Reinventing Yourself

How Chaos Leads to Opportunity

By Laura Berman Fortgang on June 2, 2024

I was reflecting on conversations I had with a couple of my executive coaching clients last week, and I was reminded of something you may find surprising.

Chaos gets a bad rap.

Quieting, containing, and calming chaos is important, but you can’t avoid it altogether and expect growth.

Both of these clients are dealing with a major shakeup in their respective organizations. Navigating change has their teams in a tizzy.

People are questioning what’s going on, wondering about the safety of their jobs, and worried about what’s to come. Understandably so.

Some leaders make the mistake of getting caught up in the drama. When the people looking to you for answers are concerned about their lives and livelihood, emotions run high.

But skilled leaders rise to the occasion.

Whether leading an organization or leading your own life, good leadership means looking beyond the present to see brighter possibilities for the future.

When you view chaos as a temporary, but necessary, measure for sorting things out into something better, it will give you an edge under any circumstances.

A leader’s job is to focus on the vision for where you’re headed and guide the way. Both of my clients know that their jobs are secure for now, so granted, it does make it easier for them to see the opportunity in the disorder to step up their leadership ability.

All things considered, a preoccupation with avoiding chaos is short-sighted. It keeps you stuck in one spot. Progress requires change, which comes with varying degrees of disorder.

The past few years have brought a lot of disruption to business and to the workplace, and we’re all dealing with more and more unknowns. Recognizing and seizing the opportunity to step up in the face of chaos has become essential for success.

Great things can happen, as long as you keep your cool, and don’t buy into the panic!

Try This Spring Cleaning Mind Trick

By Laura Berman Fortgang on May 26, 2024

Spring has sprung in my part of the world, and new beauty is blooming all around us.

The weather is not exactly cooperating with my sunny disposition this week, but, I’m ushering in new beginnings nonetheless.

It’s that time of year again to clear the clutter!

You might’ve guessed it, but I’m not just referring to spring cleaning your closets. Instead, it’s time to spring clean your mind – get rid of all the junk that’s no longer serving you.

When things aren’t going the way we want them to go — like the on-again-off-again dreary weather in the Northeast or the new business you can’t get off the ground — we tend to spend a lot of time thinking about what we don’t want.

Whatever is causing you stress or anxiety stays top of mind. It’s all about the problems. But here’s the thing —

These problems aren’t going anywhere unless you pull them out, take a good look, and get them sorted, step by step.

Take out a sheet of paper or pull up a spreadsheet on your computer.
First, make two columns: A) “What I Don’t Want” and B) “What I Want”
Then start with what you don’t want. Dump it all out in the first column.
Subsequently, in the second column, rewrite the dumped item into something you DO want.

Let’s take a look at an example:

Column A: I can’t stand my long commute.
Column B: I want no more than a 5-minute commute from my house.

Column A: I can’t stand my boss.
Column B: I want to work for someone who respects my ideas.

Everything you can’t stand points to what you really want.

Thinking about it this way changes the energy in your body. Instead of focusing on “NO, NO, NO, I don’t want this!” you’re picturing “Ah, yes, let me make room for that thing over there.”

Sweep out the old, dusty, no-good yuck, and prepare to replace it with renewed motivation to go out and get something better.

Sweep and shift, and you’ll start moving forward, with less burden, toward the life and career or business you want.

Career Satisfaction: 6 Strategies to Achieve Your Success

By Laura Berman Fortgang on May 19, 2024

Firstly, let’s consider the notion that career satisfaction isn’t solely about the job itself but rather about who you become through your work. It’s about whether your job allows you to express your true self, contribute meaningfully, and feel proud of the impact you’re making. Career satisfaction comes from who your job allows you to be. Reflecting on questions like, “Do I like who I am at work?” and “Do I feel my contributions matter?” can provide insights into your level of satisfaction.

According to a survey conducted in 2023, 62.6% of workers expressed satisfaction with their jobs, which is an increase from 56.8% in 2020 and a significant improvement from the low of 42.6% in 2010.

Emotional Needs and Workplace Satisfaction

Understanding and meeting your emotional needs is paramount. Feeling heard, valued, respected, and operating in an environment of honesty and transparency can significantly enhance satisfaction levels. While financial needs are essential, emotional fulfillment is equally vital for overall well-being. Research indicates that workplaces that prioritize employee well-being and provide avenues for emotional support tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity.

Alignment with Personal Values

Secondly, assessing whether your job aligns with your values is crucial. Feeling a sense of integrity in your work, being part of a workplace culture that resonates with your beliefs, and seeing your company uphold its stated values can reinforce a feeling of alignment. When there’s congruence between personal values and organizational values, it fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. Organizations that prioritize values alignment tend to experience lower turnover rates and higher levels of employee engagement.

Growth Opportunities

Next, let’s talk about growth opportunities. Career satisfaction often hinges on the potential for professional development and advancement. Knowing there’s a clear trajectory for growth, whether it’s through promotions, skill development, or challenging projects, can keep you engaged and motivated. Conversely, feeling stagnant or underutilized can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction. It’s essential to continuously seek opportunities for learning and skill enhancement to avoid becoming complacent in your role.

Support in the Workplace

Moreover, feeling supported in your job is vital for satisfaction. This encompasses having autonomy in decision-making, access to necessary resources, and a supportive work environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning rather than grounds for punishment. Feeling empowered and having the tools needed to succeed can significantly impact job satisfaction and overall well-being. Studies have shown that employees who feel supported by their managers and colleagues are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to the organization’s goals.

Achieving Career Satisfaction

In addition to these core aspects of career satisfaction, several strategies can further enhance your professional fulfillment:

Seek Meaningful Connections: Building positive relationships with colleagues, mentors, and leaders can enhance job satisfaction. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who share your values and goals can create a sense of camaraderie and belonging in the workplace.
Set Clear Goals: Having clear, achievable goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose in your work. Whether it’s short-term objectives or long-term career aspirations, setting goals can help you stay motivated and focused on continuous improvement.
Embrace Challenges: Instead of shying away from challenges, view them as opportunities for growth and development. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new responsibilities can expand your skills and capabilities, leading to greater satisfaction in your role.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritizing your well-being outside of work is essential for maintaining career satisfaction. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you physically, mentally, and emotionally, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term satisfaction and productivity.
Provide Feedback: Open and honest communication with your manager or employer about your needs, concerns, and aspirations can contribute to a supportive work environment. Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and fosters a culture of continuous learning and development.
Celebrate Achievements: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress and achievements can boost morale and reinforce a sense of satisfaction in your work.

By incorporating these strategies into your professional life and continuing to reflect on your needs, values, growth opportunities, and level of support, you can cultivate a more fulfilling and satisfying career journey. Remember that career satisfaction is a journey, not a destination, and it requires ongoing effort and self-awareness to maintain. Investing in your well-being and professional development can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and success in your career.

Learn more about career satisfaction strategies.

What Are You Mothering?

By Laura Berman Fortgang on May 19, 2024

Last weekend, we celebrated Mother’s Day, a joyful holiday that can also be difficult for many people, especially if you didn’t have the ideal mother, miss your mother, or wish you or your partner could be a mother.

There’s no denying that “mother” comes with a lot of feelings: good, bad, and complicated.

In navigating this delicate topic over the years in a coaching capacity, the concept of mothering has come up in interesting ways.

Not mom-ing but mothering. I’m not talking about giving birth to or adopting or raising a child.

I’m referring to mothering in terms of giving life, bringing forth, nourishing, nurturing, growing, championing, supporting, and watching over.

We all mother in some way, no matter our gender or parental status.

Think about it. Where do you give life? And for that matter, where do you take it?

There are places where we pour out and contribute, helping to generate something positive in the world.

There may also be instances where we tend to suck the air out of the room, drain the energy from those around us, and bring down the mood.

Where are you giving, and where are you taking away?

When it comes to your business or career, how are you of service to your team, your clients, your audience, the people in your sphere, your ideas, various initiatives, or creative pursuits?

How might you be dragging things down, dampening vitality with your disappointment, frustrations, or negative attitude?

If you’re not quite sure, I challenge you to ponder this and to pay attention.

You’ll find that focusing on mothering — giving life, strength, spirit, and good will — will bring renewed energy and possibility. It might mean stepping away from spaces where you have nothing left to give or reassessing how you show up.

Try it and see what happens.

Congratulations To The Graduates!

By Laura Berman Fortgang on May 12, 2024

It’s graduation season, which is always an exhilarating time of year.

Whether you have a loved one graduating (like I do!), your Facebook feed is filled with proud parent posts, or you’re catching glimpses of graduates donning caps and gowns on campuses in your town, you can’t miss it.

I’m incredibly proud of my daughter and everyone commemorating their accomplishments through this momentous occasion . . . . and that goes for the graduates in my A-List Coach program too!

If you look up the root of the word graduation, it’s about taking a step. When you get a degree, you’re elevating yourself to another step.

When you graduate from a program or a course of study, you’re elevating yourself to the next step in your education, personal or professional development, career, or goal.

Our A-List coaches have put in the hard work, and they’re “graduating” to the next step in their success journey.

A book being born
A course launching
A TEDx Talk in the works

We’re full of excitement as we celebrate how far they’ve come, and the great places they’re going!

Are you graduating too?

I encourage you to use this graduation season to celebrate your own accomplishments and to consider your next step.

What’s your next step?
What are you going to elevate?
Where will you be when a new crop of graduates don their caps and gowns this time next year?

I can’t wait to see your next level, whatever it might be.

Have You Reached Your Expiration Date?

By Laura Berman Fortgang on May 5, 2024

My family often teases me because I tend to overlook expiration dates. I’m not going around guzzling sour milk, but I might add a dollop of sour cream to my potato before noticing it expired last month.

The other day, they made fun of me over a jar of olives I should’ve tossed weeks ago. What can I say? Time flies when you’re having fun. I could’ve sworn I just bought those olives!

But after a good laugh, I got to thinking. Isn’t it funny that almost everything has a shelf life?

What are you holding onto past its expiration date?

Maybe it’s a car that’s draining the bank with repair costs, a friendship that feels forced because you’ve grown apart, or a pair of running shoes that no longer put a bounce in your step.

Perhaps it’s your career or business that has hit an expiration date.

Don’t worry; I’m not saying it’s time to put yourself out to pasture, or quit on a whim to pursue a pipe dream. But I am saying there may be something about what you’re doing that has outlived its usefulness.

A vendor you’ve come to rely on could’ve let their service quality slip, making you look bad!
Have you been using the same apps or systems in your business for a decade, ignoring the new and improved competitors that could save you time and boost your profits?
Are you relying on an outdated social media or sales strategy that has lost the advantage it once gave you?
A client who’s been with you from the start could be dragging you down, paying lower rates, expecting you to be at their beck and call, and undervaluing your progress and growth.

It’s time to clean out the fridge! This time, don’t put the moldy strawberry jam back on the shelf after you’ve wiped it down.

In other words, I’m urging you to clear out the things in your career and business that have hit their expiration date. If it’s no longer serving you, get rid of it, and replace it with something fresher and more desirable.

What needs to go?

Clear out the old energy and bring in the new!