In the early 2000s, tech giant Apple was floundering. Its main competitor, Microsoft, was taking over the business world and sales of Apple computers were on a downward trajectory. They might have tried to amplify their marketing to push more computer sales, BUT Apple decided to try a different tactic: reinventing themselves. They introduced the iPod in 2001 (a runaway success) and the iPhone in 2007, and the rest is history. Today, Apple stocks are among the most highly valued on the market, and it doesn’t look like the company is going anywhere.

Apple’s story is hardly unique in the corporate world. Companies that dare to reinvent themselves tend to have greater longevity and relevance than their counterparts. Netflix, for instance, predicted the decline of DVD rentals and went all-in on its streaming service. Western Union shifted from a telegram service (a looong time ago!) to becoming a money transfer service. And then there are companies like Blockbuster and Kodak, which rigidly stuck to their old models and eventually declined.

There’s a lesson to be learned from the businesses that soared and those that sank. The occasional “reinvention” is a good thing. In your own life, if you feel like things are stagnating, why not think about a change?

The change doesn’t have to be major (although, it could be!). You might satisfy your need for something new by rearranging your furniture or taking a trip. However, sometimes life needs a true “shaking up.” If you’re feeling discontent with your career, for instance, what can you do to change things up? Could you pursue new assignments? Or take classes to learn a new skill? Perhaps you could mentor someone (or seek out a mentor of your own, if you’re hoping to rise within the company).

If you’re consistently feeling discontent or unsatisfied with your work, it may even be time for a career change. In my opinion, life’s too short to be stuck at a job you despise. One of my pillars of Self-Wealth is Purpose, and I believe that many people can find their purpose through their work (I know I have!). Why spend 40% of your life doing something you dislike, when you could be pursuing your calling?

When you think about reinventing yourself, you might also consider your personal life. Are your relationships with family members and friends stagnating? How might you jazz things up? Maybe you could take a class together (cooking, stained glass, a language class, etc.) and enjoy learning a new skill. Maybe you could go on a trip together and have fun with both the planning stage and the trip itself. Or, you might pick up a hobby that you can share with others (gardening, baking, volunteering at the Humane Society).

Reinventing yourself isn’t necessarily something that can (or should!) happen overnight. If you’re itching for a change, try doing some journaling and/or deep reflection. Consider why you’re discontent and what could possibly get you out of your rut. As I mentioned earlier, you may not need to do anything drastic to add a little spice to your life. If taking up knitting or signing up for Zumba does it, great! But if you feel the need to do something larger—something more significant—I encourage you to take the time to think, reflect, and decide whether or not to do an Apple-sized reinvention!

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