11 Essential Tips for Redefining Yourself ...

1. List New Qualities

One of the best tips for redefining yourself that I've found is to start by listing the new qualities you want to have. At one point, I wanted to be more open-minded, more upfront when I had a problem and more active. If you don't know what you're working towards, it's hard to change. Think of this list as your starting point. Feel free to add to it as you start redefining yourself.

2. Break One Bad Habit

Bad habits are usually one of the reasons we want to change. Start by conquering one of your worst bad habits. It won't be incredibly easy, but if you focus on one at a time, it won't be as difficult. Plus, once you tackle one, you'll have the motivation you need to keep ridding yourself of other bad habits.

3. Make New Friends

If you don't like where you are in life or who you are, part of the problem might be your current friends. Take the time to go out and meet new people. You can even join social networks. The idea is to find people who will help you become who you want to be. Try to avoid the nay-sayers and any friends who tend to bring you down.

4. Decide What Defines You

Everyone has their own version of what defines them. Some would say their family, others might say their career. Take a moment to determine what factors you consider to be defining. If you want to redefine yourself, these are the areas you need to focus on most. If you don't like being defined by those standards, set new standards.

5. Follow an Old Passion

We've all had dreams we let go along the way. No matter why you let them go, now is the time to go after one of them. Honestly, it doesn't matter if you succeed or not. The trying helps you step out of your comfort zone. It will change you and help you redefine your life. If you have fulfilled your dreams, take up a new hobby.

6. List What You Love Most

We make compromises in life and our priorities often get skewed as we get older. Take a break from your hectic life and think about what makes you truly happy. Maybe you want to spend more time with your family or join a community sports team. You'll be amazed at what you're missing out on. Once you have your list, start changing to do what you love.

7. Be Realistic

Some people go overboard when they try to redefine themselves. They uproot themselves, cut all ties with family and friends and expect a complete 180 in just a few weeks. Redefining yourself takes time. Plus, you don't have to change everything. The idea is to be true to yourself. For instance, if redefining yourself means losing weight, keep your goals realistic and only aim to lose several pounds a week instead of killing yourself to lose10 or 15 weekly.

8. Learn to Be Positive

Try redefining yourself with a negative attitude. It won't happen. One of the best ways to redefine yourself is to start by learning to be more positive. I know it sounds cliché, but trust me, it works. The more positive you are, the easier it is to make all those little changes necessary to become a new you.

9. Find a Career Instead of a Job

Many of us drift from one job to the next or stay in a job we hate. It's not often you hear someone talk about having a career. Usually a career is something you enjoy and are proud of. For most, our jobs tend to be a defining factor. If you hate your job, redefine yourself by finding a career. It may mean going back to school or working a few extra hours, but it is well worth it.

10. Ignore What Others Think

People will judge you whether they know you or not. Stop listening to their criticisms. Unless they have something useful to say, let it flow in one ear and out the other. Once you start ignoring everyone else's perception of you, you can focus on how you see yourself. Odds are, you'll find a much better you when you strip away all the things you do to please others.

11. Create a Visual Plan

It's hard to just haphazardly redefine yourself. Make a solid plan on what you want to change about yourself and how to achieve each change. Create a vision board with inspirational quotes and images related to your desired changes. Look at it every day. This visual plan will motivate you and start to help you see yourself as a new you.

Whether you want to make small changes or completely redefine yourself, remember to be patient. Change takes time and may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. The key is to keep pushing yourself to become who you've always wanted to be. What methods have you used to redefine yourself?