TA3021

How do you start over? Get as close to square one as possible and change for the better?

Richard Rivera

Relocating...surround yourself with new people in a new environment.

baller4lyfe

act differently with yourself. make a conscience effort to NOT repeat what you don't like. its hard. but start with short term goals because immediate long term ones fail quick.

fizix2

first of all, decide exactly what you want to change

GiggitusMaximus

I'm thinking about changing my last name.

mcb52

you murder someone and steal their identity. or you go into the witness protection program

xSteven

Be yourself. That's it. If you've been around people your whole life and tried fitting in, you won't be able to relax around them. So, like everyone said, surround yourself with new people while being true to yourself.

TA3021

I want to be less bland and have a more exciting life with deep and enduring friendships. I feel like I live the life of an overprotected 12-year-old. It's partly my fault for being so reclusive and giving into social failures in the past, but I want to reverse that now.

I want to be more charismatic, know all the right moves socially. I'm horrible at nonverbal cues, so I'm pretty awkward. I wish I could get rid of my anxiety. I want to be fashionable and appealing without looking like an airhead and above all be fun.

I want to learn how to drive. Get a job. Party on weekends. Live life and get out of this limited bubble. I have a feeling that 2009 is going to be an life altering year, something amazing will happen, I can feel it.

I never expected to have a featured thread. Thank you!

katytibbs

Change on the inside is reflected outward.

Counseling or other introspective kind of interior work will help you identify barriers to becoming the full person you want to be. If you have been affected by alcoholism or drug addiction, then Al-anon or Al-ateen can provide a supportive atmosphere to try out new behaviors.

Bibliotherapy (reading books on change and doing the exercises) can also help.

TA3021

^ I was always thinking of doing bibliotherapy, but I was never quite motivated until now. Someone recommended "The Portable Therapist" to me and I'm thinking of using the book's advice.

kansasdemocrat

Ever watch "The Talented Mr. Ripley"?

Try that approach.

screwitlah

One book: Rules of the Game by Neil Strauss. It will change your life exactly the way you want to.

Hanita

I believe that significant life experiences can help you change who you are.
Is there some place you've always wanted to go? Something crazy you've never had the guts to do? Do sky diving, travel to a different continent, swim with dolphins, that's what I'm talking about Just something that will help you find some confidence in yourself.

Maxwell1864

Sometimes, reinventing yourself is blocked by fears. Three steps for handling fear that I read somewhere and seem to work wonders:

1. Admit you are afraid
2. Let the fear really sink in so your whole body feels it
3. Act as if you were unafraid

TA3021

^ Nice, simple advice. I hope I can remember this whenever I face an issue.

The problem is that I'm shackled by my environment. I don't come from a poor neighborhood, but it's not exactly a stimulating one to be proud of either. I think in order to truly reinvent oneself, one needs money to do so. I am trying to find a job and if I don't get the census bureau job, I'll be so sad that I'll have to look for something less suitable for me. I need to overcome my anxiety about driving or I'll feel trapped.
In the meantime, I'm taking advantage of my school resources to the fullest extent possible. It gives me hope and as I'm saying before, I hope this sudden burst of motivation doesn't fade away.