Let’s be honest: the idea of a fresh start sounds romantic. A blank slate, a new beginning, a chance to finally get things right. But what happens when you find yourself starting over… yet again? And again. And, oh wait—again.
At some point, we’ve all had that moment where we sigh dramatically and think, Didn’t I already go through this? Why am I back at square one? Whether it’s a fitness goal, a creative project, a career pivot, or just a promise to drink more water and stop treating coffee as a food group, life has a funny way of making us hit reset.
And here’s the thing—starting over isn’t failure. It’s a skill.
And if that’s true, then I must be a master at it.
The Not-So-Glamorous Reality of Reinvention
For some reason, I seem to be attached to starting over. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to get a solid foothold on my change. Just when I think I’ve found my groove—something shifts. I’m back at the drawing board.
It’s not about age. It never has been. Reinvention isn’t reserved for the young, the ambitious, or those at the “right stage of life.” It’s about how many times you’re willing to keep going.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to pick myself up. I’ve had jobs fall apart. Friendships fade. I’ve invested time, energy, and money into things that didn’t work out. And each time, I tell myself, This will be the time it sticks. But sometimes, deep down, I wonder: what if it never does?
The Moment I Had to Start Over (Again)
There was a time in my life when I came home to my mum completely broken—like a snapped shoe heel after a long, disastrous night out. I was staring at my life, wondering where it had all gone so wrong.
I had lost everything I held dear to my identity. My career, my savings, my confidence, my heart. I’d been ridiculed, shamed, bullied. And as I sat in my childhood home, back in my childhood bedroom—the same room where I once dreamed big, invincible dreams—I felt completely lost.
Where had it all gone? How had I been so reckless? Why had everything crumbled around me?
My mother sat across from me, a warm cup of tea in her hands. She didn’t flood me with solutions or clichés. Instead, in that quiet, knowing way only mothers have, she simply said:
“You know, Aneet… it’s never too late to start.”
That was it. No long speeches, no big pep talk. And at the time, I just stared at her, too lost in my own hurt to understand. But eventually, I learned to love that simple, wise statement offered in love.
And she was right.
So… Is It Still Worth It?
The question that haunts me now isn’t Can I start over?—because I know I can. I’ve done it more times than I can count. The real question is: Do I still want to?
Because reinvention isn’t about proving anything to the world. It’s about deciding whether we have the energy and desire to keep building something new. And some days, I don’t know the answer to that.
But here’s what I do know:
Why We Keep Starting Over
- Because Life Demands It – Whether we like it or not, things change. We can resist or we can adapt.
- Because We’re Not Done Yet – If we were, we wouldn’t feel the pull to try again.
- Because The Alternative Is Staying Stuck – And that’s never been an option.
- Because Even Small Steps Count – Maybe reinvention doesn’t have to be massive. Maybe it can be about adjusting, refining, and making peace with where we are.
How to Start Over (When You’re Too Tired to Start Over Again)
1. Redefine Success
Success at 25 looked different than success at 40. And success today? That’s a whole new definition. Maybe it’s not about hustle anymore. Maybe it’s about ease. Maybe it’s not about grand achievements—it’s about small joys.
2. Give Yourself Permission to Go Slower
Who says reinvention has to be fast? Who says you have to bounce back overnight? Take your time. Let it unfold.
3. Find What Still Feels Exciting
Not everything is worth starting over for. Some things are worth letting go. But if something still sparks even a little excitement—it’s probably worth another try.
4. Let Go of the Need for Certainty
One of the hardest things about starting over is wanting guarantees. Will this work? Will it be worth it? Will I regret it? But reinvention has never come with guarantees. And yet, here we are.
Final Thoughts: Keep Restarting, Keep Going (Or Don’t—It’s Your Call)
There’s no shame in starting over. There’s no shame in questioning if you want to. And there’s definitely no shame in deciding that reinvention, this time, looks more like accepting where you are rather than constantly chasing the next thing.
So if you find yourself back at the beginning—again—know that you’re not alone. Know that you’re not failing. And know that whether you go all in, take baby steps, or decide you’re done with the whole damn thing, it’s never too late.
(And if you do start over again… maybe stay upright. Your nose, ankle and foot will thank you.)
