Reinvention Achieved Through Intentional Action And Mindset Shift

Key Quotes

"And I'm here to tell you like I feel like I'm living breathing proof that you can change it at any time things you thought were impossible are not impossible they are actually probable you can do these things but you have to know that the possibility is out there."

Hoda Kotb argues that personal transformation is achievable at any stage of life, emphasizing that perceived impossibilities are often probable with the right mindset. She highlights the importance of recognizing that potential for change exists, even when faced with daunting circumstances.

"And I think there does come a point where you say to yourself there's nothing innately wrong here sometimes it's the quiet parts that aren't there and not in a you know everything was fine you know well I love that we're starting here and I'll tell you why because the act of reinvention is either something that will be forced on you because somebody does something terrible and the relationship's over or somebody that you love is no longer here or something like it's either forced on you yes it's forced on you when your kids grow up and move out it's forced on you when industries change it's forced on you when a recession hits it's forced on you when somebody dies or it's something that you give yourself."

Hoda Kotb explains that reinvention can be either a proactive choice or a reaction to external forces. She suggests that sometimes relationships or situations are not inherently bad, but rather lack essential elements, prompting a need for change.

"And that man stopped the tape and he looked at me and he goes Hoda listen to this he goes I like what I see I exploded in tears so what it taught me if you're a kid getting through college and trying to figure out is not everybody needs to like you you just need your one if you have one and just to show you Stan loved me I they told us to bring someone to studio 1A who changed our life and I brought Stan Sandroni who was like I knew it from the beginning I'm like well you were the only one because nobody else thought I was worth anything but I think that's the thing if you're graduating college or in your 20s or whatever it is and somebody tells you you're not good you're not good enough because that's what they all told me to my face you're not good enough and that will that will bust your confidence in half but when you find one person one who says I'll take a chance then you're like like he changed the whole course of my life."

Hoda Kotb recounts her early career struggles, emphasizing that finding one person who believes in you can be transformative. She illustrates that despite numerous rejections, a single endorsement from Stan Sandroni changed the trajectory of her life, highlighting the power of finding that one advocate.

"And I was like, oh my god, you can't scare me. It's like, wait a minute. The scariest thing just happened. Maybe I wasn't going to make it. I made it. Here I am. So now what? Now what? So with this kind of courage and like, you know, propelling me, they were starting a new hour of the Today Show, a brand new fourth hour. Never been, you know, ever happened before. And no one saw me in that job because I wasn't that girl. And with that epiphany of you can't scare me, you should have seen me, man. I ran up to the 52nd floor where all the big wigs were."

Hoda Kotb describes how a breast cancer diagnosis, despite its terror, paradoxically instilled in her a profound sense of courage. This realization, encapsulated by the phrase "you can't scare me," empowered her to boldly pursue and secure a new opportunity on the Today Show, demonstrating how overcoming fear can lead to unexpected advancements.

"Here's the deal: I'm going to tell you what to do. Be a beginner again. Be a beginner again. I'm 61 years old and I'm a beginner again. It's like I'm on the JV basketball team and I'm learning how to do it all over again."

Hoda Kotb advocates for embracing the role of a beginner, regardless of age or experience. She uses the analogy of joining a JV basketball team at 61 to illustrate that continuous learning and starting anew can be a fulfilling experience, opening doors to new possibilities and personal growth.