I read Reinventing Greatness by Shari Goodwin – before I realized that the book was part of the Leadership Fauquier curriculum. I’ve never been so glad to read a book!

I’ve known Shari from the sidelines for many years, but when I came to Meridian, I was lucky enough to get to work with her directly as we planned a leadership retreat for our team. This, and my own journey through change, led me to pick up a copy of her book.

There are very few pages in this book that didn’t get a highlight or asterisk or underline – too many to name here. To say that this book impacted me is a complete understatement. I read this book at a time when change was happening in my life, whether I wanted to or not. For me, it serves as a “how-to” guide of sorts, resetting my intentions, energy and focus. When I read it, I felt like Shari and I were long-lost friends and she was giving me the advice I need to move forward with grace and hope for the future.

These five concepts were the most profound for me:

1. “To reinvent, you must say yes to yourself and pursue what you want.”

This is on the first page – playing it safe is cool. If you want to stay in the same place. It seems simple enough, but in order to truly pursue your goals, you must push aside your fear and embrace your courage.

2. Change is a process.

Shari explains that the there are various States of Transformation – outlined in detail in her book – but the jist is that as you
embark on your journey, understand that your energy and confidence will shift between trust and fear, often in the same day. It’s absolutely OK to not feel confident all the time.

3. Your self-identity is evolving.

Who we are, or have always known ourselves to be, and who we are becoming, may not always line up in the moment. This is a
fun twist on the term “identity crisis” – and it’s a normal part of the transformation process. Tricks she shares in getting through including remembering what your strengths are, the things you have already accomplished, and connecting with your why.

4. Breakdown to Break through.

At some point in your reinvention, you will feel like quitting, maybe (if you’re like me, even crying). When doubt consumes you,
consider Shari’s advice to shift your perspective to see what you may not have seen before; reevaluate what’s important to you, including your values and where you want to go in order to create your new vision of yourself.

5. Rest and re-charge.

High achievers often drive hard toward their goals, often pushing themselves toward burnout. Shari closes out her book with the
opportunity to plan what she calls “resilience activities” – and introduces the concept of MEPS – mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual – areas in our lives required for well-being. In a shift from the traditional way of thinking, which is to put these things last on our list after being productive, this well-being focused approach allows for putting ourselves first in order to be more productive!