8 Lessons I Learned From My Reinvention Journey

I had planned to transit out of corporate 10 years ago. But I never wanted to retire. It is just applying my skills or new skills in different context.

I thought I had built a parachute for a soft landing. I left corporate with a university offer to teach at the school of Business, a Board position in a non-profit organisation and a book deal.

Despite the careful planning, there are still ups and downs.

And that's the beauty of transitions. Focus on the journey.

And these are the 8 lessons I learned.

(1) Power of Letting Go

Letting go isn't about losing, it's about creating space for new possibilities. I learned that holding onto old identities, expectations, and rigid definitions of success only prevents growth. By releasing my grip on who I thought I should be, I discovered who I could become. Letting go meant embracing uncertainty, trusting the journey, and understanding that my worth isn't defined by titles or corporate achievements.

(2) Make Failure as Cheap as Possible

Giving ourselves permission to fail takes courage. It feels scary. It makes us vulnerable. The higher the stakes, the more courage is required. So we want to find ways to experience - and learn from - failures as cheaply as possible. I take the approach of “low cost probe”. Taking a career break 7 years ago, (leaving a job without a job was scary) allows me to try a new vocation (in coaching). That set the pathway for me for my transition eventually.

(3) Just Start, But Pace Yourself

The magic is in beginning, but sustainability is in measured progress. I learned not to wait for perfect conditions but to take imperfect action while respecting my own limits. This meant setting realistic goals, creating sustainable rhythms, and understanding that consistent, moderate effort beats sporadic bursts of intense work. Progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

(4) Be Laser-Focused

Over the years, I have built many skill sets. These skills allow me to solve many problems. It is easy to jump on it and mistook busyness as achievements.

Focus on my calling and be really good at it, was important to manage my energy. And I look for collaborators who are at the same pace and share the same values. It makes the journey more fun and less lonely.

(5) Never Stop Learning

Curiosity became my most valuable skill. I am committed to being a perpetual student, whether through online courses, reading, conversations, or hands-on experiences. Each new skill, became a tool in my professional toolkit.

Reading is among the most high-leverage activities on earth. I love to read and I have learned to synthesize information to create new knowledge. I believe that knowledge may open the door to an opportunity, but unique knowledge produces perpetual opportunities.

Keep learning and be good at what you do. Once you gain credibility, people and opportunities come to you. You gain incredible leverage when you have unique knowledge. But stay humble;. because people want to work with people they trust.

(6) Manage Your Energy

Productivity isn't about working harder, but about working smarter and protecting my energy. This meant setting boundaries, practicing self-care, understanding my peak performance times, and being intentional about rest. Energy management became more important than time management. By honoring my physical and mental well-being, I became more effective, creative, and resilient. I now prioritise my non-negotiables - exercises and self care.

(7) Build and Nurture Your Network

My network is my greatest asset, next to my personal brand. I made an effort to reach out to different communities. I get my first few breaks from people I know. Likewise I have also contributed to others’ big breaks. Network needs to be nurtured and it is two way. I am an introvert, so networking is very intentional for me so that it doesn’t deplete my energy.

(8) Don’t Ditch Everything

The skills I have built up in the last two decades has served me well in this transition. I just applied it in different context eg. as a startup advisor and teaching in University. But most of all, building my personal brand and establishing myself as a thought leader.

Every reinvention story has moments of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. But beyond those shadows lies the person you're meant to become.

Your reinvention journey isn't just about changing who you are – it's about uncovering who you've always been capable of being. Take that first step today, even if it feels small. After all, every great transformation begins with a single moment of courage.

If you are looking to uncover your why and be empowered with clarity and confidence for your next chapter, join my cohort of Life 2.0 Accelerator - a 10 week program created to help you discover who you are truly meant to be, your why, what and how. Let us unlock the next chapter together. Sign up here: www.life2accelerator.com

About Adeline Tiah

I am an author (REINVENT 4.0), coach and a leading voice on the future of work. A big advocate of reinvention and founder of Soar Collective Asia (Soarcollective.asia). I am a leadership and team coach, I partner with organisations to help leaders build better team engagement, high performing teams and lead in the future of work.

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