Three Steps to Getting Unstuck
Feeling stuck in a job you don’t like? Not sure what you want to do next in your life? Do you spend a lot of time planning and thinking, but never take action? Don’t give up! There are ways to move towards the life you really want.
Step 1: Identify the “tolerations” in your life
Are you still stepping over shoes you left in the middle of the floor? Is there a pile of junk mail on your kitchen table? Are there things that are on your “to do” list that never get done? What are you tolerating in your life? Make a list of the things that you want to clean, or change, or replace. Prioritize and do one thing on the list every day or each week. Having little things left undone is only a reflection of larger issues you may not be addressing.
Step 2: Stop expecting the past to be just like the future
If you’ve been disappointed in the past with a job change, for instance, you may believe that you’ll never find a job that is the right fit for you. If you’ve had abusive managers or worked in negative environments, you might think every workplace will be the same. Focusing on the past (and all of the disappointments) keeps you stuck. It’s hard to move forward if all you can see ahead of you is more of the same.
Set goals and take action without expectation of what will happen in the future. You have no idea what will happen until it actually does. Living in the moment means that you aren’t anticipating a result, instead you’re staying focused on what you’re experiencing right now. Staying focused will get you to where you want to be and keep you moving forward.
Step 3: Give up control
As long as you try to stay in control of every situation, you will limit the ways in which you can receive opportunities. If you have low expectations of what you’ll get from a job or a relationship, what you receive will match those expectations. Or, you may refuse to accept the good things that come to you because they don’t come to you in the way you’re expecting.
When you stay in control, you shut out the unexpected and the unpredictable. Getting unstuck means you have to take a bit of a risk to find the new job, relationship, or brand new life that you’ve been dreaming about. Be open and be willing to be vulnerable. Don’t feel that you have to protect yourself from hurt. By doing that you’ll also be closing out the good things as well.
© 2009 Deborah A Bailey
“Think Like an Entrepreneur” Live Chat
Join me for a live author chat on Tuesday, July 6th. We’ll be discussing my new “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life.”
Think Like an Entrepreneur Live Author Chat
Where: i-Virtual Assist Blog
URL: http://www.i-virtualassistbooktours.blogspot.com/
Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm Eastern time
Think Like an Entrepreneur Virtual Book Tour
Join us for a virtual book tour stop at the “Your Focus Blog” on June 29th. You’ll get to ask questions about my new book, “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life” and have the chance to win a free copy of the book.
Think Like an Entrepreneur Virtual Book Tour
Where: Your Focus Blog
URL: http://yourfocus.wordpress.com/
Date: Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm Eastern time
From Employee to “Intrepreneur”
As a direct result of all of the economic realities we’re faced with, more people are looking into starting their own business. For some people this will be a new and welcome direction. However, starting and running a business isn’t for everyone. When an employee wants to apply entrepreneurial traits to their career, they can do so as an “intrepreneur.”
What’s an intrepreneur? I’m sure there’s more than one definition, but one way to define it is when an employed professional acts like an entrepreneur while remaining in the corporate environment. Instead of being reactive and not having any control over your career, you can use entrepreneurial traits to be more proactive in your career.
No one wants to feel that their work has no purpose. It’s hard to get through a day or feel any excitement for what you’re doing if you can’t see why what you’re doing matters. One reason why people go into business for themselves is because they want more freedom over their lives. They’re tired of being in an environment where they spend the day reacting to the decisions of others.
This is where looking at yourself as an intrepreneur can change your entire outlook. If you’re ready to adopt entrepreneurial behaviors such as taking more risks and creating a vision for what you want to achieve, you’ll be less likely to get stuck in a career rut. It means taking responsibility for your decisions and for the results.
Here are tips to become an intrepreneur in your career right now:
1. Take an honest look at your job situation. How do things look in your company and in your industry? Are there growth opportunities?
2. Be open to learning and growing. If your skills have not been updated in years, find opportunities to upgrade them now.
3. What’s your vision for your future? Where do you see yourself in six months or in a year? Are you willing to take steps to reach your goal?
4. Become more of a risk taker. Is there a project that you’d like to work on or a new process you’d like to introduce to your department? Are you willing to share your ideas or make a request for what you want?
5. Learn to trust yourself. If you don’t have confidence in yourself or your ideas, it will be difficult for you to take charge of your career. You have to believe that you deserve to have a better experience and that you do have something to offer.
Whether you stay in your work environment or decide to move out into business ownership, you can transform your relationship with your work. Take charge of your career and go from employee to intrepreneur.
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Are You Using These Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs?
There are a lot of people who are starting businesses these days, and often they’re coming from the corporate environment. It may seem much more desirable to be your own boss after experiencing a job loss, but it takes more than a business plan to have success. You also have to consider the transition you’re making from a regular paycheck to having an income that may have its ups and downs.
If you’re going into entrepreneurship and still holding on to the belief that it’s the same as being employed (except without benefits and job “security”) - you will find yourself in a very limiting position. Having your own business will force you to develop certain traits that will help you transition from employee to CEO. Once you master those, you will be in an excellent position to build a successful business.
Are you using any of these in your business?
Creating a Vision
- What do you really want to do? What do you feel is your purpose?
- Where is your passion?
- Can you picture yourself in your ideal situation?
Connecting with your creativity
- Think outside of the box - take risks
- Don’t make future decisions based on past experiences
- Be open to new approaches
Trusting your intuition
- What do you feel is the right action to take?
- Listen to your “inner voice” when making decisions
- Trust that you know what’s best for you
Taking Action
- Make a decision once you have the information that you need
- Be proactive instead of being a victim of circumstances
- Not making a decision is also a decision!
Copyright © 2009 - 2010 Deborah A. Bailey, DBC Communications, LLC
Writer, speaker and career expert Deborah A.Bailey is the author of the book, “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life.” Founder of DBC Communications, Deborah is the host of “Women Entrepreneurs – The Secrets of Success,” an Internet radio talk show. Visit her website www.dbaileycoach.com.
“Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life”
My book is already receiving rave reviews! So, I’m offering you a chance to order your copy today so that you’ll be one of the very first to get it when it’s published in mid-April 2010.
Why Order Now?
When you pre-order you’ll receive an autographed copy of the book as soon as it’s released plus a special “thank you” gift for your advance order.
When you read, “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life” you’ll discover how small shifts in thinking can help you become the CEO of your life.
“Being an Entrepreneur your journey is often YOU, alone, with many decisions and feelings. “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life” supports you and your next steps to live your dream”
- Susan Vernicek, Founder and Owner of Identity Magazine
Tired of being at the mercy of the economy? Have you been downsized or are you keeping your head down, hoping that things will get better? In this book I share the secrets that I’ve learned from my own transitions and my extensive experience in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds.
This book is for you if you want:
- Guidance on reinventing your career in spite of what may be going on in the economy
- A blueprint for moving from employee to entrepreneur directly from someone who has experienced it
- Clear steps for managing fear of failure and self doubt
- Motivation to pick you up (and point you in the right direction) when you’re facing the emotional and mental challenges that come with making life changes
- To know how to think like an entrepreneur so that you can constantly increase your income and your opportunities!
“If your life isn’t “working” the way you’d like it to and you’re ready to make a change, you need this book! The practical advice, helpful tips, and thought-provoking questions will show you how to empower yourself and transition into the life you’ve been dreaming of.”
- Kelli Wilkins, author
Pre-order your copy today and receive a special “thank you” gift:
* A 60-minute no-cost Private strategy session (via telephone with me, Coach Deb) guaranteed to help you overcome whatever obstacle is blocking you from what you desire to have in your life right now.
*Simply click on the link below to order. Once you’ve placed your order you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to set up your private coaching session with me.
Don’t delay - only the first 10 people who pre-order will receive the complimentary strategy session.
CLICK HERE to order your copy today for only $20.00 (includes shipping & handling)!
“Along with an entrepreneur class in high school, “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life” should be required reading. So many people choose a career based on making other people happy only to find that years down the road they are miserable. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone had the courage to begin their career following their dreams.”
-Julie Barnes, writer, aspiring artist and author of “So You Want to Start a Business…Now What?”
P.S. Once the book is published in mid-April 2010, the complimentary private strategy session will no longer be offered. Order your copy today!
http://www.dbaileycoach.com/orderbook.html
25 Things You Must Do if You Want to Leave the Corporate World Behind Forever & Start Your Own Business
by Deborah A. Bailey
9. Find out how much money you’ll need to start your business. Are there start up costs or fees that you’ll need to pay before you begin?
13. Hire an accountant if you don’t have one. Make sure that they are well versed in accounting for small businesses.
17. Accept that making the transition from employee to entrepreneur will be a major life change. Don’t expect that you will go from one to the other without effort. Give yourself time to make the adjustment.
To find out the additional 22 things you must do to leave the corporate world behind and have your own business, visit www.dbaileycoach.com and sign up to receive this free special report. Get started now on your plan to move from employee to entrepreneur!
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by Deborah A. Bailey
Once you’ve been let go from your position, there will be fear and anxiety about what to do next. Even if your company has some services for your transition, it still can be a bad time if you’re not sure what your next steps should be.
1. Take stock – Look at your current financial situation. What do you have in the bank, savings accounts, investments, etc? If necessary, create a spreadsheet or list of where you are now with your debts and what is in your savings. If you know where you stand you can eliminate some of the anxiety.
2. Talk to your family – If you have family/friends that you are financially responsible for, sit down and speak to them honestly. Everyone has to be on the same page. Don’t hide the realities in the hopes that everything will work out quickly, or because you don’t want to worry anyone. If everyone knows what is expected of them, then you can all work together.
3. Find out what your current options are – If you can apply for unemployment, then do so right away. If you will be receiving severance or some other package, look at the paperwork. Consult an accountant or attorney if necessary. Getting these issues squared away will help to stabilize things, so resist the urge to put it off.
4. Don’t beat yourself up – It is likely that after a lay off you will feel betrayed, depressed or angry. Those are legitimate feelings, and you have to let yourself feel them. Pretending that they aren’t there will just take you deeper into denial. Give yourself a couple of days to unwind and to get a “breather” before you have to get started again on the process finding another job. Practice as much positive “self talk” as you can. Being negative will drain your energy and may lead to paralysis because you will shut down and not be able to make any decisions.
5. Update your resume – If your resume is not updated, do so right away. Look on the job boards for the descriptions of the jobs you want to apply for. Use keywords that are included in the job requirements. You want to be sure that your resume is selected since there may be hundreds if not thousands of resumes submitted for each position. If you aren’t sure what to do in order to make your resume is the best it can be, the Secrets of a Great Resume Updated Edition eBook can give you step-by-step information to quickly make updates to your resume.
6. Join a networking group – Get back out there as soon as possible and start meeting people outside of your circle. Go to Chamber of Commerce events, local community events, events at your place of worship - meet people and get to know them. Don’t make your objective to go and immediately get a job lead, but work on building relationships. People will be willing to help those who they get to know and like, also known as the “know, like and trust factor.” You may find your next position through a contact you make a business or social event. In addition, don’t be afraid to help others as well. People will be more likely to assist you if you do the same for them.
7. Join social media groups – Online social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook could be extremely helpful in your job search. LinkedIn in particular is the main site for professionals, and you can find many industry leaders there. People on social media sites are there to connect and network, so don’t hold back from making connections. Building relationships online may take a little more time since you don’t have the benefit of face-to-face contact; however it is possible to create strong connections if you are willing to be consistent in your networking.
Losing a job can be devastating. Though people may tell you not to take it personally, it will feel personal! Allow yourself to grieve the loss of your position, and stay open to the changes to come. Make the choice to respond to this event with a plan, as opposed to reacting in anger and frustration.
Regular, consistent and determined effort will yield results. Your search for a new job may take longer than it has in the past, but if you continue on and build new support systems through your networking, it will support you to move forward.
Copyright © 2007 - 2010 Deborah A. Bailey, DBC Communications
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25 Things You Must Do If You Want to Leave the Corporate World Behind Forever & Have Your Own Business
by Deborah A. Bailey
1. Look at your current financial situation. What do you have in the bank, savings accounts, investments, etc? Determine what you have to pay off before you leave your day job.
2. If you have family/friends that you are financially responsible for, let them know your plans. Everyone has to be on the same page.
3. Join a networking group and start meeting people outside of your circle. Go to Chamber of Commerce events, local community events, events at your place of worship - meet people and get to know them. Work on building relationships. People will be willing to help those who they get to know and like, also known as the “know, like and trust factor.” In addition, don’t be afraid to help others as well. People will be more likely to assist you if you do the same for them.
4. Join social media groups such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn in particular is the main site for professionals, and you can find many industry leaders there. People on social media sites are there to connect and network, so don’t hold back from making connections.
5. Research your business idea using internet searches to find out if similar products or services exist. You want to determine who your competitors are and how big your market will be.
To find out the next 20 things you must do to leave the corporate world behind and have your own business, visit www.dbaileycoach.com and sign up to receive this free special report. Get started now on your plan to move from employee to entrepreneur!
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Shift Your Thinking - Change Your Life!
Learn How to Use Entrepreneurial Thinking to Transform Your Work & Life
Presented by: Coach Deb Bailey
When: Tuesday, December 15th
Time: 8:00 pm EST
Where: From any phone, anywhere you happen to be!
Register: http://www.dbaileycoach.com/Workshops.html
*Are you anxious about what’s coming up in the coming year?
*Have you experienced a job loss, or are you just hanging on, “keeping your head down” and hoping for the best?
*Are you worried that you’re too old to start over?
Join me for part one of a three-part series where you’ll discover how you can apply the traits of successful entrepreneurs to your life. It doesn’t matter if you don’t plan to start a business anytime soon. Having an entrepreneurial mindset is not just for entrepreneurs!
Register: http://www.dbaileycoach.com/Workshops.html
Have a specific situation that’s causing frustration and sleepless nights? Three participants will have the opportunity to get personal attention during the call. Those spots will be first-come, first-served, so if you want to be selected, be sure to respond right away when you receive the email with the call-in instructions.
Even if you don’t get the opportunitity to work with me directly on the call, at the end of the hour you’ll know how to:
*Create a vision for your success in your work and/or business
*Transfer your current skills into a new career or line of work
*Apply strategies to become more entrepreneurial in how you manage your work
*Get rid of the stigma of being looked at as “too old” to change to a new career path
*Take steps to get what you want today instead of waiting and hoping things get better on their own!
Register: http://www.dbaileycoach.com/Workshops.html
If you can’t make the call live, you’ll receive access to the recording. But, I recommend that you’re on the call so that you get this valuable information right away!
Please note: Phone lines are limited, so please reserve your spot on the call ASAP.
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