I'm Moving On With My Life: How About You?

Before we get started, I wanted to tell you about an amazing offer that my publisher is making, just in time for the launch of my newest book, Can We Talk? Seven Principles for Managing Difficult Conversations at Work.

For one week only, August 23rd-August 30th, you can save 25%?when you purchase via?www.koganpage.com and enter the code?SALE25?at the checkout.

Don’t forget that book orders can be applied to all the cool book bonuses I’m offering.

Now onto this week’s newsletter…

Next month, I’m scheduled to travel overseas. Admittingly, I hesitated to make these plans due to all the uncertainty, courtesy of Covid-19.

But then I quickly realized that there’s a good chance this virus will be with us a long time, so I best get comfortable with uncertainty.

A lot of people are putting their plans on hold due to uncertainty. Just last week, I had someone contact me regarding coaching. She’s a very accomplished women, who keeps taking jobs that are no longer a stretch for her. She doesn’t feel satisfied at work and would like to make a change after the pandemic is over.

I told her I couldn’t help her.

She’s waiting for something to happen to her rather than working on making something happen.

Another person I know is going after a new job with gusto. She’s not letting anything, including the virus, get in her way. She’s my coaching client and it’s so fun to watch her soar!

Anyone want to place a bet which person will lead a more fulfilling life?

If Not Now, When?

The only thing I know for sure is that tomorrow is not promised.?With that in mind, here are some questions that are worth consideration.

·?????If you’re no longer happy in your job, how will waiting change this?

·?????If you’ve always wanted to start your own business, what’s keeping you from doing so?

·?????If tomorrow was your last day on the planet, could you honestly say you lived a great life?

When you think about it, is it the virus that’s holding you back or fear of failure? Be honest with yourself when answering this question.

There’s only so much you can personally do to control the virus. However, there’s a ton you can do to minimize risk and propel yourself forward.

Start here:

Establish a Deadline for Decision Making

If you’re considering a change of any kind set a deadline for making a decision. Stop wasting your energy and time waffling. Instead, take out a piece of paper and list the pluses and minuses of each option you’re considering.

Step away for a day and come back and review what you wrote. Now, make a decision.

Create a Plan and Set Things in Motion

Okay, now that you’ve decided to head in a particular direction, the next step is to work backwards and create a plan to ensure you’re making progress towards achieving your goals.

This doesn’t have to be a 40-page business plan. For now, one page will do. Fill in the steps needed to take to get to the next leg of your journey.

If needed, this is a great time to get outside help. If you’re starting a business, reach out to the Small Business Association or SCORE to connect with an experienced business advisor.

Those of you looking to advance in your careers may look to engage a coach to keep you on track.

Move One Thing Forward a Mile Everyday

You didn’t get to where you are overnight, nor will you get to where you want to go in a day. Focus on the tasks that will move you forward a mile a day, rather than on those things that will move you forward only an inch.

Enjoy the Ride

I started this post off by suggesting you do those things that give you joy now, while you can. As painful as it’s been planning a trip that may not be, I’m finding joy in the anticipation that when we do finally go, we’ll have the time of our lives.

My hope for you is that you take a few moments daily to acknowledge how far you’ve come and to wake up each morning excited about what the day may bring. ?

? Matuson Consulting, 2021.

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