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The Changing Course Newsletter
Issue 107 January 1st, 2005
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The free newsletter from http://www.ChangingCourse.com

Dedicated to helping you:
~ Live Life on Purpose
~ Work at What You Love
~ Follow Your Own Road

In This Issue:

1. Featured Article: Want to Live Your Dream in 2005?
2. Featured Resource: Changing Course Teleclass
3. Guest Article: Get a Clean Start to Your Year

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TODAY’S WISE WORDS
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Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often more accurate than you are willing to believe. ~ Claudia Black

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1. Featured Article
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Want to Live Your Dream in 2005?
5 Keys to Changing Course

By Valerie Young

I hear from a lot of people at various junctures along the road to right livelihood. Some are at the very beginning, still trying to figure out which path is right for them. Others have happily reached their destination. Others are midway on their journey.

Regardless of where you are in the process, there are five keys to changing course:

1. Set big… and small goals

I know it sounds cliché, and especially at the start of the New Year, but if you’re really serious about taking control of your life, you need to set some goals for yourself. Knowing that you want to change your life or to work for yourself is a great start. But expressing a desire if different than stating a goal.

In her Broadway show Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, Lily Tomlin’s bag lady character remarks, “I always wanted to be somebody. I realize now I should have been more specific.” Deciding you want to earn money by making and selling gift baskets is much more specific than saying you want to make money doing something creative. But even here you need to get more precise.

One of the best ways to move a goal along is to quantify it. Using our gift basket example, the key questions are how much money do you want to make and by when. You can always shoot higher, but for now let’s think in terms of generating $5,000 in gift basket sales 2005. From here you’d want to make your goal both real and reachable by breaking it down into smaller more manageable goals, like, for example, making and selling six gift baskets by February 15th. Actually writing this date on your calendar will make it even more real.

2. Figure out what it will take to reach your goal happen and start doing it

A long-time subscriber named Joe understands the importance of looking to others for inspiration. He also understands how important it is to hear not just about people that have followed their dream and made it happen, but also about, he says, about “those currently traveling the pathway to a new career, setting goals for themselves, managing to keep their dream alive and staying focused on the goal of a new career.”

And setting and working toward a goal is exactly what this 33 year old software engineer from Maryland is doing. But I’ll let Joe tell you about his plans – and progress – in his own words:

“A year and a half ago I started reading a lot of real estate investing books. I wanted to get into the medical field as a Physical Therapist and needed a way to supplement my income. I took classes at http://www.InvestorsUnited.com and for 10 months I soaked up all of the real estate knowledge I could get."
[Editors Note: I checked out this school and it appears to be quite reputable].

“I worked with their advisors until I landed my first deal. It was a rehab house and after I repaired it I made $28,000 profit for an endeavor I spent five months on part-time. I was thrilled. I took this money and used it to help purchase a rental property and another rehab which I am now selling.”

“I set goals for myself. My big goal is a career change at five years. Presently I have four years left. I plan on generating enough income to cover all of my expenses. I also have smaller goals. At the two year mark I plan to make $1,000 net cash flow per month. At three years I plan to make $2,000 net cash flow per month. This will allow me to pursue Physical Therapy without worrying about money ! I have volunteered in two hospitals and determined that this is where I belong.”

“This is my journey. It’s hard to wake up every morning and go to my current job. However I now see an end in sight. I know that in a few years I will be enjoying helping people everyday. And when that day comes, it will be a dream come true.”

Some of you are probably saying, “Five years! I can’t wait that long.” You don’t have to. Joe’s goal is very specific – to generate enough money from real estate to be able to fully support him during his schooling. Depending on your goals, your financial situation, your level of commitment, and the amount of time you’re willing to invest, you can certainly change course in far less time.

Whether you want to be living your new life in five years or in five months, the point is to set a goal, quantifying it, and then, one day at a time, take the small steps actions required to make your goal happen.

3. Live life now

Shooting for a future goal is great. But I received a deeply moving email this week that reminded me of the importance of also remembering to live life fully in the moment. The email was from a woman named Pam who wrote to thank me for inspiring her partner Bruce, a man I never met but in some small way, I apparently encouraged to live his dream.
Pam has generously allowed me to share her and Bruce’s story with you.

Before he was killed instantly in a traffic accident last week Bruce was living his dream. Bruce had been a computer consultant who, explained Pam, tired of the cubicle life. “Although he made a boatload of money doing it, he realized that there was more out there to do. He always wanted to do something purposeful with his life, and didn’t see that the programs he wrote made much of an impact.”

Pam went on to say that she and Bruce lived together for two very wonderful years, “living our dream. We both left the corporate grind, had opened our own business as massage therapists. Bruce was a wonderful man. He had healed so much in his life and many times said, ‘If I'm to be the kind of spiritual man I wish to be, then I need to work on this.’ He was making a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. I'm so very grateful for every moment that we shared. We were blessed to have many friends. And I plan to continue our dream.”

Although I never had the privilege of meeting Bruce, he sounds like a truly remarkable human being and one who will be missed by many. How wonderful that while he was among us Bruce was living his dream. Pam’s strength, her gratitude in the face of unspeakable grief and her resolve to continue to live their dream is inspiring indeed.

When we think about goals, we tend to think about achieving some future result. And yet as John Lennon once observed, “Life is what’s happening when you’re making other plans.” Bruce’s story serves as an important reminder that even while you strive to reach your future goals, you must live life now and with as few regrets as possible.

4. Break a rule

Sometimes changing course can begin with the simple act of shaking up your normal routine. Take Barbara, a former coworker of mine from my corporate days. Most people spend their Saturday mornings in a frenzy of house cleaning and errands. Barbara does this stuff too but not until after she’s indulged herself by crawling back into bed with a cup of coffee and popping in a suspense movie.

Spending your Saturday morning watching a movie may not be your cup of tea, but surely there is some small fun thing you can do to shake things up. If you tend to read self-help books try a romance novel.
Walk your dog in a totally new place or drive a different way to work.
Visit your local historic society or museum. On the first day of each month have ice cream for breakfast. Go to the movies on a weeknight.
Experiencing small changes can make the bigger ones seem more doable.

5. Use the one step a day approach

When I was desperately trying to get myself out of corporate America, I promised myself that I would not go to bed at night until I had taken at least one small step toward my goal. It doesn’t have to be a big step.

For example, I knew that at least in the short term, leaving my job-job would mean I’d be earning less money. So one day I brainstormed a list of ways to supplement my income. I have a finished basement with a bath so one idea was rent it out to a commuting grad student who needed a place to stay during the week. The next day I stopped by the hardware store to see what I could find out about sound proof ceiling tiles. The following day I looked up the web site for the housing office at the local college and so on.

Not only do small steps add up but just as important is the sense of momentum you’ll gain. And once you get started on a dream, it’s hard to stop!

“The big break for me,” said Jon Stewart of the Daily Show, “was deciding that this is my life.” Another year is upon us. Since this indeed your life, let this be the year you start making your dreams happen.


Off the beaten path career counselor, Valerie Young, abandoned her corporate cubicle to become the Dreamer in Residence at http://www.ChangingCourse.com, offering free resources to help you discover your life mission and live it. An expert on the Imposter Syndrome, she’s presented her How to Feel as Bright and Capable as Everyone Seems to Think You Are program to over 30,000 people. Find more articles written by Valerie at http://www.ChangingCourse.com/articles/

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2. Featured Resource: Changing Course Teleclass ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

NEW The Science of Law of Attraction:
How to Attract Your Ideal Career or Build a Business You Love Teleclass with best selling author, Michael J Losier

During this 60-minute, high-content, high-participation teleclass, Michael will give you the tools and strategies necessary so you can start using Law of Attraction more deliberately.

You are already experience Law of Attraction. When you use expressions like: coincidence, serendipity, fate, karma, out-of-the blue and synchronicity, you are explaining evidence of Law of Attraction.

Join this lively, educational and for some, life-changing teleclass and learn how you can tap into the power of Law of Attraction.
Michael's book, Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't became a National Canadian Bestseller – without spending any money on marketing or promotions – now that's Law of Attraction at work. Learn more about Michael’s book at http://www.ChangingCourse.com/bookstore.htm

Wednesday, January 26th from 9:00-10:00 p.m. EST Course Fee: $29 Space is limited. Register today at http://www.ChangingCourse.com/courses.htm

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INSPIRATION TO FOLLOW YOUR BLISS
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If you’re never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances. ~ Julia Sorel

I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy. ~ Marie Curie

The reason why so little is done, is generally because so little is attempted. ~ Samuel Smiles

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3. GUEST ARTICLE
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Get A Clean Start To Your Year

By Suzanne Falter-Barns

So, it's January and the energy is fairly crackling with possibilities for your dreams. But how can you effectively harness all that energy, and turn it into actions that really move you forward?

I say have a Clean Start Planning Retreat. This is a technique I've been using for several years that really helps focus and ground your actions.

1. Schedule two full days in which you can do something just for you.

Begin by scheduling in at least two full days sometime before the end of January, that you can designate Clean Start Days. You can schedule them together, or separately. Saturdays can work well for this. (If you tend to be a guilty parent, use this as a chance for someone else who loves your kids to spend the day with them.)

2. Record your results for the last year.

Day 1 is dedicated to assessing what progress you’ve made on your dream for the last year. It may be that you’re just beginning your dream, and have few or possibly no ‘tangible’ records of progress yet.
Take a look through journals, and notebooks from classes or programs.

On the other hand, you may be launching a business, or just starting to sell your work. If so sort through ledgers, stat reports on web sites, check book registers, receipt piles, Quicken files, sent email files, even phone bills. Compare what you unearth to any goals you made for the last year.

Wherever you are with your dream, write up a report that addresses these essential categories. (It’s okay to write ‘None yet’ in many categories if that’s where you are … this gives you room to grow,
right?)

~ Products/Services produced
~ Marketing efforts (be sure to log in their effectiveness) ~ People reached (and which target markets they come from, if you can) ~ Income ~ Expenses ~ Support System (include staff, temp help, consultants, support
group)
~ Office (assess the effectiveness of your workspace and its
equipment)
~ Inspirational Tools (note any sources of stimulation or ideas that have worked well for you, or what you might need in this area) ~ Mistakes Made ~ Lessons Learned ~ Ideas Hatched ~ Old Projects Retired ~ Reviews/Critiques/Feeback (assess overall reaction on each product or service) ~ General Risk Assessment (did you take enough? Wish you took more?)

Feel free to add any more categories. (I'd love to know what else could go on this list! Send suggestions to me at info@howmuchjoy.com)

3. Pick a really appealing location for Day Two. (You might even bring a supportive friend.)

Once you've got your report in hand, move on to day two. It's critically important you not do this work in your höme or office.
Instead, go into a new environment that gives you a blast of inspiration. Choose a place that naturally nurtures you. It doesn't have to be an expensive resort. My husband and I often spend the day sitting in front of the fireplace of a nearby country inn, where we also eat lunch. Think of weekend getaways belonging to friends, your favorite beach, a string of cool coffee bars and restaurants. You might even consider doing this work with a friend and splitting the cost of a room at a hotel or resort for a night or two. Pick places that are fun to be in, but also provide a spot to get comfortable and talk quietly.

If you do choose to bring along a friend, make sure it's a staunch supporter. You want to share your dreams and visions with someone who won't take too much delight in ‘playing devil's advocate'. Nor do you want to bring along a mindless yes-person who will go over your worst ideas. You want someone who can help you see the gaps in last year’s systems, and help you to reach for your biggest and best, as well. You also want to be available to support that person’s goals, too. This way, you can become yearlong support buddies to each other, which always helps.

Also, if you bring a friend, take turns briefly sharing last year’s progress reports that you created in Day 1, so he or she has a point of reference.

Of course, many of us prefer to do this sort of planning alone, and that’s just fine, too!

4. Spend Day 2 imagining the year you really want.

It's this simple: bring lots of paper, sit back and dream. That's why a nice, nurturing environment is so important – because it's hard to think big if you're looking at a kitchen full of dirty dishes.

Set concrete goals in all the following areas that speak to you, plus any others you can think of.

~ Products Produced/Services Rendered
~ People reached (how many and whom)
~ Overall Results
~ Emotional being/Level of personal satisfaction ~ Publicity/Promotion ~ Financial ~ Work environment ~ Support Staff ~ Sources of Inspiration

Really blue sky this ... (and feel free to add any other categories you can think of.) And while you're at it, listen to your gut. That's the beauty of taking the time to do this – it finally gives you time to hear what you're intuition wants to tell you about your dream.

Also, be careful to be specific with your goals. Don't wish to "make lots of money." Give it a dollar amount. Don’t write down “I’m generally happy,” under Emotional being – write down, “I’m happy and satisfied with the knowledge that I’m helping people achieve …” or whatever it is that resonates for you.

Also, don't write down things you think you should want, but in your heart, you're not so sure about. If you think being on Oprah would be a good idea, but you have this vague feeling that it might be overwhelming, don't write it down. You won’t be able to manifest it anyway, probably, since manifesting is a gut-based process. Instead, pick the goal that seems really right – maybe appear on a local cable show or do some radio.

Finally, you want to imagine goals that align with your soul purpose in life – that unique gift that you are meant to give to others. Let this be like a great guiding umbrella that informs your choices. (To get clear on your Soul Purpose, check out our Discover Your Soul Purpose teleclasses coming up in January, at http://tinyurl.com/572wj)

5. Divide your goal list into business quarters.

To further treat your visions and goals effectively, break them down by quarters, like businesses do, that end on April 1, June 1, September 1 and January 1, 2006. Figure out what you can reasonably expect to get done by quarterly dates, (a support buddy can be a great help with this.) You can even write down a specific list of actions for the first quarter, and leave the remaining three rather vague. That's okay. Just tighten them up as you progress through the year. Then you can have a little burst of energy at the beginning of each quarter, as you slice, dice, reassess and rearrange your goals.

Now you're all set to have a magnificent year! Congratulations!


Suzanne Falter-Barns’ website, HowMuchJoy.com, has all sorts of free, practical tips and tools for finding the time, money and energy to live your dreams. For information on how to connect with your passion – and make your year and your dream go even more swimmingly – drop by and check out our Passion Connector by clicking here.