Reinventing yourself is one of the most exciting and transformative things you can do. It’s about stepping into the next version of yourself, fueled by clarity, courage, and a vision bigger than anything you’ve imagined before.
We’ve all felt that pull—the one that nudges us toward something greater, yet keeps us tethered to the safety of what we know. Maybe you feel the call to evolve but aren’t sure where to start or if it’s worth it. You don’t want to risk losing all the success you’ve had thus far. Reinvention is a process we all inevitably face, especially when we’re striving to grow, create impact, or pursue our purpose.
That’s why today we have Tracy Matthews on the show. She is a Creativity, Branding, and Reinvention Expert, a Best-Selling Author, and the Host of the Top-Rated Thrive By Design Podcast (which I was recently a guest on!). As a serial entrepreneur, she’s reinvented herself several times and built several multiple 7+ figure businesses. She believes creativity is the biggest gift for navigating challenges, living a more fulfilled life, and having fun while creating wealth. Notable media placements include The Today Show, Entrepreneur, InStyle Magazine, and Elle.
In this episode, Tracy shares encouraging stories and practical wisdom about reinventing yourself in life and business—even after 40 and 50 years old. You’ll want to listen to the end for the one question that brings clarity to the dream that fuels your next chapter and what that could look like. Whether you’re scaling back to pivot or dreaming bigger than ever before, know this: you’re capable of creating a life and legacy you love. Listen in on our conversation about what it looks like to start reinventing yourself today.
What Does Reinventing Yourself Mean?
Life has a way of nudging us toward reinvention. At different stages, we feel an undeniable pull to evolve. This isn’t just a trendy idea—it’s deeply human. Reinventing yourself often begins in moments of burnout, boredom, or uncertainty. It’s that restless feeling of knowing you’re meant for more but feeling stuck in the old version of yourself.
Maybe you’re clinging to what once felt safe—that could be a business, or even a mindset. But deep down, you sense it’s time to let go. Growth demands it. Transformation often starts with challenges that seem insurmountable. Yet, these moments hold the power to spark something incredible.
Think of the phoenix, rising anew from the ashes. Reinventing yourself works the same way. It’s about facing the fire, letting old versions of yourself burn away, and emerging stronger and clearer about your purpose.
The key is trusting the process of moving through so that you can step into what you’re really called to do. Allow yourself to feel the discomfort. Recognize it as the catalyst for change. Every step forward brings you closer to becoming the person you’re called to be.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment. Reinventing yourself means choosing growth over fear and letting your true potential shine. The journey is yours—embrace it.
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Reinvent Yourself?
Reinventing yourself can feel daunting, especially when you’re holding on to what’s familiar. Many of us hesitate because we fear losing what we’ve built. But here’s the truth: there’s no “perfect time” to make a change. The right time is when your soul is calling you in a new direction.
You may feel stuck between holding on to the past and embracing the future. Some feel burned out, while others are simply bored with what once excited them—that thing they were known for. They know they want to move forward, but they don’t know how to start.
Tracy shared a story of her conversation with a woman in the beverage industry. She’s a leader in her field but feels called to launch a coaching business. Yet every time she sits down to work on her new idea, she finds herself going back to the familiar. It’s not that she doesn’t want to grow. She’s just navigating the fear of letting go. That fear is normal.
Reinventing yourself often involves grief—the sadness of leaving behind people or parts of your identity. But staying in a place that no longer serves you won’t inspire growth or fulfillment. As Tracy’s partner wisely said, “Your business is here to serve you. If it doesn’t, something needs to change.”
Reinvention is part of the natural evolution of your brand, business, and self.
Just like Monet’s art evolved over his career, your work will shift as you grow. The key is to stay transparent with your audience and bring them along for the journey. Share your excitement, but wait until you’ve gained clarity before talking about struggles.
You have the right to change directions at any point in your career. Your audience connects with your energy and authenticity, not just what you sell. Reinventing yourself is not about losing people—it’s about showing up as your best self. When you do, the right people will cheer you on.
So, when is it time to reinvent yourself? When you can no longer ignore the call. Trust yourself and take the first step forward.
How Do You Start Over And Reinvent Yourself?
Reinventing yourself starts with clarity. Without it, you’re navigating blind. You need to understand two things: your unique gift and your vision beyond the vision.
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What’s my real gift?
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It’s not just the surface-level skill people know you for. It’s the deeper brilliance that sets you apart. For example, I’ve worked in jewelry marketing for years. I know the ins and outs of pricing, branding, and scaling a jewelry business. But my true gift? Seeing someone’s potential and helping them turn it into a profitable reality. That’s where I shine.
Your gift isn’t always obvious, especially if you’ve been working in one niche for years. Take a step back and dig deeper. What’s the thing under the thing that makes you extraordinary?
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What is your vision beyond the vision?
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This is where many people stop short. You might have a dream for your business, but what’s beyond that? What’s the audacious, big-picture impact you want to create?
At a Brendon Burchard event, he asked us to imagine: if you could snap your fingers and achieve your wildest dream, what would it be? Without overthinking, Tracy wrote, “I want a TED Talk with 20 million views and a brand that inspires creatives worldwide.” That single moment of clarity changed everything.
Even though she hasn’t done the TED Talk yet, that vision sparked something bigger. It led to a new brand, a podcast, and a mission to empower people to embrace their creativity. That’s the power of dreaming beyond what feels “possible.”
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Create. Make your vision tangible.
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Once you have clarity, it’s time to create. How will you share your message, build your brand, and turn your vision into something tangible? What does this new chapter of your life look like? Focus on building an offer or movement that aligns with your mission.
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Cultivate and catalyze your idea.
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This is where you refine your messaging, build your audience, and bring your vision to life. It’s not just about having a great idea—it’s about executing it with purpose.
Many people skip these steps because they’re scary. Admitting your bigger vision means stepping outside your comfort zone. But here’s the truth: most of us are still playing small, even when we think we’re dreaming big.
For example, Tracy shared that her mom passed away suddenly when she was only 45. She had just started to rebuild her life and chase her dreams. She never got to see her vision through, and that loss has fueled Tracy’s commitment to live fully and authentically.
If you were to leave this world tomorrow, would your legacy reflect the life you wanted to live? Reinventing yourself is about answering that question with action. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start today, and create a life and business that truly represents who you are.
How Long Does It Take To Reinvent Yourself?
Reinventing yourself can take months or years—it all depends on your focus and commitment. There’s no set timeline. Some people transform quickly, while others take longer to gain momentum.
The key difference? Creating the space to dream and plan.
Many people delay their reinvention because they never stop to imagine what’s possible. They stay busy, stuck in routines, and never give themselves permission to pause. Reinvention starts with creating that container for your vision.
Ask yourself: Am I making time to dream? Am I prioritizing what truly matters?
The more focused and intentional you are, the faster you’ll move forward. But don’t rush the process. Give yourself grace and space to explore what reinvention looks like for you.
Start by carving out time to reflect. Let your mind wander and dream big. Once you do, you’ll see the path ahead much more clearly. Reinventing yourself doesn’t have to take forever—it starts with one intentional step today.
Starting Again After 40 And After 50 – The Real Difference
Reinventing yourself at any age comes with challenges, but after 40 or 50, it carries unique layers. Tracy has navigated multiple reinventions—starting her first business at 30, shutting it down in 2008, and shifting into mentorship. Each stage brought new lessons, but the process felt different every time.
In her 30s, reinvention felt easier. There was less weight, fewer expectations. But as she got older, self-judgment crept in. The thought of stepping back, descaling, or starting fresh made her question everything. Shouldn’t I be further along by now? It’s a common thought among entrepreneurs over 50.
The hardest part? Being a beginner again. Reinvention often requires stepping back to create space. That might mean simplifying, reducing overhead, or even letting go of support systems. While it can feel like a setback, it’s actually a strategic move. Scaling down allows for breathing room and financial bandwidth to think clearly about the next step.
This is just a season. The faster she embraces it, the sooner she steps into something bigger. Reinventing yourself isn’t about going backward—it’s about recalibrating for the next level.
And for anyone feeling the pull to start over…the best time to begin was yesterday. The second best? Right now.
Is It Normal To Want To Reinvent Yourself?
Reinventing yourself requires a growth-oriented mindset. People who do big things in life embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
Whether you’re sharing your art, building a business, or telling your story, growth is non-negotiable. Staying the same might feel comfortable, but it limits your potential. Growth-oriented people, especially business owners, know this truth all too well.
Running a business is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Just when you think you’re coasting, life throws a curveball. A pandemic hits. Wildfires burn. Markets crash. Things you never anticipated can disrupt your plans.
Tracy has been there. During the market crash, she shipped orders she never got paid for. In the inventory business, that’s devastating. You pay for materials 90 days in advance and wait another 90 days for payment. When payments don’t come, you’re stuck in a cycle you can’t escape.
Moments like these test you. But they also shape you. The ability to see challenges as growth opportunities is what sets resilient people apart. Growth isn’t just about learning numbers or strategies—it’s about cultivating the resilience to adapt and evolve.
So when life throws the unexpected your way, see it as part of the process. Reinventing yourself means choosing growth over stagnation, again and again. The challenges you face today are the foundation for who you’ll become tomorrow. Keep going—you’re more capable than you realize.
One Practical Tip To Implement Right Now
If time and money weren’t concerns, what would you be doing right now?
Take a moment and really think about it. That answer holds the seed for your next chapter. It’s the spark that helps you uncover the vision beyond the vision—the bigger, bolder dream that’s calling you.
This question isn’t about what’s practical or realistic. It’s about reconnecting with what excites you. What makes you feel alive? What have you always wanted but never allowed yourself to pursue?
Reinventing yourself starts here, with that simple but powerful reflection. It opens the door to clarity and possibility. Once you know what truly matters, you can begin building a path toward it.
Let your imagination run wild. This is your chance to dream big and plant the seed for your transformation. The possibilities are endless—and so is your potential.
Connect With Our Guest, Tracy Matthews
Join Tracy in The Art of Reinvention, her 12-week coaching program.
Tracy Matthews is a Creativity, Branding, and Reinvention Expert, a Best-Selling Author, and the Host of the Top-Rated Thrive By Design Podcast. As a serial entrepreneur, she’s reinvented herself several times and built several multiple 7+ figure businesses. She believes creativity is the biggest gift for navigating challenges, living a more fulfilled life, and having fun while creating wealth.
Notable media placements include The Today Show, Entrepreneur, InStyle Magazine, and Elle. Through her podcast, blog, social media platforms, coaching, and programs, she inspires over 200,000 people weekly to launch, grow, and scale successful creative brands.
I also got to chat with Tracy on her podcast, Thrive By Design, about how to write your website copy so that it supports building the brand your high-value customers can’t stop talking about!
