lot of trial and error—may feel intimidating.

Remember that you’re not really starting from scratch. You have experience, perspective, emotional maturity and skills that are invaluable in every endeavor. Don’t forget to lean on those assets when you need them.

3. It might be scary.

If jumping into something new sounds risky… well, it is. Every phase of life has risks. But stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself can also feel invigorating.

No one succeeds at absolutely everything the first time they try it. Many of the most successful people have failed over and over again.

Accepting that risk is necessary and failure is part of the process will help you bounce back when things don’t go smoothly the first time.

4. It should be fun!

Reinvention after 50 should be tons of fun. After all, reinvention is ultimately about creating a life you love.

If jumping into something new sounds risky… well, it is. Every phase of life has risks. But stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself can also feel invigorating.

That doesn’t mean that every moment will feel amazing. But try to end most days happy with what you’ve achieved so far and excited for what’s next.

It’s important not to forget your ultimate goal. Ask yourself often, “Am I having a good time?” If not, it may be time to reevaluate or make adjustments.

As you proceed, don’t forget to reach out to let others know what you’re up to. Your success may just inspire your friends, family or colleagues.

Have you reinvented yourself after 50? What did you do and how did it go? Share your story in the comments below.