“Reinvention isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or having everything figured out. It’s about embracing where you are, letting go of what’s holding you back, and taking small, purposeful steps toward the life you truly desire. Change is always possible—no matter your age or circumstances.”
– Lori McDowell
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel stuck in a routine that no longer fulfills us. Many of us long for change but don’t know where to start. Enter Lori McDowell, “The Reinvention Coach,” who has made it her mission to help people break free from limiting beliefs and transform their lives. Lori’s personal journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful author and life coach is a powerful testament to the idea that change is always possible, no matter where you are in life.
In this interview, Lori shares her insights on how to reset your mindset, overcome fears, and take control of your life. Her practical advice and inspiring wisdom will leave you feeling empowered to make the changes you’ve always wanted. If you’ve ever wondered how to start reinventing yourself, this conversation is the perfect place to begin.
Thank you so much for joining us, Lori! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Absolutely, Stacey. I’m Lori McDowell, an author, speaker, and life coach, and I like to call myself “The Reinvention Coach.” I help people reset their mindsets and reinvent their lives to create joy and fulfillment. My book, The Reinvention Mindset, is all about how we can break free from limiting beliefs and embrace the lives we truly desire. I’ve spent years working in the corporate world and, like many, I realized that I wasn’t truly happy or living the life I envisioned. So, I set out on a journey of self-discovery, and now I teach others how to do the same. I’ve made it my mission to help people recognize their potential and take control of their narrative, especially when life presents unexpected challenges.
So many people struggle with wanting change but not knowing where to begin. What’s the first step in reinventing your mindset?
The first step is really about self-discovery. You need to understand your “why”—what motivates you, what brings you joy, and what would make you feel fulfilled. It’s about digging deep and asking yourself, “What do I truly want?” Once you understand that, you can begin to build a roadmap for where you want to go. This process can be uncomfortable because it involves asking tough questions and being honest with yourself about what’s missing in your life. But it’s essential to gain clarity on what drives you. From there, you can start to take intentional steps that align with your purpose and your true desires.
That’s powerful. But what do you say to people who feel stuck because of fear or limiting beliefs?
Fear and limiting beliefs are huge obstacles, but they’re also manageable. I always tell people to examine their fears closely. Write them down, rate the likelihood of them happening on a scale of 1 to 10, and ask yourself, “What would I do if this happened?” You’ll often find that the worst-case scenarios are either unlikely or not as bad as you imagined. Once you realize that, the fear loses its power, and you’re free to move forward. When you break fears down logically, they become less daunting. And more often than not, the things we fear have little basis in reality. It’s about reframing those fears and realizing that even if the worst does happen, you’re more capable of handling it than you think.
It’s interesting that fear can be such a small part of the reality we create for ourselves. How can people let go of fears that have been ingrained for years?
It’s tough, but it’s definitely possible. I work with people to help them understand that a lot of their fears stem from past experiences, maybe even from childhood or from societal expectations. The key is recognizing that you have the power to change the narrative. You don’t need external validation; you can give yourself what you need, whether that’s love, support, or recognition. It’s about learning to trust yourself. One of the most powerful things we can do is take back control of the stories we tell ourselves. For years, we might hold onto fears and limiting beliefs because they’re familiar, but they don’t have to define us. It’s about releasing what no longer serves us and stepping into our personal power.
I love that. So once someone starts to overcome their fears, what’s the next step in changing their mindset?
Once you’ve identified your fears and limiting beliefs, the next step is to start setting goals that align with your values and your “why.” It’s important to set actionable goals that move you toward the life you want. It could be as simple as starting a new hobby, learning a new skill, or even changing your career. You also need to surround yourself with positive influences—people who lift you up and support your vision. Goal-setting helps you stay grounded in your purpose, and breaking your bigger vision into smaller, manageable steps makes the journey less overwhelming. Progress might seem slow at first, but each step builds momentum. And the people you surround yourself with? They’re key. They can either be the wind in your sails or the anchor holding you back.
Speaking of positive influences, how important is the company we keep when trying to reinvent ourselves?
It’s essential! The people you surround yourself with can either uplift or drag you down. I always say that if the people around you aren’t supportive, encouraging, or helping you grow, you’re not in a support system—you’re in a cage. Positive energy is contagious, and being around people who believe in your vision helps reinforce your own belief in yourself. This is why you need to be selective about who you allow into your inner circle. It’s not about cutting people out completely but about choosing who you spend the most time with. The right people will fuel your growth and push you to aim higher, while the wrong ones can stifle your progress with their negativity or doubts.
That’s so true. What are some practical ways people can start shifting their mindset today?
One simple way is to start practicing gratitude. When you focus on what you’re thankful for, it shifts your perspective from a place of lack to a place of abundance. Another tip is to challenge your negative thoughts. Every time you catch yourself thinking something limiting, ask yourself if it’s really true, and if not, replace it with something empowering. Visualization is also powerful—see yourself living the life you want, and your brain will start believing it’s possible. Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on the positives, and once you get into the habit, you’ll find that life feels a lot lighter. Visualization, on the other hand, helps you mentally rehearse the life you want. When you see it clearly in your mind, it becomes easier to manifest in reality.
I love how mindset affects everything. You mentioned earlier that you faced challenges in your own life that led you to where you are now. Can you share more about that?
Absolutely. I spent years in the corporate world, and while I had a successful career, something always felt off. I was doing what I thought I “should” be doing, but I wasn’t truly happy. It wasn’t until I was let go from my job in a very unexpected way that I had the time and space to reflect on my life. That’s when I decided to write The Reinvention Mindset and focus on helping others create the lives they deserve. That experience of being let go felt like the end of the world at the time, but it was actually the beginning of a much more fulfilling chapter for me. Sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually a set-up for something greater. It pushed me to reevaluate my purpose and align my work with my passion.
That’s such an inspiring story. When you talk about reinvention, some people think it’s too late for them to change. What would you say to that?
It’s never too late to reinvent yourself! Whether you’re 25 or 65, change is always possible. I’ve worked with people in their 50s and 60s who have completely transformed their lives. The important thing is to start, no matter where you are. Every day is an opportunity to take a small step toward the life you want. Reinvention isn’t about age—it’s about mindset. If you’re still breathing, you have time to make changes. Don’t let societal expectations limit you. The only deadline is the one you set for yourself.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about reinventing themselves?
The biggest misconception is that change has to be dramatic or that it happens overnight. Reinvention is a process—it’s not a straight line, and it takes time. It’s about making small, consistent changes that lead to bigger shifts over time. People also think they have to do it all on their own, but that’s not true. Seeking help, whether through coaching or supportive communities, can make a huge difference. Reinvention is often seen as this huge, life-altering event, but most of the time, it’s the small daily habits and mindset shifts that add up to something much bigger. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help. We weren’t meant to go through life alone, and sometimes a fresh perspective is exactly what you need to move forward.
I think that’s something a lot of people need to hear. What are some common obstacles people face when they start this journey of reinvention?
One of the biggest obstacles is self-doubt. People question whether they’re capable of changing, or they get stuck in the mindset of “this is just who I am.” Another challenge is getting caught up in what others expect of them. It’s easy to feel like you have to live up to certain societal or familial expectations, but breaking free from those is key to personal growth. The hardest part of the reinvention process is believing that it’s possible. Many people carry self-limiting beliefs that have been with them for years, and they don’t even realize it. It’s essential to break through that inner dialogue and trust that you’re capable of becoming the person you want to be.
What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling to figure out their “why”?
Start by thinking about the things that make you happiest. What activities or experiences bring you the most joy? What makes you lose track of time because you love it so much? Your “why” is usually connected to what fulfills you the most, so pay attention to those moments in your life. And if you’re still unsure, don’t be afraid to experiment—try new things and see what resonates with you. Sometimes, your “why” isn’t something that will hit you overnight. It requires exploring your passions, values, and experiences. The more you reflect on your life, the clearer it will become. And it’s okay if your “why” evolves over time; we grow and change, and so do our reasons for doing what we do.
Let’s talk about self-love. How does that play into the process of reinventing oneself?
Self-love is critical. Without it, you’ll always be looking for validation from outside sources, and that can derail your progress. Reinventing yourself means learning to love and accept yourself, flaws and all. It’s about recognizing your worth and knowing that you deserve happiness and fulfillment. When you operate from a place of self-love, everything else falls into place more easily. Self-love is the foundation of personal growth. If you don’t believe you’re worthy of success, happiness, or change, you’ll sabotage your own progress. But when you love yourself, you’ll be willing to make the necessary changes and take the risks because you believe you’re worth it.
You’ve touched on visualization as a tool. How can people use visualization to support their mindset shift?
Visualization is powerful because your brain doesn’t know the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined. If you visualize yourself achieving your goals and living the life you want, your brain starts to believe it’s possible, and you’ll naturally start to take actions that move you in that direction. I encourage people to spend a few minutes each day visualizing their future selves and really feel the emotions that come with it. Visualization helps you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. The more you can imagine it, the more confident you’ll feel taking steps toward it. It’s a way of training your mind to expect success instead of fear or doubt.
That’s such an actionable tip. You’ve talked about the importance of letting go—how can people identify what’s holding them back?
It starts with reflection. Ask yourself, “What’s preventing me from living the life I want?” It could be fear, past trauma, limiting beliefs, or even the expectations of others. Once you’ve identified what’s holding you back, you can work on releasing it. Sometimes, this process requires help from a coach or therapist, especially if it’s something deeply ingrained, but recognizing it is the first step. Often, we hold onto things because they’re familiar, not because they serve us. It’s about identifying those comfort zones and realizing that true growth happens outside of them. Once you do that, you can start to let go of what no longer aligns with your future self.
For those who want to make a career change, what mindset shifts should they focus on?
First, they need to believe that change is possible. Many people feel stuck because they’ve been in the same job or field for so long, but that doesn’t mean they can’t switch paths. It’s important to let go of the fear of starting over and to focus on the possibilities that lie ahead. Also, taking small steps toward a new career can build confidence—whether that’s networking, taking a class, or gaining new skills. Career shifts often feel intimidating, but it’s crucial to remember that every skill you’ve gained is transferable. And starting fresh doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Approach the change with curiosity and excitement rather than fear.
You’ve mentioned the importance of overcoming self-doubt. How can someone start building self-confidence, especially if they’ve been feeling stuck for a long time?
Building self-confidence is a gradual process, and it starts with small wins. Set achievable goals for yourself and celebrate when you accomplish them. Every small success reinforces your belief in your own capabilities. Another key is self-compassion—treat yourself kindly, as you would a friend. Even when things don’t go perfectly, remind yourself that growth is a journey, not a destination. Confidence comes from action. The more you step out of your comfort zone and succeed, the more you’ll trust in your abilities. And even when things don’t go as planned, remind yourself that every experience is an opportunity to learn.
You work with many clients to reinvent their lives. What are some of the most common fears they face, and how do you help them overcome those fears?
A lot of my clients fear failure, rejection, or feeling like they’re not good enough. Some struggle with imposter syndrome, especially if they’re trying something new. I help them by breaking down those fears and challenging their validity. We work on reframing failure as learning and seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth. It’s about shifting the narrative from “I can’t” to “I can, and I will.” I also encourage clients to confront their fears head-on rather than avoid them. When you face your fears, they lose their hold over you, and you begin to see them as stepping stones rather than barriers.
Lori, this has been such an insightful conversation! How can our readers further follow your work online?
Thank you, Stacey! I’ve really enjoyed our chat. Readers can find me on my website at reimagineu.net, and I’m also on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If anyone wants to schedule a consultation or just learn more, they can visit booklori.com to get started.
Thank you so much, Lori. It’s been a pleasure!
Thank you, Stacey! It’s been wonderful being here.
