Feeling the need for a big change, but unsureor fearfulof how to start? Heres three simple ways ... [+] to start the journey of reinvention, according to experts.gettyReinvention can be a daunting concept. Considering it requires an already existing level of fear and uncertainty; pursuing it entails more. But according to Jason Tarticka former corporate banker turned entrepreneur and financial educatorthe process is only daunting if you allow it to be.In a recent interview, Tartick shared valuable insights on what it takes to make career leaps, to overcome psychological roadblocks and to make more bold yet calculated decisionsall in the name of living a more fulfilling, authentic life.If youre feeling stuck in your career, finances or even just within your current lifestyle, here are the three most important steps to take if you want to reinvent yourself.1. Redefine Your Relationship With FearFear is one of the greatest psychological barriers that prevents us from taking the next step in our personal growthbe it our careers, finances, relationships or health. However, as Tartick eloquently explains, fear itself doesnt really have any substance in reality. Its more an illusion than anything else, one that distorts your perception of risk and reward.The coffee in my hand has more reality and substance than fear, he says. Fear is a construct that influences our behavior, rewires our brain and limits our decisions. But at its core, its nothing more than an idea. To let a fleeting thoughtone that is made updrive and dictate our potential lifes work? Thats whats truly terrifying.For many, the fear of instability or the unknown is what keeps them trapped; we resist needed change in favor of the comfortable and familiar. In this way, fear tricks us into maintaining unfulfilling jobs, stagnant routines or dissatisfying relationshipsreluctant to leave them behind out of fear of what we might lose, or that we might fail.These fears may feel all-consuming, but they can be overcome with just a simple shift in perspective: from seeing them as an obstacle, to viewing them as an invitation for growth.Moreover, 2021 research from Frontiers in Psychology backs this up. Researchers found that embracing a growth mindsetthat is, believing your skills and abilities can be developed, as opposed to seeing them as staticleads to greater resilience, success and a lower fear of failure.Put simply, our fears are a product of our mindsetthings which can be changed. So, instead of asking yourself, What if I fail?, the key is to start asking, What if this change leads me to something greater?2. Build A Personal Brand That Reflects YouThe combination of time and repetition, under any circumstances, can leave you feeling listless. Spend enough time in the same workplace, the same field, the same relationship or even the same friend groupwithout feeling any kind of growth or improvementand youre bound to lose your spirit.Professionals, in particular, are at great risk of losing their sense of identity. By consistently conforming to workplace expectations, rather than focusing on their personal brand or their individuality, it can be hard to acknowledgeor even recognizetheir own growth or their strengths.Tartick highlights the importance of owning and shaping your identity, whether youre an entrepreneur, corporate professional or creative. I always encourage people to identify an individual or public figure they admire and select three words that define their brand. I then ask them to do the same exercise with their own brand, he says.Interestingly, most people dont struggle with identifying the three words for someone they look up to, but they struggle to find the three words that represent their own brand, he adds.As renowned research on self-perception theory suggests, the way we observe and define ourselves can profoundly shape our actions, goals and confidence. Consequently, practicing self-perceptionand, in turn, self-definitionis invaluable; the more clearly you can articulate your personal brand, the more intentional you can be in aligning your career and life choices with your core values.Launching a business, negotiating a raise or pivoting industriesthe end-goal could be anything. All that matters is having a strong personal brand that provides you with clarity and direction. Heres how to start building one:Define your three words. Your personal brand is the story you tell the world about who you are and what you stand for. Start by choosing three words that encapsulate how you want to be perceivedboth professionally and personally. These words should reflect your values, strengths and aspirations. For example, you might choose confident, innovative, reliable if you want to establish yourself as a leader in your field, or creative, kind, trustworthy if you prioritize authenticity and connection in your work and relationships. Dont feel pressured to pick words that sound impressive or align with what others expect. Your personal brand is exactly thatpersonal. The most important thing is that these words resonate with you and the future you want to build.Consider the implications of your words. Once youve defined your three words, take an honest look at how well your current habits, work and interactions reflect them. This step is about bridging the gap between how youre perceived now and how you want to be perceived. Ask yourself, If I want to be known as creative, how can I make creativity a bigger part of my daily work or business? If I value kindness, do my interactionsboth online and offlinereflect empathy and generosity? If trustworthiness is key to my brand, do I follow through on commitments and communicate transparently? Taking small, intentional steps to embody these qualities will solidify your brand.3. Raise Your Expectations And Take Calculated RisksOne of the most striking lessons from Tarticks journey is the power of expectation. As he explains, when we set higher standards for ourselves, we naturally rise to meet them.I once spoke to 30 NFL players and asked them what the difference was between college football and the NFL, Tartick says. Their answers were surprisingly similar: The game is just a little faster, and the players are a little stronger. Concluding, he explains, Every year, we see new records being set, some of this is due to technology, but much of it is because expectations are continually raised.Research from Social and Personality Psychology Compass supports this ideaspecifically in terms of self-fulfilling prophecies. Our beliefs about our abilities directly impact our performance. When we expect to achieve more, we subconsciously make choices that align with that belief; when we expect to fail, we subconsciously make fearful and uncoordinated choices that align with that belief.That said, expectation-setting should never be a blind risk; you cant consider big changes without at least acknowledging whats at stake. Tartick approaches decision-making through the lens of game theory, a strategic method that evaluates potential outcomes and the impact of different choices.Applying game theory is about balancing inherent risk with calculated analytics, he says. Every decision carries risk, but the key is evaluating the potential return on that risk. Heres how to practice it in your own reinvention journey:Set higher standards for yourself. We often settlenot because we arent capable of more, but because weve grown comfortable where we are. However, comfort can quietly become complacency if were not careful. That said, raising your standards isnt an act of being hard on yourselfyou have to believe youre worthy of better. Start by identifying one area in your life where you know youve been playing it safe. Maybe youve been staying in a job that doesnt challenge you, coasting through workouts without pushing your limits or avoiding new opportunities because they feel intimidating. Once you pinpoint an area, ask yourself, If I were to aim higher in this area, what would that look like? Whats one change I can make today that reflects a higher standard?Assess risk strategically, not fearfully. Taking risks is essential to reinvention, but not all risks are created equal. The key is to be bold but strategic, not reckless. Start by writing down the potential rewards. Whats the best-case scenario if this works out? Could it lead to financial growth, personal fulfillment or new opportunities? Then write down the potential risks. Whats the worst-case scenario? Would failure be temporary or long-term? Finally, evaluate whether the potential rewards outweigh the risks. If so, what steps can you take to minimize the downside? For example, say youre considering starting a side business. The potential rewards could include financial freedom and personal fulfillment, while the risks might involve financial investment or time commitment. If the downside is manageable, its a risk worth taking.Do you have a growth mindset around your abilities and potential, or do you struggle to embrace change? Take this science-backed test to find out: Growth Mindset Scale