STARTING OVER……AGAIN

Starting over again sounds so daunting, but I don’t mind saying it. Starting over….again… is like the gospel song by Donnie McClurkin that says “get back up again”. You may fall down, but you can get back up. When you stop trying is the time for you to worry. Getting back up again or starting over means that progress can be made.
I’ve promised myself that this year, 2021, I will make some major changes in my life in order to be more fulfilled. In the last three years I moved to a different state, got married and traveled with my husband while he was working. Now it is time for me to be proactive in my life. My physical, mental and spiritual health are top priorities. So on this journey I will be working on my career, taking online classes, losing weight and getting in shape from my health and vanity. I have set short and long term goals for myself. My ultimate goals are to be working in a career that I love, moving closer to my grandchildren and feeling better.

You may be starting over for a variety of reasons from not being happy in your current space to your job going away whether pandemic related or otherwise.

Whether you are like me, starting over at 50 or at any other age, don’t be discouraged. It’s up to you to determine what starting over looks like.

WHAT DOES STARTING OVER LOOK LIKE TO YOU

The next step involves doing your research. What is it that you want to do? Utilize Google and YouTube. Read and listen to what people did and didn’t do to gain success in the field you’re interested in.

If you will need to take classes, determine your budget. Utilize online resources that offer free and or low cost courses, such as LinkedIn, Google and Microsoft. Many of the courses they offer include certifications.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT

Before committing to a class or new position you will want to ask yourself a few questions and do your research on the classes and field.
How will this career benefit me? Is this something I am interested in truly or is it strictly financial? How long will it take for me to complete the courses? Are there certifications I need to obtain that will make me stand out when I begin to apply for jobs or freelancing positions? Do I need to pay for any exams? If so, how much do they cost? What opportunities are available to me upon completion of my classes? (personal accomplishments, future jobs)

SETTING GOALS

Once you have answered those questions and are clear about the path you have decided to embark on, it’s time to write down your short and long term goals. For instance, if taking courses is how you will achieve a goal, how long will it take you to complete the required courses? What tools will you need to acquire in order to accomplish your goals? Are there things you can do in the beginning to build on that are of little or no cost? Remember to be reasonable. It will do you no good to overwhelm yourself from the beginning. Some people work well under pressure, but if you are not one of those people, set goals that can be met in increments. Only you know what your responsibilities are, so make a plan that will push you, but is set to how you best work.

DON’T DO IT ALONE

Also, when starting over, don’t do it alone. Get a work or study buddy. They don’t have to be in the same field. Just having someone in the same “starting over boat” can be of comfort. You can discuss any issues either of you are having, bounce ideas off of each other and share how what you are learning and doing is going. Of course, if they are taking the same class or new to the same field it will be a plus. You can help hold each other accountable and uplifted. Because you are in a similar situation, having that understanding is often what carries a person over the finish line.

Networking is also a great way to share your experiences with others and gain great insight from others. Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn and Meetup are just a few places you can use to network with like minded people. Networking is especially beneficial to gaining knowledge from others in your desired field. Again, utilize the internet to locate a network(s) specific to your needs.

THE NEXT STEPS

Another topic you will need to deal with early is being organized. Some people prefer online calendars and organization. While others like to write everything out. In that case, you may have notebooks and Day planners. There is another category of people that use a blend of technology and notebooks/planners. I fall into the last category myself. I retain more information when I write things down. So I take notes in longhand. I utilize online calendars when blocking out time during the day for a task as well as setting reminders for myself. I also have a planner that I also write tasks and goals in for the week or month. How you get and stay organized is a choice based on your personal style.

COMING SOON

In the next few weeks I will be discussing getting organized and scheduling in more details. I will also be bringing you tips on health and wellness in the categories of physical, mental and spiritual health. We will talk about getting your body moving so you are able to pursue your goals. Skin and hair care will also be included because we all feel better when we look better. My aim is to bring you natural skin and hair care products you can feel good about using.

I will also connect with you regarding the importance of taking care of your mental and spiritual health. We will look at books, videos, people to follow and more.

Stay tuned to Ingrid’s Inspiration for free printables, product giveaways, guests contributors and more.

I want to help other women that are starting over, whether in their careers or pursuing a healthier overall life, connecting mind, body and soul.