Take Charge Of Your Career

 Two years ago, I had a job in the corporate world. I had an office, a good salary, and the privilege of being known and respected for consistently doing a job well done. Even though I was successful, I'd been unhappy in my career for years. I stayed put because I was comfortable, tied to the money, loved the adrenaline rush that deadlines produce, and enjoyed the compliments I received from my boss and peers.

Secretly, I was building a business on the side. I was coaching people to live their dreams in the evenings and weekends. Although my clients were living lives they loved, I couldn't say I was doing the same.

Then, I got laid off. I was devastated, confused, and I felt betrayed. But I was one of many who were worried and wondering which direction to take next. Little did I know at the time, that this was the day I became a full time coach.

They say the first year of getting a business off the ground is tough, and they're not kidding. Everything you said was someone else's job or another department's responsibility when you were an employee becomes your responsibility when you own your own business. It's overwhelming, confronting, and one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life.

Today, I have a thriving coaching practice. And, I have started another coaching company that is beginning to grow. I have never been happier. I owe my success to being able to imagine myself successful, visualizing victory in the future. Or, in other words, I took charge on my career.

So, How Can You Take Charge Of Your Career? Follow The Steps Below:

1. Accept Where You Are

Stop blaming the world for your predicament and forgive those who caused your situation. (Because it does not serve you.) Most importantly, forgive yourself. Acknowledge where you are today because you know you cannot reach a better tomorrow without this.

2. Decide You Will Win

Recognize that you worked too hard to get to where you are in your career, and you are not about to lose it now. Decide that your present situation will not get the best of you. Let go of the shoulds, and the reasons why you can't have what you want in your career. Make a plan, and go after what you truly deserve.

3. Persevere

Don't give up. Make a promise that you will wake up each morning and tell yourself that today is a brand new day. Each day, make those phone calls you are afraid to make. Write those e-mail's and letters you aren't sure will get read. Network. But most importantly, feel the fear and move forward anyway.

4. Ask For Help

This may be hard for you because you are used to doing things on your own. Open yourself up and ask for what you need. Be surprised and appreciative because people from unexpected places will take the time to help you. Life is much easier when you are not reaching your goals alone.

5. Trust That You Will End Up In A Better Place

Stop driving yourself crazy because you know in your heart that things would improve. Recognize that your situation is only temporary. Enjoyed yourself more. Spend time getting to know you again. Lose weight, or take up a new hobby. Try new things. Get ready to grow in ways you never imagined possible. You will be stronger and wiser from this experience. You will not be the same.

So what do you say? You only have one life to live
so it might as well be a life you love.

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Deborah Brown-Volkman is the President of Surpass Your Dreams, a career and mentor coaching company that has been delivering a message of motivation, success, and personal fulfillment since 1998. We work with Senior Executives, Vice Presidents, Managers, and Coaches who want to enhance their careers and improve their lives. Deborah is also the President of The United Coaching Alliance, a Long Island based coaching group dedicated to educating people on the powerful impact a coach can have in their lives, both personally and professionally. To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com, send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440.
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About the Author

Surpass Your Dreams is a career coaching company that works with Senior Executives, Vice Presidents, Managers, and Coaches who want to enhance their careers and improve their lives. To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com, send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440.

 Deborah Brown

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