1. What’s on your list of changes you want to make? Get a pen and pad, let your thoughts and ideas flow and jot them down. What would you change about yourself if you had the power?

2. Focus on the top 3 things you wish to change. For the best chance of success, direct your energy to no more than a few things at a time. Circle the top 3 things you want to work on.

To illustrate, maybe you're feeling a bit frumpy, want to change your hair colour and style, reduce your weight by 15 pounds, and wear a more youthful style of clothing.

Perhaps you want to work out to build muscle, get into a new relationship, and develop a deeper interest in a particular subject.

3. Ponder the reasons you want to make these changes. Delve deep within yourself to consider why making these changes is important to you. Are you feeling a bit old and 'jaded' and not very positive about yourself? Do you believe you can move closer toward the type of life you want if you make the desired changes?

Perhaps you think you’ll be happier or more successful when you take steps to become the person you want to be. Giving some thought to the reasons you want to change these aspects of yourself will help you recognize where you want to be heading in life.

4. Design a brief plan for each area you want to alter. Using some of the examples in #2: getting a different hair colour and cut is as simple as setting an appointment and going to the hairdresser. Losing the weight will take a bit more thought and effort. What will you do to get started on your plan now?

You might cut out soft drinks and fattening desserts and have breakfasts of yogurt and fruit or 1 scrambled egg with 1 toast.

Doing a wardrobe overhaul costs money. Plan to obtain the clothing you want to be wearing little by little. Consult fashion websites to learn about styles and basic wardrobe pieces. Study people whose style you admire. What do they do differently?

5. Take 'before' pictures. Photos will motivate you to continue your efforts.

6. Explore how you feel about beginning to work toward the changes. Do you feel positive, confident, and pleased that you’re finally going to “do something?” You might be experiencing doubt or hesitancy to get started. What makes you feel that way? This step is integral to your capacity to continue your path of self-re-invention.

Connect with your feelings to be successful in creating a new you. If you have serious doubts or even fears about taking steps toward what you want to be in life, consider consulting a life coach or counselor to help you move forward in your quest.

7. Put your plans into action. If all systems are “go,” move forward without delay.

8. Notice the subtle changes that you achieve along the way. Develop ways to reinforce your efforts to successfully alter the aspects you wish to change. Take a few pictures of yourself as you notice changes and display them where you can view them for motivation. After all, you’re doing what you set out to do - re-inventing yourself!