Now What?® Coaching

from Laura Berman Fortgang

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Unlikely Business Owner Creates Success by Following His Passion

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Not everyone who starts a business fits the classic mold of entrepreneur.  In this story about Jim Carpenter, founder of the Wild Birds Unlimited stores, we observe how revelations gradually emerge in one’s career and life and how acting on those revelations by taking that one next step leads you to the next.

“SUCCESS Stories: Jim Carpenter-His wildly successful Wild Birds Unlimited stores prove it’s all about passion.”

A LITMUS TEST FOR DECISIONS (HOW DO I KNOW THIS IS IT?!)

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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