by lbfcoach on July 28, 2010
by Laura Berman Fortgang
One of the ironies of our experience with the Now What?® program is that when people get the answer to what is next
for them, they freak out and can’t believe they found it so easily and quickly. From the pain of ‘not knowing’ to the freedom of clarity, but people want certainty! Is there really such a thing? Ultimately, no, but there are indicators that help solidify people’s decisions about what’s next.
If you have a big decision to make, whether it be about career and life direction or another matter of great importance, there is a litmus test.
It is not 100% foolproof nor does it guarantee a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but it does break the decision down to something more significant than the common pros and cons list.
That litmus test is taking stock of your ‘needs’ and ‘values’ and seeing how they measure up to the opportunity you are weighing. Your needs are those emotional requirements that have to be present in your life to be happy. It may be hard to admit that you have a need for recognition but believe me, if you work somewhere where you will not get credit for your accomplishments, you will be unhappy and frustrated. You must have that need met. Consider those parts of your personality that you wish were less needy—those are the ones we are talking about here. Your pending decision will work out better if most of your needs can be met in the new scenario.
Your values, on the other hand, are not about those dark, needy places but they are about the ideals you hold dear. If you value adventure and variety, it will be tough for you to be in a job that could look the same for the next five years. Or if you value integrity above all else, you want to be involved with people and dealings you feel value the same.
Make a list of your needs. Make a list of your values. Put your decision to the test with these two criteria. You will easily see if you are on the right track or not. Trust your gut and get out of your head which wants to use logic to seduce you.
You can be reasonably sure that this litmus test won’t steer you wrong. And yes, it can be that easy and it can be that quick. No need for drama.
Just bend toward the light and choose what will help you grow.
Based on Chapter Seven of “Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction” (Tarcher-Penguin) Available on Amazon
by lbfcoach on July 26, 2010
“Whenever you experience stress of any kind, look into yourself and ask, “In what way am I compromising my innermost values in this situation?” Brian Tracy
by lbfcoach on July 23, 2010
by lbfcoach on July 21, 2010
by Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor
Bird in the Hand
After a 22-year career with the company, Rose became part of a downsizing. Though her severance package was fairly
generous, she was very anxious about finding a job, as she was a single mother with the pressures of a high mortgage in California. After two months, Rose was offered a position with the same company in a different department. Though she was overqualified and the salary was less than what she had been earning previously, she accepted the offer. Her family’s and friends’ nervousness about her situation reverberated through the phone lines with a loud and clear message: YOU BETTER TAKE IT. Rose took their advice but inside her spirits sunk with the unmistakable feeling of taking “multiple steps backwards”.
The day after Rose accepted the offer, she was contacted to interview for a dream job to which she had applied, also with the same company. In this role Rose would be able to make a bigger impact, there was room for advancement, and the money was better, too.
The Twist: Rose would have to decline the first offer in order to interview for her dream job.
The Dilemma: Accept the bird in the hand or take a risk and go for the dream job.
Chips on the Table
Once again Rose was under significant pressure from her family and friends to take the first job. I told her that no one would fault her for going with the bird in the hand. It was a valid choice. Only you know what is right for you. What’s important is that you understand the reasons for choosing A or B and are at peace with your decision.
Neither Rose’s family nor I as her coach knew the right answer for Rose. Only she could know that. What I did know is that it was essential for Rose to define the why behind her choices and to come to terms with her own risk tolerance. What was she willing to risk and what was she not willing to risk?“
Do whatever you have to do to hear your deep truth.” That was my coaching request of Rose. This is what she did in response: wrote down the pros and cons, limited exposure to people who were worried about her, noticed fears for what they were, gave herself some time to be quiet and pray, went for walks to move her body, and slept on it one more night.
Clarity came in the morning. Rose woke up feeling calm and ready to take the risk. She would decline the first offer and go for the second. The change in Rose’s voice was palpable. She was emboldened and enlivened to decline the offer and demonstrate confidence in herself by going for it. It was as if she were saying, “I know you can’t guarantee me the job but I’m confident in my abilities and I know what I’m worth.” This action made quite a statement that was not lost on the hiring manager. Rose’s chips were on the table. She had stated her worth. Now the real test would come.
Continue reading here.
by lbfcoach on July 19, 2010
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”Andre Gide
by lbfcoach on July 14, 2010
Here are three people who opted to buy franchises in order to do something entrepreneurial but with the support of a proven model. Also of note is that there are services that match clients with franchises. While it’s not for everyone, it could be an interesting formula to consider.
“Having your own biz, but not being on your own has appeal.”
by lbfcoach on July 12, 2010
“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” Les Brown
by lbfcoach on July 9, 2010
Come join other like-minded folks that are looking for what’s next in life and career. This is our monthly call to support your search and take questions from those working with or considering using the Now What?® Program. Please click here to register.
by lbfcoach on July 7, 2010
Jeanne Cole’s visit to a monastery was to help her rest and recover from the profound grief of losing her young son. What she found there was not only the grace to heal but also the inspiration for a new business. Here she describes her huge leap of faith out of a dream job in the entertainment industry to a simpler life and what she now calls “The Monastic Business Model”.
“From Movie Studio to Monastery.”
by lbfcoach on July 5, 2010
“No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him.” James Russell Lowell
for them, they freak out and can’t believe they found it so easily and quickly. From the pain of ‘not knowing’ to the freedom of clarity, but people want certainty! Is there really such a thing? Ultimately, no, but there are indicators that help solidify people’s decisions about what’s next.
