I'm Resolving To Reinvent Myself in 2010

Every new year I vow to eat healthier, get organized, save a little bit more and run a little bit further. But this new year feels different. The past decade brought us a whole new world - one that involves terrorism, higher health care costs and no real wage increases. But as 2010 begins, I need to move beyond the basics of resolutions and truly evolve as a person. I need to do this for myself as well as for my family since me being happy will in turn make them happier as well.

I need to challenge myself, to think outside the box and to find a new skill. A friend of mine who I used to work with when I was a news clerk for Tom Friedman in Washington, D.C. said it best when she described her plans for moving ahead. She said she was the airplane heading to some fabulous destination. She said as long as you keep moving forward, and not sitting still on the tarmac, you could achieve your goals. You might hit some turbulent bumps along the way, face some setbacks, but as long as you keep moving, you will get to your goals.

For me, finding the right job is a top priority in 2010. Part of the job search will involve reinventing myself in this new marketplace. I was a reporter, then a retail copywriter, but I've been finding what I've spent my entire career doing is needed less and less.

Pondering what is my next career move.

I thought by the time I hit 40 I would know everything. But I'm finding there is so much yet to learn to reach my full potential. My good friend and career advisor Theresa asked me recently what I would do if money wasn't an issue. Yes, she was talking about finding a job that is both satisfying and makes me happy. I had no idea what this could be. She said to think about trading up for a job with a more friendly work environment or with flexible work hours than a job that paid well but came with a tyrant for a boss . She also recommended reading I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What I Was: How To Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It by Barbara Sher and Barbara Smith to help me figure out what I wanted.

Theresa also said it's important to listen to your intuition. "Everyone has all the answers to their questions, but they haven't listened," she said. To be intuitive, tap into your creative juices and follow your gut instincts. Theresa said to pose a question to the universe and ask the universe what you/I should be doing for your/my next career move. to do this exercise, she said you need to sit quietly for 15 minutes and be incredibly aware of what pops into your head. It can be anything from words, images, song lyrics, but after the 15 minutes is up, quickly jot down what comes to mind. See any themes?

Deep down inside, we all know what will make us happy. We just don't always have the time to listen to it.

I still don't know what the hell I want to do for my next career, but I know success will only come by taking real steps towards my dreams.

Let's dare to live out our dreams together. Let me know in the comments what you will be focusing on in 2010. Happy New Year everyone!