‘New Year’…New Career?

The first signs of autumn – cooler evenings and back-to-school flyers – trigger childhood memories of starting a ‘new year.’ Even as adults we associate fall with a fresh start after a few months of greater outdoor living and relaxation. Many of us dream at the tail end of summer about how we might change jobs – or even start a whole new career – as we imagine ways to escape 9-to-5 routines to do more of what inspires us.

Yet it’s only a short window before the ‘new year’ is in full swing with family, work and other demands taking most of our time and energy. The good news is that people don’t have to immediately quit their jobs or make other dramatic changes to move closer to their dream life. After years of helping clients to find and live their passion, I’ve determined five steps to help people make a vital shift more gently but steadily.

1. Start with your why, your purpose. It’s amazing how many people I come across who have a good idea of what they would love to do but can’t explain why. Some have never even really thought about this. Clarifying our purpose gives us keen focus.

2. Make a plan and stick to it. The best time to look for a new job is in January or February, but the ideal time to plan for one is now. Change, especially a new career direction or business start-up, takes time. Planning saves time and greatly improves the chances of success.

3. Find your community. Like-purposed individuals will inspire, motivate and support each other. I started the Awakening Village by inviting friends to gather at special events and later on line. Expanding daily, this network now has thousands of individuals dedicated to sharing their passion and expertise to better the world as the way to also earn their living.

4. Pursue self-mastery. All too often I meet knowledgeable, gifted and/or talented people who have failed to achieve their goals because their fears – especially self-doubt – have stopped them from pursuing their passion. By consciously working to strengthen their courage, confidence and compassion for themselves, they overcome their fears and rise to challenges.

5. Make inspiration a daily practice. The most successful people are those who make time every day – not just on weekends or holidays – for what inspires them. As little as 15 minutes a day can put us in the right frame of mind to take key steps towards achieving our goals.

After putting my MBA and other business education to work for the corporate sector for 25 years, I’m devoted to helping people tap into what I call our ThriveZone. This is the sweet spot where our greatest joy and gifts meet society’s greatest need.

I would love to talk with you more about how these five steps can dramatically improve people’s success in starting a new career or business, or to refocus their existing one. Let’s set up a free call/Skype so you can begin realizing them today, not some day in the distant