Life Makeover

With the popularity of makeover shows on television, it is apparent that people are eager to make cosmetic changes in their lives. But what would happen if a coach approached you on the street and offered you a makeover? What would you want to change?

Most individuals would jump at the chance for a career makeover. How many of you are really working in a job that is aligned with your passion? Can you say that you love what you are doing and do you get excited about getting up in the morning to go to work? Does your job fit with your skills, talents, interests and abilities? Would you throw it all away for that career you always wanted but did not feel you could choose because of obligations or circumstances in your life at the time of your career selection? What would you make over in your work arena? Would you stay in the same occupation, but change your place of employment? Or would you just want to change how you interact with your co-workers or boss? How about changing the way you are perceived within the organization? How would you change your career if you had the opportunity?

Rather than rhinoplasty or liposuction, an internal makeover offers up an opportunity for change from the inside out. What would you want to change for your internal makeover? Would you eliminate fear from your life? It is often fear that keeps you from moving forward, from taking risks and reaching your goals. Or would you eliminate procrastination? Perhaps you would like to be more responsible in your actions and choices or to have more integrity and be authentic. Or, would you opt to inject more fun into your life, to overrun the nagging inability to let yourself be free and enjoy life from the perspective of a child, where everything comes from a place of laughter, joy and wonder?

Is the idea of this kind of makeover intriguing to you? What can you do to initiate your own makeover? Start with these simple ideas. First, take a realistic look at your current work situation and vow to be honest about the circumstances. If you really are at odds with your job or career, commit to take the action needed to change the situation. Review your values to see if they are in sync with your life. Do the introspective work to get in touch with your passion. Keep a journal, hire a coach, tap into your creative presence and spend some time being honest about the skills you want to use.

Set some goals that start you moving in the direction you want to go. What one small step will get you out of your comfort zone? It could be joining Toastmasters to overcome your fear of public speaking or vowing to be more responsible with your money by agreeing to pay yourself first every month by making an automatic deposit into your savings account. It could mean creating a daily checklist to overcome the procrastination or inserting a weekly fun time for yourself and/or your family.

The fun of watching makeover shows is always the picture at the end of the makeover. With the transformation complete, the new hairstyle or facelift brings oohs and aahs from family and friends as well as the transformed. But without the internal shift, the makeover is for naught. Starting on the inside will ultimately lead to changes on the outside.