Want to Reinvent Yourself at Midlife? Invest in Your Personal Growth

We're all busy women, constantly rushing from one task to the next project. Seems like there's always more to add to the "to do" list and not enough time to get it all done. And because of that, it's all too easy to get into a rut. It's just easier to stay on the familiar pathways, isn't it? Easier to say, "I'll go after my dreams one of these days when I have more time."

You've probably heard lots of women talk about changing course and reinventing themselves at midlife. Taking control and living the life they dream about. Maybe you're thinking, "I want to do that too." Why not? It starts with making a commitment to your own personal growth. And it's easier than you think.

Personal growth isn't optional. It's essential if you want to thrive and enjoy all that life has to offer. Especially if you're a woman over 40. It's time to get started!

Here's a quick list of ways to invest in your own personal growth. And the best part is that you can choose to learn and grow even if you've just got a few minutes to spare every day.

• Pick up a book on a subject you know very little about and read a chapter a day. Who knows what creative ideas exploring a whole new subject will spark?

• There are an amazing array of teleseminars available through the Internet today. Do a Google search on a topic of interest and see what you can find. Many of these are free and they're often recorded so you can listen at your convenience.

• Attend a networking event and really listen when someone talks about her job. Ask questions. Go with the attitude that you want to connect and learn.

• Listen to an informational CD while you're commuting to and from work. You can find them in bookstores, online, sometimes even in your local public library.

• Take a class to learn a new hobby or take lessons so you can learn to play a musical instrument. You'll build new neurological connections in your brain and have fun at the same time.

• Create some "art" just for you. No pressure to create a masterpiece. Explore. Play with crayons or paints or clay or fabric. Just enjoy the process.

So, what are you waiting for?

1) Choose one thing from the list above and try it this week.

2) Chat with friends, family, and colleagues about what personal growth activities they're involved in. You may decide one of those ideas is perfect for you.

3) Make an appointment with yourself (yes, put it on your calendar!) to carve out time for personal growth activities every week.

There are dozens of ways to expand your horizons. The important thing isn't so much what you do, but that you keep doing, growing, and learning.

What's your favorite way to expand your horizons?

Bonnie Pond is the founder of ReLaunch Your Life, a company devoted to helping women 40+ make money doing what they love. Through her coaching programs, workshops, and retreats she helps women learn how to be their own boss and take control of their lives again.

Want some help learning how to turn your interests into income? Visit her website, http://www.relaunchyourlifecoach.com/, to schedule a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Session to help you get started. Don't forget to get your free copy of "Seven Ways to ReLaunch Your Life -- Starting Today!" while you're there.

Tune in to ReLaunch Your Life on Blog Talk Radio, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/relaunchyourlife, every Monday at 10 AM to hear interviews with successful entrepreneurs and get success strategies, tips, and tools you can use.

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