Sometimes we dream of a new life - and sometimes we're ready to do more than dream. When what you're looking for requires no less than reinvention of yourself, you must find the courage to start anew. Reinvention requires new questions and new sets of answers, as well as a new plan for creating the life you seek. An improved life, with a truer path is not impossible. It may be difficult, it may hold setbacks, but ultimately it is more satisfying and honest than continuing on a path you've long outgrown or that was never truly yours to begin with. So if reinvention is what you're looking for and what you need, here are a few things to help you on your way.

Create a vision.
True change doesn't occur without vision - a vision of what would make you happy, a vision of exactly who you want to be. Most of us are all too aware of what makes us unhappy, but are unable to determine where our true happiness lies. Envision a bigger picture for yourself or identify the inner state of being that would bring you the most fulfillment. Ask yourself the hard questions and see what comes up. Getting specific about what you want gives you an opportunity to set concrete goals to help you attain your vision.

Take stock of your life.
Inventory what is and isn't working in your life, what is and isn't serving your vision. Reinvention doesn't mean throwing everything away, but stripping your life of what is no longer necessary. Defining exactly what is working in your life gives it that much more importance and serves as a clue to your true self. Identifying what isn't working in your life can give you the impetus to make necessary changes.

Set up an action plan.
There's a lot of talk about goal setting tossed about, but it is one of the proven ways to effect change. Establishing goals gives you a roadmap and a practical plan when your resolve begins to fail you. It answers the question of what you must do to have what would make you happy - going back to school, learning something new, phasing something out of your life, getting control of a negative habit, etc. However, your goals shouldn't be fixed and rigid. Set up specific goals at the beginning of your journey and revise them as needed. Since you'll be taking a new path, you can't possibly foresee each and every action that's appropriate. Be open and flexible.

Invest energy.
Focus on what you want - give it time and attention. Time and attention brings new energy and greater focus. A dream or plan left neglected will only grow more lethargic.

Get support.
When focusing on change, it's important to keep your frame of mind in alignment with your goals. Effecting change means adopting a higher level of consciousness and seeing the possibilities and believing they can be manifested is the first aspect of change. Think positively or fake it until it comes naturally. It's also good to be inspired by others. Read about people who've already accomplished what you're aspiring to, find a mentor, join a support group, etc.

Face your fears.
It's natural for fear to accompany change. However, it doesn't have to get the best of you. Ask yourself what's the worst thing that could happen if you change your life in some specific way. What would your options be if the worst happened? Would you be able to live with that? It's also important to let go a little - there is no perfect decision, no perfect answer - for anyone.

Self-reinvention is a process, not an overnight plan. Focus on becoming the person you want to be - even if it's unconventional! If you're lucky, you'll change and reinvent yourself all the days of your life, uncovering your own infinite possibilities throughout your journey.