By Dr. Verlyn Fontaine Waterman | Who Is She! Blog
Not from the Beginning, but from Experience
There’s something powerful, intriding, mysterious about starting over. For many, the phrase "starting over" can feel overwhelming, conjuring up images of beginning from scratch. But here’s the beautiful truth—it’s not about starting from the beginning; it’s about starting from experience.
Starting over, whether in your career, personal life, or any other area, means that you are not the same person you were before. You carry wisdom, strength, and resilience that you didn't have when you first began. The challenges you've overcome and the lessons you've learned have shaped you into someone far more prepared for the road ahead.
Embrace Your Journey
Starting over doesn’t negate the miles you’ve already traveled. It acknowledges that life, with all its twists and turns, has molded you into a more capable version of yourself. This new chapter isn't a reset—it's a continuation of a story where you now know more, understand more, and can make wiser choices.
Perhaps you've gone through loss, or maybe you're rebuilding after a career change or personal setback. Maybe it was a traumatic illness; Whatever the reason, know that your journey thus far has equipped you for the challenges ahead. You are beginning this new phase from a place of experience, not naivety. There is no need to fear the unknown because you have navigated unfamiliar territory before, and you can do it again—only now with greater insight, strategic planning and a clearer vision.
You Are Not Starting from Zero
Think of everything you've gained over the years: the skills, the knowledge, the wisdom, the clarity and the mental and emotional growth. You’re not starting at zero. You're starting from a place of experience, wisdom, and the ability to handle what comes next.
It’s like standing at the edge of the shoreline, looking out at the horizon. It’s a new day, and while the landscape may look unfamiliar, you’ve been through the waves before. You've learned to swim, and now, you're ready for the next adventure.
Practical Tips for Embracing Your Fresh Start
1. Reflect on Your Journey: Take time to honor the path you've walked. Acknowledge the growth and lessons you've gained from each experience. These are your building blocks moving forward.
2. Set New Intentions: Use what you've learned to set clear, meaningful goals for this next chapter. Allow your past experiences to guide you in making informed decisions.
3. Be Patient with Yourself: Starting over can feel daunting at times, but remember that every step you take is progress. Give yourself grace as you navigate unfamiliar territory once again.
4. Lean on Your Strengths: You've cultivated resilience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Trust these strengths as you embark on this new journey.
5. Surround Yourself with Support: Whether it’s friends, mentors, or a community, having a support system can make all the difference. Find people who encourage your growth and celebrate your fresh start.
This Is Your Time
Starting over is not a sign of failure—it’s a courageous new beginning, strengthened by all you’ve lived through. You’ve endured storms, faced hard truths, and gained wisdom through every challenge. Now, you stand on the edge of something greater, ready to thrive in ways you may have never imagined.
As you step into this new chapter, remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about growth. It’s about evolution. It’s about allowing your past to inform, not imprison, your future.
This is your moment. Rise with the strength of your story and the wisdom of your journey. Trust the unfolding path ahead—it was made for you.
Here are 10 steps to embrace as you go forward:
1. Embracing the Power of Starting Over
Key Focus: Redefining what it means to start over and how to see it as an opportunity, not a setback.
Insight: Shifting the mindset from fear to empowerment. View starting over as a continuation of your journey, not a complete restart.
Actionable Tip: Create a "Strengths & Lessons" list—reflect on what you’ve learned from past experiences and how those lessons can guide your new direction.
2. Goal Setting for Your Fresh Start
Key Focus: Establishing clear and attainable goals as the foundation of your new beginning.
Insight: Goal setting should be grounded in where you are now, not where you wish you were. Small, achievable goals build momentum.
Actionable Tip: Use the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to create 1-3 primary goals for the next phase of your life.
3. Overcoming Fear of the Unknown
Key Focus: How to embrace uncertainty and use it as a driving force instead of a deterrent.
Insight: Uncertainty is a natural part of any new journey, but fear can be managed by focusing on what you can control and remaining open to change.
Actionable Tip: Create a "What I Can Control" chart—list the things within you to change, and let go of those beyond your control. Focus on small actions that bring clarity.
4. Building Consistency: Small Steps, Big Changes
Key Focus: The importance of consistency in achieving goals, even when results aren’t immediate
Insight: Consistency beats intensity. It’s better to take small, regular steps than to burn out with one massive effort.
Actionable Tip: Use the "2-Minute Rule"—commit to working on your goal for just two minutes a day. This small habit often leads to longer, more productive sessions.
5. Dealing with Setbacks: Progress, Not Perfection
Key Focus: Understanding that setbacks are part of the process and learning how to stay motivated when things don’t go as planned.
Insight: Failure is feedback. Every setback offers insight into what can be improved and adjusted for the next step.
Actionable Tip: Develop a "Progress Journal" where you note daily/weekly progress, including challenges and how you overcame them. Reflect on both successes and obstacles.
6. Developing a Resilient Mindset
Key Focus: Cultivating mental resilience to keep going when times are tough or motivation wanes.
Insight: Resilience comes from understanding that challenges are temporary and can be overcome with persistence and flexibility.
Actionable Tip: Practice mindfulness or meditation to center your thoughts when anxiety or doubt creeps in. A few minutes of quiet reflection can help reset your mindset and maintain focus.
7. Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Energy
Key Focus: Learning to prioritize yourself and your goals by setting boundaries that protect your mental and emotional energy.
Insight: Boundaries are essential in maintaining focus and protecting your progress. It’s okay to say no to distractions or commitments that don’t align with your new goals.
Actionable Tip: Create a "No List" that outlines commitments or habits you will avoid because they don’t support your new direction.
8. The Importance of Support: Finding Your Tribe
Key Focus: Surrounding yourself with positive influences and seeking support from those who believe in your vision.
Insight: No one starts over alone. Having a support system—whether friends, family, or a mentor—can make a significant difference in maintaining consistency.
Actionable Tip: Join a community or support group that aligns with your goals. Whether online or in person, connection helps keep motivation alive.
9. Redefining Success on Your Terms
Key Focus: Understanding that success looks different in this new phase of life and how to embrace a more personal definition.
Insight: Success is not always external—it’s personal growth, emotional well-being, and inner peace. Redefine what success looks like for you.
Actionable Tip: Write a "New Definition of Success" statement. Include what success looks like and feels like in this season of your life. This will serve as a reminder when you’re feeling uncertain.
10. Celebrating Progress: Why Small Wins Matter
Key Focus: How to celebrate even the small victories to keep yourself motivated and energized.
Insight: Small wins are crucial—they build confidence and momentum. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, to keep the fire burning.
Actionable Tip: Create a "Victory Wall" where you record every achievement, whether it’s completing a task or overcoming a challenge. These visual reminders of progress can help you stay consistent.
You are not just starting over, you are becoming! Embrace You.....
Dr. Verlyn