Your DreamJune 12, 2019When you think summer, you probably think picnics, swimming, outdoor games, and other forms of recreation. The word recreation literally means to “re-create.” So what better way to spend your summer than recreating your life! Here’s how you can use this summer to grow your…
Great Home-Based Biz Ideas for IntrovertsMay 10, 2019When you picture a successful entrepreneur, you probably imagine someone with an outgoing, talkative personality. The kind of person who loves to socialize and meet new people. The person you probably don’t picture is someone who is quiet, becomes overwhelmed and exhausted by noisy environments,…
How Dave Murdered His DreamApril 15, 2019In my 24 years at Changing Course I’ve grieved the premature death of hundreds of perfectly viable business ideas. Ideas which were totally possible – some even brilliant. Ideas which, if acted upon, could have sprung their owners from job jail… and made a difference…
Serving Seniors: 30 Ways to Turn One Interest into IncomeApril 2, 2019Some of the best business ideas come out of personal experience or crisis. Kate watched several family members go through some rough medical times in their later years. From that experience came a burning desire to start a business that served people 60 years old…
Overlooked Key to Freedom from Job JailNovember 27, 2018Every guidance counselor, career coach, or academic advisor talks about skills assessments, resumes, and job searches. But you hear far less about another element that is essential to any successful career change – namely, gratitude. Researchers already know the benefits of a positive, appreciative attitude…
8 Easy Ways to Make a Tough DecisionNovember 1, 2018Let’s face it — making a big decision can be tough. Which is a big reason why far too many people follow through on their longing to change course. For starters, whether you dream of opening a bakery or relocating halfway around the world, dreams…
First He Called Me Stupid, Then He Called Me an Idiot!August 27, 2018I’m not used to being called names. But this time the guy doing it was absolutely right. Let me explain. Every guru on the planet touts some so-called “secret” to success. Larry Winget takes a different approach. There is no secret to the core message…
More Don’t Miss ConferencesJuly 20, 2018Last week you discovered how conferences are a fun and easy way to learn how to make money doing what you love from experts and people who are doing it. It’s also a place to: – scope out entrepreneurial opportunities – find potential clients/customers – find…
9 Don’t Miss ConferencesJuly 10, 2018Want a fun, easy way to learn how to make money doing what you love from people who are doing it? Every year literally hundreds of thousands of conferences large and small happen all over the world – some may even in your own backyard. I’ve put…
Treat Yourself to More Time and HappinessApril 10, 2018 If you’re thinking about improvements you want to make in your life, there is never a bad time to put those goals into motion. Think about the changes you want to make and put together a to-do list that includes activities and products that…
Want to Live Your Dream? 5 Keys to Changing CourseMarch 20, 2018Over my 23 years here at Changing Course, I’ve heard 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…
Survey Uncovers Our Biggest Regrets – This One May Surprise YouFebruary 28, 2018Regrets are an inevitable part of life. Fortunately, not all regrets are created equal. Some regrets are minor. You regret buying those too tight shoes just because they were on sale…. Or picking up the phone as you were trying to leave the office…. Or ordering the…
The 7 Fears Keeping You From What You WantFebruary 26, 2018Fear often stands between us and our ability to make decisions, take actions, ask for what we want—even to know what we really want. It is the gatekeeper of our comfort zone. But as poet-philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “He has not learned the lesson…
4 Simple Steps to Work at What You LoveFebruary 8, 2018Years ago Studs Terkel traveled the country conducting interviews for his book Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do. Among them was a worker named Nora Watson who said, something I never forgot… “I think…
Take the Purpose QuizJanuary 24, 2018Thomas Carlyle wrote, “The person without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder.” Considering Carlyle was a philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, translator, historian, mathematician, and teacher – I’d say he had lots of rudders! What about you? Do you love what you do…
6 Simple Steps to Grow Your DreamDecember 16, 2017The late British gardening author Mirabel Osler wrote, “There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.” Not everyone smiles at the same work. Personally, I discovered long…
A Letter from a Fellow Traveler on the Road to Changing CourseNovember 16, 2017It’s hard to believe it’s been 23 years since I ditched my 90-mile-a-day commute to become the Dreamer in Residence here at Changing Course. In that time I’ve received scores of letters from change seekers just like you. Some had recently taken the leap to…
3 Fab New Biz Ideas You Can StealNovember 7, 2017I’ve been on a bit of a yoga kick these days. If you caught the last two newsletters, you know I’ve been using examples of yoga related businesses as a way to get your own creative juices going. And I’m going to do it one…
Steal This Idea Part 2October 4, 2017A few weeks back I shared some very cool ways people are cashing in on the enormous popularity of yoga. Well, I’ve dug up some more neat business ideas. These too, happen to be in the yoga space. WARNING: If you think this article is…
Making Money Mending Broken HeartsSeptember 20, 2017Have you ever had a painful break up? I have. Twice. And is sucks. Everything reminds you of your beloved and all the wonderful memories you shared. You either don’t feel like eating… or you can’t stop. You can’t imagine ever being with anyone else.…
How Yoga Can Teach You to Turn Your Ideas into IncomeAugust 9, 2017Would it surprise you to know that yoga is more popular in Canada than in India? It definitely surprised me! Third on the list is the US where a whopping 20.4 million Americans partake in the ancient practice. Sometimes a single surprising fact is all…
Find Your Dream Biz Fast! PLUS — Booming Vintage Trend!August 2, 2017Want to find your dream business? All you have to do is connect the dots! But which dots? Traditional career coaches are all about helping clients find the perfect job-job. So they work with dots like skills assessments, personality profiles, resumes, and job search tools. But,…
6 Reasons Why Summer is the Best Time to Launch YOUR Dream BusinessJune 27, 2017The school calendar of your youth may have hardwired you to see Fall as the time for new beginnings. But summertime is THE best time to launch your dream business. Don’t worry — you can change course and still have time for summertime recreation. After…
Why 2017 Is THE Year of the Freelancing Entrepreneur!June 21, 2017Over the past few years, freelancing has blossomed into an industry of its own. Contributing billions of dollars to the economy annually, it now employs over 50 million workers. While this may seem surprising to the older generations, middle-aged to younger generations are already enjoying the…
Give Your New Food-Related Business a Huge Jump Start!June 11, 2017Are your friends and family constantly saying you should sell your homemade cheesecake, meat rub, or cucumber coconut lemonade? Or maybe you have a food blog or you have lots of followers to your Trip Advisor restaurant reviews or your food photos on Instagram? If so,…
I’m moving to Canada! (And How You Too Can Live Where and How You Want)May 26, 2017I was only in Canada for seven days. Just long enough to fall in love. My trip began with three speaking engagements in British Columbia. One of the many great things about being your own boss is you can take vacation whenever you want. So…
From BROKE to writing for NFL playersMarch 13, 2017My brother-in-law Eddie spent 30 years as a field technician for a major manufacturer of office equipment. Then at age 58 the company laid him and most of their other long-time technicians off… only to later ask them to come back at minimum wage with…
Coolest Success Story E-V-E-R!February 16, 2017How the “Penguin Lady” Turned Her Passion Into an Adventure and Income (And How You Can Too!) In my 22 years as the Dreamer in Residence at Changing Course I’ve heard some amazing success stories. But this is one of my VERY favorites! Partly because,…
6 Simple Steps to Grow Your DreamDecember 14, 2016The late British gardening author Mirabel Osler wrote, “There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.” Not everyone smiles at the same work. Personally, I discovered long…
Which Would You Rather Make — $15 or $20,000?November 14, 2016Why Teaching Others May Be Your Fastest Path to Cash Do you enjoy sharing knowledge with others? If so, giving talks… leading workshops… or running retreats could be the quickest way to grow your small business – and your fastest path to cash. People with…
5 Reasons You’re Trapped in the Wrong JobOctober 21, 2016The soccer game was tied “two all” when the pass came to my nephew. Thrilled at the prospect of scoring the winning goal, Jeff began dribbling the ball down the field as fast as his five-year-old legs could carry him. The coach yelled, “You’re going…
SELF-BOSSING IDEA #10: How to Get Paid (a Lot) to SpeakSeptember 19, 2016There are different ways you can cash in on what you already know. You can write a book or create an information product… You can coach people or become a consultant. Or… You can make money from speaking! Speaking is not only highly financially rewarding,…
SELF-BOSSING IDEA #9: Love Food Will Travel – 7 Ways to Make Money With A Food or Travel BlogSeptember 13, 2016Imagine traveling around exploring the local food scene. Maybe you drop in on cooking schools. Meet with chefs. Explore street food and markets. Review fine restaurants. Now imagine sharing what you experience with the world… and getting paid to do it! For a foodie who…
Flexible Income, Flexible Life NowAugust 4, 2016The latest digital issue of International Living magazine’s niche publication Incomes Abroad just landed in my email and I immediately thought of you. The publication is aimed at the growing numbers of people seeking to relocate to a country that offers a more affordable lifestyle…
SELF-BOSSING IDEA #8: Romance and Money TooJuly 25, 2016Your Path to Being a Best-Selling Romance Writer Think there’s no money in book writing? Think again. Does the very term “romance book” conjure up a very specific picture of a type of book, reader, or author? If so, once again, think again! I just…
SELF-BOSSING IDEA #7: Make Your Own Cool Job SeriesJuly 8, 2016Living the Seasonal Life With Multiple Streams of Income Remember how Self-Bossing Idea #5 featured two talented Canadian jewelers who each in their own way, made their own very cool jobs? Well, today you’ll meet long-time Changing Course subscriber Liam Hughes. Liam also happens to be…
SELF-BOSSING IDEA #6: Make Your Own Cool Job SeriesJune 29, 2016Three People Who Get Paid to Play—and How You Can Too When Gary Auerback was growing up he loved playing Frisbee. He obviously got pretty good at it because in 1995 Gary won the World Frisbee Championship! Gary decided to parlay that big win into…
WEBINAR Cashing in on Parties and EventsJune 23, 2016FREE Webinar Saturday June 25th 12PM Eastern 27 Ways to Make Money at Parties & Events Click Here to Register Join Profiting from Your Passion® Career Coach Hillary Saffran and… Discover Dozens of Fun Ways You Can Make Much More Money in Less Time Than…
SELF-BOSSING IDEA #5: Make Your Own Cool Job SeriesJune 6, 2016Lessons From a “Shark Tank” Winner and Canada’s Premier Craftsperson You’re about to meet two people who made their own jobs. They both make jewelry. Yet their stories are quite different. And luckily for you, you don’t need to be a jeweler or in any…
COOL BIZ IDEA #4: Make Your Own Cool Job SeriesMay 15, 2016How One Woman Turned Her Dog into a $50 Million Empire At 52, things weren’t exactly going Carol Gardner’s way. She and her husband had invested in a high-end real estate venture. It failed. Soon after, her nearly three-decade-long marriage failed as well. Divorced, over…
Check Out IDEA #3 in our NEW series Make Your Own Cool Job!May 9, 2016Does the idea of spending the rest of your life sitting in an office all day feel like dying a slow death? Are you the outdoorsy type? Or maybe just have a keen passion for the environment? If you — or someone you know, said…
Check Out IDEA #2 in our NEW series Make Your Own Cool Job!May 1, 2016Are you happiest when you’re in a kitchen? Do you dream of having a little shop where the regulars know you by name? Even if your interests lie elsewhere… do you still love discovering ways to work and live outside the job box? If so…
Check Out IDEA #1 to Make Your Own Cool Job!April 27, 2016You’re all decked out for a formal party at your home. Still you need to be in the kitchen preparing food while entertaining guests. Do you put on a frumpy apron… or don a fabulously fashionable one? The four entrepreneurs behind Flirty Aprons banked on…
Dilbert Creator Scott Adams Totally Blew Me Off (And I Have His Email to Prove It!)March 20, 2016I remember it like it was yesterday. On July 14, 1999 I cranked up my dial-up connection to get onto the World Wide Web, excited to hear the now iconic AOL greeting, “You’ve got mail!” To my amazement I’d received personal response from Scott Adams…
Want to Really Profit from Your Passion? Try This Unconventional PathMarch 15, 2016Whether you’re in business already – or you’re still trying to figure out how to profit from your passion – the key to making it remains the same: You have to find people willing to pay you for your product or service. In other words…
What the Lobster Man Can Teach You About Changing CourseMarch 3, 2016In the 16th century Francis Bacon defined a wise man as one who “makes more opportunities than he finds.” He could have been describing Dan Zawacki… aka the lobster man. The Chicago-based sales rep for Honeywell was tired of the same old holiday gift ideas…
Super Simple Ways to Test Your IdeaFebruary 29, 2016You have a great idea for a small business. Or for a workshop or a book or a website. Now what? Contrary to what you might think, the next step isn’t to dive into the deep end of the pool. After all, there’s a reason…
Steve Harvey Wants You to Quit Your Job – Here’s WhyFebruary 21, 2016Steve Harvey has a lot to teach the world about working at what you love. He knows even more about what it takes to do it. If you don’t know Steve Harvey he’s a stand up comedian, turned actor, turned radio host, turned day-time TV…
All Who Wander Are Not LostFebruary 11, 2016Do you know what you want? I didn’t. In fact, in 1993 I was totally lost. Back then I was commuting 90 miles a day to my corporate job. I knew I needed a change… The problem was I had no idea what I wanted…
5 Simple Ways to Avoid Choosing the Wrong CareerFebruary 8, 2016Do you know what you love to do? Claire does. I met her last week when I spoke to an auditorium full of students at the University of Oklahoma. When I asked Claire about her career plans, this bright business manager said something I’ve heard…
The Biggest Regret of All May Surprise YouJanuary 30, 2016Regrets are an inevitable part of life. Fortunately not all regrets are created equal. Some regrets are minor. You regret buying those too tight shoes just because they were on sale…. Or picking up the phone as you were trying to leave the office…. Or ordering the…
How to Live the B&B Life Without Owning OneJanuary 22, 2016When you work with as many change seekers as I do, you begin to see some common self-employment dreams. One is the classic bed and breakfast fantasy. When I ask these clients what they love about owning a B&B, they often say things like… “I’d…
They Said She Couldn’t Sell Her Music (Boy Were They Wrong!)January 17, 2016It’s been 15 years since I featured the unlikely success story of a homemaker named Lorraine Doan. Now as then, this story offers hope for anyone who wants to follow your own road but been told, “it can’t be done.” Like many businesses, Lorraine’s was…
Did He Really Just Say That?!January 11, 2016Adapted from Yes You Can: The Inspirational Kick in the Pants You Need to Take Control of Your Life and Go After Your Dreams As my nephew Jason prepared to begin his first year of college, his thoughts naturally turned to potential careers. “What would…
How to Connect the Dots to A New Career — And LifeDecember 14, 2015The quest to work at what you love is truly universal. I’ve worked with clients from every continent except Antarctica. Change seekers hail from many countries and cultures. Some know what they love to do… others have no clue. In the end though, they all…
Thanksgiving in the Bathroom?!November 25, 2015A Cautionary Tale… And My Thanksgiving Gift to You One of the best things about Thanksgiving is spending time with family. However… if your dream is to quit your soul-sucking job to be your own boss… then spending time with family can also be a…
Make Every Day ThanksgivingNovember 24, 2015This week most Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Our Canadian friends celebrated their Thanksgiving in October. Other cultures around the world have their own ways of expressing appreciation for life’s abundance. Thanksgiving and other annual, collective rituals are of course important. But did you know…
Is This the Fear That’s Holding YOU Back?November 10, 2015You don’t have to look very far to find people who’re trapped in the wrong job or profession… Carpenters who should have been accountants. Accountants who should have been horticulturists. Horticulturists who should have opened an animal shelter. There are lots of reasons why people…
Start a business that makes a difference in the worldNovember 2, 2015If you dream of starting a business, but what you really want is to save the world, you might be a budding social entrepreneur. Social entrepreneurship is a term that means different things to different people. To you, it might mean starting a nonprofit organization…
Changing Course is Not as Complicated As It Looks–Really!October 23, 2015Most people over-complicate the process of changing course to happy self-employment. Yes, there’s a lot to consider and do. You need to figure out what it is you love to do and find a way to generate income doing it. Once you know that then…
Combine Your Passions to Create an IncomeOctober 16, 2015You know you want to ditch the 9-to-5 world (or maybe for you it’s more like 8-to-late). You also know you want to travel. But finding a viable way to create income without a job? That’s where most people are stumped. That was certainly the…
Love to Work With Your Hands? 3 Cool Alternatives to Sitting In Front of a Computer All DayOctober 12, 2015Are you the kind of person who trembles at the very thought of assembling an Ikea bookshelf? Or do you revel in the challenge? If you fall into the second group then chances are you’re well-suited to a livelihood that allows you to work with…
Ask Yourself What You Really WantOctober 5, 2015This article previously appeared in Incomes Abroad, a monthly newsletter for people who want to fund their travel life brought to you by my friends at International Living magazine When we were growing up, adults were forever asking, “What do you want to be when…
Can You Have Too Many Passions?September 14, 2015I’m passionate about helping people think outside the job box. One of the many great things about being your own boss is getting to pick your own title. Which of course is why I’ve been the Dreamer in Residence at Changing Course since 1995. Another…
A surefire way to find your callingSeptember 10, 2015Have you ever noticed how… The happiest people in the world a) know what they love to do and b) found a way to get paid to do it. If you aren’t lucky enough to be one of them (yet!!!) then you probably fall into…
I figured this would happen [Take the quiz explains why]September 9, 2015In some ways my father and I are a lot alike. For instance, in high school our respective classes both elected us “class wit.” But in other ways we couldn’t be more different. So I wasn’t surprised by what happened a few years back when…
Think BIG… No (BIGGER)!!!September 5, 2015The get rich quick types HATE what I’m about to tell you. But in good conscious, I have to… Everyone who has achieved a dream struggled along the way. And that includes me. After I left my corporate job there were definitely lean times. Times…
The Myth of the Starving ArtistAugust 27, 2015Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Artists are routinely discouraged from pursuing their passion into adulthood. In fact, there is perhaps no more occupation that symbolizes popular notions about “unrealistic”…
14 Ways to Craft a New International CareerAugust 7, 2015I recently became a contributor to this wonderful publication that’s 100 percent dedicated to help aspiring self-bossers like you find portable streams of income and other ways to fund your international lifestyle. What if you could live and work in Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Hong…
A Foolproof Way to Make a Tough DecisionJuly 18, 2015Which of these tough calls have you had to make: Take the job… or decline and hope for something better Quit a toxic job… or stick it out and pray things gets better Sign up for that great conference or the workshop… or pass this…
Is Fear Killing Your Dream?July 14, 2015The closer you come to leaving the security of your 9-to-5 job to do your own thing, the greater your level of excitement… and fear. Anyone who has ever ventured out of their safe little world will tell you they had doubts. Me included. The…
Most People Never Even THINK of ThisJuly 9, 2015Right now 26,584 people subscribe to the Changing Course newsletter. That alone tells me you probably want to find a way to be your own boss. That might mean starting a business that can generate enough income to replace your current salary. Or maybe you…
Avoid This Dream Crusher At All CostsJuly 7, 2015This is a cautionary tale. One that if heeded, will definitely help you to go from talking (and talking and talking and talking…) about being your own boss… to actually having your dream life. Like many cautionary tales, this one starts with an encouraging one……
Still Searching for the Perfect
Business Idea? How to Brainstorm
Your Way Out of Job JailJuly 3, 2015Anyone who knows me knows, I LOVE brainstorming cool business ideas. And with next week’s informational webinar on How to Get Paid to Brainstorm fast approaching, I’m even more obsessed than normal with the topic. In fact, as soon as the webinar hit 200 sign…
Business Idea? How to Brainstorm
Your Way Out of Job JailJuly 3, 2015Anyone who knows me knows, I LOVE brainstorming cool business ideas. And with next week’s informational webinar on How to Get Paid to Brainstorm fast approaching, I’m even more obsessed than normal with the topic. In fact, as soon as the webinar hit 200 sign…
Got Courage?June 22, 2015Excerpt from the forthcoming book Redesigning Your Life. “What would life be if we did not have the courage to attempt anything?” ~Vincent van Gogh Picture this: You’re sitting on your couch, gazing out at the night sky, enjoying a nice cup of chamomile tea. Your mind…
The Secret to Finding a GREAT Business IdeaJune 18, 2015The Nobel Prize winning scientist and humanitarian Linus Pauling said, “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” After all, the more paths you have to get where you want to go, the better your odds of getting there.…
Want to Live Happily Ever After? Start a Wedding Business!June 8, 2015With all the talk from some about how marriage is “under siege,” you’d think it was a dying institution. Nonsense! In fact, the wedding industry is booming. And with 2.5 million weddings being celebrated last year, there’s never been a better time to launch a…
7 Ways to Cash In On the College MarketJune 2, 2015I just returned from on a whirlwind 5-city speaking tour in beautiful British Columbia. Coincidentally, my topic – the impostor syndrome – was also a major theme of actress Natalie Portman’s Commencement address at her alma mater, Harvard. May is the time when millions of…
How to Cash in on a Trend… And This is No GameApril 1, 2015By far one of the best ways to come up with a cool – and profitable – business idea is to pay attention to trends. For example, if you spend much time on public transportation, in coffee shops, or other public places you’ll see people…
25 Cool Business Ideas for IntrovertsMarch 18, 2015When you picture a successful entrepreneur, you probably imagine someone with an outgoing, talkative personality. The kind of person who loves to socialize and meet new people. The person you probably don’t picture is someone who is quiet, who becomes overwhelmed and exhausted by noisy…
How to Get Away With Murdering Your DreamFebruary 5, 2015In my two decades at Changing Course I’ve grieved the premature death of hundreds of perfectly viable business ideas. Ideas which were totally possible – some even brilliant. Ideas which if acted upon could have sprung their owners from job jail and made a difference…
There Are No CoincidencesJanuary 20, 2015 I’m not one to throw around words like “magical.” But time and again I’ve seen what happens when people step into their dreams. The smallest step can lead to pure magic. Take Stephanie. We were barely into our Find My Perfect Business coaching session…
The Biggest Regret of All May Surprise YouJanuary 16, 2015Regrets are an inevitable part of life. Fortunately not all regrets are created equal. Some regrets are minor. You regret buying those too tight shoes just because they were on sale…. Or picking up the phone as you were trying to leave the office…. Or ordering the…
Yes You Can – And I Can Prove ItJanuary 14, 2015Fear… self-doubt… procrastination… Are these dream-busters keeping you from going after your dream of being your own boss? Why wouldn’t they? “By the time you’ve hit your 20’s,” says Walter Anderson, author of Courage is a Three Letter Word and The Greatest Risk of All,…
Remembering My Boy Cokie “Roberts”January 7, 2015If you are a long time subscriber of the Changing Course newsletter than you will no doubt recall this early photo of Cokie and me that appeared in each issue. We were both a lot younger then! Cokie was a fixture at the “Work at…
5 Ways to Fund Your Dream Part 2January 5, 2015When it comes to changing course, money – or rather the lack of it – stops a lot of people in their tracks. So to help, I’ve put together a five-part series on creative ways to fund your dream. You may not be able to…
Chocolate, woodworking & romance oh my!December 29, 2014 15+ Cool Places to Plug Into Your Tribe, Learn How to Really Make Money Doing What You Love, and Partner With Kindred Spirits Who Share Your Passion In 2015 there will be literally hundreds of thousands of conferences happening all over the world on…
Want to MEET Barbara Corcoran?December 19, 2014 7 Reasons You Need to Attend Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2015 Growth Conference In 2014 I flew down to Miami to attend Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Growth Conference. It was hands down one of the best events I’ve ever attended. Four years later the conference is back…
3 Ways to Find Your TribeDecember 16, 2014Caroline Myss wrote, “We evolve at the rate of the tribe we are plugged into.” Put another way: Who you hang out with now has a lot to do with where you’ll wind up later. Take “Angela.” A big reason why she’s failed to evolve…
Cool Jobs #16 and #17September 4, 2014Get Paid to Speak or Hold Cool Events – Or Both! Picture yourself delivering a presentation or leading a workshop on a topic you love. Maybe that topic is spirituality, abundance or effective leadership. Or what about how leading with spirit results in an abundant…
Get a C.L.U.E.August 27, 2014There are two types of people in the world: Chronic complainers and chronic complainers with a clue. Both groups can always find something to gripe about. The difference is, the clueless complainers will go to their grave railing against everyone and everything. Which, of course,…
Cool Jobs: Flowers, Farm School, and MoreAugust 18, 2014Like many people of northern European descent, my people “don’t do heat.” Fortunately, the Northeast is being rewarded for enduring the relentless snow storms of last winter with truly spectacular summer weather. The days have been largely sunny and warm. Nights have been delightfully cool…
3 New Cool “Jobs”August 13, 2014A really cool job. Everyone wants one. Right? But what if you also want to do your own thing? To enjoy more flexibility and control over when, where, and how you work? To put the life side of the work-life equation first? Then my friend…
3 More Ways to Get Paid to Do Work You LoveAugust 4, 2014Some of the cool ideas you’re about to “meet” come from people in an international community of licensed Profiting From Your Passion® coaches. I hope these ideas inspire you to find and grow your own income-generating idea! Get Paid to Share Your Love of Wine…
The Power of An IdeaJune 12, 2014Changing Course is well… changing course! My vision for the newsletter I founded in 1995 was reflected in its motto. Live Life on Purpose Work at What You Love and Follow Your Own Road I still seek to inspire those who know there is more…
How to Get Out of Job JailApril 14, 2014Winston Churchill said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Optimism is essential to success. All the more so if you want to make the leap to being your own boss. In fact, the ability to view…
It’s Never Too Late to Re-Learn Important StuffMarch 20, 2014It’s been a while since I sent this newsletter. In fact, even I was surprised to discover the last issue was last June! Instead I’ve been sharing ideas and resources largely through short blog posts. Today I felt tugged to return to my roots. Roots…
5 Ways to Fund Your Dream Part 5March 11, 2014When it comes to changing course, money – or rather the lack of it – stops a lot of people in their tracks. So to help, I’ve put together a five-part series on creative ways to fund your dream. You may not be able to…
5 Ways to Fund Your Dream Part 4March 2, 2014You want to make the leap from having a boss to being your own boss. The only problem? M-o-n-e-y! I wish I could tell you there was a 1-800-Free-Money hotline. Or give you the name of some government office that writes big, no-strings attached checks…
5 Ways to Fund Your Dream Part 3February 14, 2014You want to make the leap from having a boss to being your own boss. The only problem? M-o-n-e-y! I wish I could tell you there was a 1-800-Free-Money hotline. Or give you the name of some government office that writes big, no-strings attached checks…
5 Ways to Fund Your Dream Part 2February 5, 2014When it comes to changing course, money – or rather the lack of it – stops a lot of people in their tracks. So to help, I’ve put together a five-part series on creative ways to fund your dream. You may not be able to…
5 Ways to Fund Your DreamFebruary 3, 2014When it comes to changing course, money – or rather the lack of it – stops a lot of people in their tracks. So to help, I’ve put together a five-part series on creative ways to fund your dream. You may not be able to…
The Difference between prosperity and povertyNovember 27, 2013I saw the most incredible sunset the other day. I had to pull my car over to soak it in, this fleeting sky painting. These small gifts don’t show up in my life more often than anyone else’s. I think I just notice them more.…
You really only need two things to become your own bossNovember 20, 2013What do you think it takes to create a successful business? Money? Time? Both? Before I answer that question I’d like you to meet someone who came up with a great idea on a Saturday, was in business by Monday and grew sales to the…
How to Turn a Problem Into A Profitable ProductNovember 13, 2013I recently had an encounter that opened my eyes – big time. It happened when I hired a guy to perform the inspection on the new house I’m buying. I quickly learned that John has 11 children. If that wasn’t amazing enough, he and his…
Losing Your WayOctober 17, 2013In a 2010 issue of More Bailey Jack recounts the years she spent in low pay, low satisfaction jobs. Her true love was art. But everyone “knows” there’s no money in art… right? Sadly, like so many people who fail to listen to their heart,…
Realizing a Dream in Mid-LifeOctober 15, 2013Much of my own inspiration comes from you my readers. People like Mary Alice Murphy who wrote to share her story. Mary Alice lives in Silver City, New Mexico, a place she describes as “a gorgeous little town in far southwest New Mexico tucked into…
Do You Have to Love Your Work?September 13, 2013Are you sitting down? If you’ve followed me for any of the 18 years I’ve been writing this newsletter then you may be stunned by what I’m about to say. You don’t necessarily need to love your work in order to lead a happy, fulfilling…
Can One Word Change Your Life?June 14, 2013Can One Word Change Your Life? Imagine yourself a few years from now… You’re finally living your dream of working at what you love and being your own boss. What ONE word best captures how you feel? I posted this same question at the Changing…
The Myth of Total ConfidenceMay 28, 2013The closer you come to leaving the security of your 9-to-5 job (no matter how much you want out) the greater your level of excitement… and trepidation. Or maybe you start off with an abundance of confidence only to hit a speed bump that sets…
Are Your Assumptions Holding You Back?March 25, 2013When you see someone who has already achieved some degree of success – perhaps they’ve written a book, or appeared on stage, or have a highly profitable business – what goes through your mind? Do you think – Hey, I could do that! Or do…
In the LifeDecember 18, 2012I know it’s a cliché but time really does fly and December started with a bang. Well, actually with a train. That’s how I arrived in the Big Apple to be part of a video shoot with some amazing entrepreneurs talking about how to fund…
From Beverly Hills to Broke. For Sheila Brown, Life’s a BeachDecember 18, 2012From in-demand Hollywood recruiter to world traveler and now coach, it is been a wild few years for Sheila Brown. Sheila spent two decades in the recruiting field. For ten of those she worked for the likes of Paramount, Warner Brothers, Sony, NBC Universal, Disney…
In the LifeNovember 19, 2012I for one am thrilled that the seemingly endless US election cycle is finally over! But in the final week I got to attend a rally in nearby New Hampshire with not one but TWO United States presidents. Talk about historic! We left the hotel…
Are You Settling?November 19, 2012On November 3rd I turned 58. I know some people (women especially) don’t like to reveal their age. Not me. My mom passed away at the too young age of 61. Life expectancy in some poor countries is as low as 45. I consider each…
What If You Got to Pick and Choose Among Opportunities?October 26, 2012One of the benefits of being your own boss is the adrenalin rush that comes from getting to constantly pick and choose among opportunities. I didn’t get that when I had a job-job. That’s because when you work for someone else you tend to have…
How Long Do You Plan to Wait?September 18, 2012The great Olympian Carl Lewis said, “Life is about timing.” So is the decision to make a major work-life change. Over the last week I’ve taken calls from dozen people all desperate to find a way to take control of their life and time by…
To Change Course You Need to Know Your “Why”August 21, 2012Do you know what you’d love to be doing – and why? I ask because a few weeks ago I sent a survey to people interested in taking my upcoming training program to be a Profiting from Your Passions(R) career coach. I was curious to…
Can Aspiring Self-Bossers Learn from Corporate Types?July 18, 2012It’s been 17 years since I worked for a major corporation. Since then I’ve been in the business of helping people break free of the job world to be their own boss. So trust me when I say that no one was more surprised than…
Summer is the Perfect Time to Grow a DreamJune 21, 2012Since yesterday was the first official day of summer, it seemed fitting to reprint this popular article. Have a great summer and grow those dreams! Has the school calendar of your youth hardwired you to see September as the time for new beginnings? If you…
Signs, Signs, Everywhere the Signs: How Everyday Signs Can Help You Change Course or CareersJune 7, 2012On a recent trip to nearby Northampton, Massachusetts, I saw some signs that offered invaluable lessons to anyone in the process of making a leap from having a boss to being their own boss. From these signs I pulled three key components that can help…
5 Ways to Unplug So You Can Gain the Clarity You Need to Achieve Your DreamsMay 22, 2012I’m not the only one who has a love-hate relationship with technology. On the plus side it’s what allows me to communicate with all of you. And the internet has made self-employment accessible to hundreds of people who wouldn’t otherwise have the resources to reach…
Still Don’t Know What You Want To Be Those “Crazy” Business Ideas Often Turn Out to Be the BestMay 1, 2012When Bob Page told his friends and family he wanted to quit his auditing job to start his own business, they were less than encouraging to him. Well, that’s actually an understatement. Basically what they told him was he was crazy. Fortunately he didn’t listen.…
3 Key Lessons on the Road to Right LivelihoodApril 5, 2012I’ve been producing the Changing Course Newsletter for 17 years. During that time I’ve learned a thing or two thousand about what it really takes to change course. For starters… It’s good enough right now! So many people seeking to change course want to make…
Blame It on MexicoMarch 1, 2012Blame it on Mexico! After an amazing week in sunny Mexico with some of my best friends in the whole world, I have to admit –it was tough coming back to the cold. Of course Cokie wasn’t happy to be left behind. At least he…
How to Get Paid to Play: Turning Your Hobby Into Your JobFebruary 29, 2012Hobbyists are passionate about their avocation. According to Webster’s Dictionary, an avocation is, “A subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one’s vocation, especially for enjoyment.” But what if you want to turn your avocation into an enjoyable full-time vocation? Here’s how: Get Creative About Making…
Easy to Solve Problems That Keep You Stuck in a Job HellFebruary 2, 2012Winston Churchill said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Over the course of 16 years I’ve heard from thousands of people struggling with so-called career “problems.” These problems invariably involve reasons why they can’t (or won’t)…
To Make a Real Career Change You Need to Get “Unreal”January 19, 2012If you truly want to change course, you need to stop thinking about what’s “realistic” and instead think about what’s possible. For those of you who’ve been reading this newsletter since 1995 or even for a few months, this may seem obvious. But I assure…
Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to SuccessDecember 28, 2011A part of you can’t wait to dive into your new career − but you’re also smart enough to know that you can expect a few bumps along the road to success. By far, the biggest roadblocks exist between your own two ears! Let’s take…
What are your one or two words that will drive your 2012?December 28, 2011Share your words below. Written by: Dr. Valerie Young on December 28, 2011.Last revised by: , our reviewer, on September 16, 2013.
What to Do When You Fall Out of Love With Your WorkDecember 7, 2011You started out loving your chosen career – at least in the beginning. But over time, you and your calling, well, you just grew apart. And just like a relationship that’s gone bad, it can be hard to walk away from a career or a…
Make Every Day Thanksgiving: How Creating a Better Future Starts With What You Do in the PresentNovember 23, 2011This week most Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Our Canadian friends celebrated their Thanksgiving in October. Other countries and cultures around the world have their own days and ways of expressing appreciation for life’s abundance. I happen to believe every day is meant for thanksgiving.…
How Much Do You Need to Know Before You’re an Expert?November 9, 2011By Valerie Young During a recent visit to the dentist, my hygienist Anne asked about my recent speaking tour in California. When I told Anne I’d spoken on the Impostor Syndrome to thousands of people at numerous universities, including Stanford, her response was, “Wow, you…
Dreams Can Come True: The 7 Key Lessons to Turning Dreams into RealityOctober 26, 2011Early on in his career, college football coaching legend Lou Holtz made a list of 107 things he wanted to accomplish in his life. Among them were to go white water rafting, see the pyramids, meet the Pope, have dinner at the White House with…
When It Comes to Finding the Career of Your Dreams, Timing is EverythingOctober 13, 2011One of the very first things I did on day one of the Making Dreams Happen workshop was take a survey of the group. As I suspected, participants fell into four categories: Completely clued into their dream Got a few different ideas in mind Got…
Want to Work for Yourself? Those Dream Jobs Don’t Just Happen, They’re CreatedSeptember 28, 2011While traveling in northern California a few years ago, I happened to tune into a local newscast. The newscaster was telling his co-anchor that the speaker at that morning’s Rotary Club meeting had to cut his presentation short because he was being flown down to…
It Takes a Village: Serve Others and Earn Money at the Same TimeSeptember 13, 2011For as long as she can remember “Cathy” has loved being of service to older people, so much so that on Saturdays she offers low-income seniors free haircuts. Cathy’s is a one-person mission. As it turns out there’s a larger coordinated effort happening around the…
Who Says You Can’t Live Your Dreams?August 31, 2011Dreamers beware: for every dream there are 10 naysayers just waiting to dash it. It almost happened to Beverly Goodman Park. Park was close to 60 when her marriage ended. At an age when most people are contemplating retirement, Park decided to pursue a long-held…
Why Wish Upon a Star When You Can Reach for One? August 17, 2011It’s been over thirty years since Pulitzer Prize-winning author Studs Terkel traveled the country conducting interviews for his book, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do. In it is an insightful quote from Nora Watson…
Ten Tips for Figuring Out How to Get Paid to Do What You LoveAugust 3, 2011I love proving people wrong. Not all people… just the ones who are operating under the kind of faulty self-limited assumptions that prevent them – or the people around them – from working at what they really love. That was definitely the case for a…
Want Meaningful Work and Money? Lessons from Animal Lovers Who Found a Way to Have BothJune 28, 2011“At a time when many of us work mostly because it pays, to find meaning in what you do can be a radical stance,” says Po Bronson, author of What Should I Do with My Life? For animal lovers there is perhaps no more meaningful…
Innovative Ideas May Be All “In Your Mind”May 13, 2011Aspiring entrepreneurs – especially those who are “creativity-impaired” – can take heart in knowing there is more than one way to generate ideas for products or services. Capitalize on Mistakes Some of the best product ideas were unintended. Did you know, for example, that Post-It-Notes…
Do You Really Know What You Want?April 27, 2011What I really wanted was a life with more balance, work I could feel passionate about, and the ability to control my own life and time. That's the day I decided to follow my bliss.
The Key to Changing Course is to Start: 6 Tips on How to Get StartedApril 12, 2011Sometimes signs arrive when you least expect them. On a recent dog walk along the Connecticut River, I spotted a large white sign tacked to a tree on the opposite shore. The sign contained a single word: Start.
This simple but powerful word got me thinking of all the different places someone who wanted to change course could start. Here are 6 tips to get you started on getting started:
How to Make Money By Breaking the RulesMarch 10, 2011Too many people who want to work at what they love seem to suffer from the misguided notion that there are certain “rules” that must be followed. Let me give you a quick example. At the beginning of every career consultation, I ask clients to…
The Power of Serendipity in Making Dreams Come TrueFebruary 21, 2011You always hear how one thing leads to another. Sadly, though, too few people who say they want to be their own boss pay attention to serendipitous connections which means they miss the opportunities right in front of them. Barbara Perman of Moving Mentor, in…
Have a Great Idea for a Business? Test the Waters Before Diving InFebruary 9, 2011Now and then I meet someone (usually a young person) who tells me they really like helping with people, so they’re thinking about going into Human Resources or HR as it’s commonly referred to. They imagine themselves sitting in their large private office eagerly awaiting…
Surprising Year-End Tax Deductions for DreamersDecember 31, 2010By Valerie Young As 2010 comes to a rapid close, I suppose I should be writing an inspirational message about the New Year. How about a little practical inspiration that can help your wallet? Every January 1, I set aside time to reflect on my…
How the Penguin Lady Found Her Wings and Launched a DreamNovember 11, 2010At 32, Dyan deNapoli decided to pursue her childhood dream of working with animals. Despite fears that she wasn't "smart enough" to handle the rigorous math and science courses, the self-employed silversmith took a chance and returned to school for a degree in animal science. Not only did she pass, but she graduated with flying colors.
What Can These Inspired Entrepreneurs Teach You?October 22, 2010A few weeks ago I went back to the fair. And entrepreneurs I met on this year's visit were equally inspirational -- and educational. Each offer valuable lessons you can easily put to use to start or grow your own small business.
What Did You Learn This Summer That Can Further Your Dream of Changing Course?September 2, 2010By Valerie Young Remember those “How I spent my summer vacation” essays the teacher had you do as kids? The focus then was on what you “did.” Imagine how much more value there would have been if you’d been encouraged to reflect on what you…
What Are You Willing to Do to Achieve Your Dream?August 17, 2010You love the idea of being your own boss. The ability to control your time and life, getting to do work you're passionate about, perhaps making a difference in the world.
It's a wonderful goal and frankly I can't imagine living any other way. The big question is what are you willing to do to make that dream happen? Here are 4 questions that require an honest reply:
7 Secrets to Getting UNSTUCK Fast: Lessons from Fellow Travelers on the Road to Right LivelihoodMay 28, 2010Valerie Young By Valerie Young We all know what it’s like to desperately want to make a change and at the same time be hopelessly stuck. Getting stuck is easy. Fortunately, getting unstuck is a lot easier than you think as well. And I’m not…
Is What’s In Your “Competence Rulebook” Holding You Back?April 21, 2010By Valerie Young Last week I delivered a keynote presentation to 250 university and corporate professionals in Baltimore. They were there for a conference on how to encourage more women and people of color to enter and then succeed in the field of engineering. My…
Can You Really Start a Business in a Weekend? Lessons From a Master of the Quick LaunchMarch 17, 2010Is it really possible to come up with a great idea on a Saturday, be in business by Monday and grow sales to the $1 million mark in a year? It is if you're willing to ditch a lot of lame rules that hold most people back, like one enterprising entrepreneur in Florida.
Could Doing Work You Love Be The Fountain of Youth?February 24, 2010Valerie Young By Valerie Young I always wrap up my private brainstorming sessions with the same simple question: “Was this helpful?” I’m both proud and humbled to say, 99 percent of my clients invariable answer with some version of, “YES!” So yesterday I was more…
Dreams Can Come True: The 7 Key Lessons to Turning Dreams into RealityJanuary 27, 2010Early on in his career, college football coaching legend Lou Holtz made a list of 107 things he wanted to accomplish in his life. Among them were to go white water rafting, see the pyramids, meet the Pope, have dinner at the White House with…
What Does Gratitude Have to Do With Career Change?December 30, 2009I think perhaps the reason you don’t hear a lot of career change agents talk about gratitude is that we’re in the business of helping facilitate people moving from where they are to where they’d rather be. Changing your work and life are by definition all about the future. Gratitude on the other hand is very much about the present.
Want the Perfect Career? Take a Page Out of Helen Hunt’s Success BookNovember 18, 2009Starting out, what kind of career did you want? When PBS’s Charlie Rose put this question to Helen Hunt, the actor replied confidently, “This one.”
Want to Be Your Own Boss? Ask These Three Questions FirstNovember 5, 200920 percent of the people I spoke with will realize their dream of being their own boss. The other 80 percent won’t. Why? Because some people are in love with the “idea” of being their own boss – but they’re just not cut out to actually be self-employed.
Want to Make a Change? Be CuriousOctober 15, 2009 It was a beautiful fall day when I passed through the gates for probably the 45th time on my nearly annual pilgrimage to The Eastern States Exposition. At least that’s what it was called when I was growing up. Since then marketers have…
Turning Passions Into ProfitsOctober 8, 2009When the October issue of More magazine arrived, I tossed it into the pile with the other mail. I didn’t remember subscribing to More. But then it wouldn’t be the first time I ordered something and then forgot I did it. Turns out I had…
Live and Work in Paradise: How to Transition to the Right Job in the Right PlaceSeptember 16, 2009What if you could earn a living working not only at what you love but where you love as well? If location is everything for you, here is the low-down on locating your ideal work in your ideal place.
Why We Wind Up On The Wrong Career Path And What To Do About ItSeptember 2, 2009Valerie Young By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 214 of the Changing Course Newsletter. You don’t have to look very far to find people who’re trapped in the wrong job or profession. Carpenters who should have been accountants. Accountants who should have…
Innovative Ideas May Be All “In Your Mind”August 19, 2009Valerie Young By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 213 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Aspiring entrepreneurs – especially those who are “creativity-impaired” – can take heart in knowing there is more than one way to generate ideas for products or services. Capitalize…
Still Don’t Know What You Want To Be “When You Grow Up?” Here Are 3 Ways To Find OutAugust 6, 2009If you’re well into your career but still aren't really sure what you want to be “when you grow up,” join the mid-life career crisis club! Here are three ways to help you discover your heart's content.
Who Says You Can’t Live Your Dreams?July 15, 2009Don’t expect a lot of support for your "foolish dreams." Instead, be prepared to reach deep within to turn "can’t" into "can." Here are two motivation-boosting tips to get you started...
Dreams Can Come True: The 7 Key Lessons to Turning Dreams into Reality June 25, 2009I’ve discovered that there are seven key lessons to realizing a dream. A big dream for me was finding a house with a view. I work at home so where I live is really important to me. I have this thing about wanting to live in the country. Not in the woods, though. I need space. Rolling hills, fields, maybe some cows in the background (I love cows!). Think pastoral, bucolic, peaceful, private.
Use Your Summer Vacation to Start Working at What You LoveJune 10, 2009Valerie Young By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 209 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Remember writing those "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" essays way back when? Summertime may not be the endless carefree season it was when you were a kid,…
How to Turn Simple Ideas Into Financial FreedomMay 29, 2009It never ceases to amaze me how just one little shift in perspective can open up a world of possibility and can have huge financial implications for you and your current or future business. For example…
Time to Break Out of the Job Box: Readers Share Cool Ideas for Turning Your Everyday Interests Into Money-Making Small BusinessesMay 6, 2009There is no limit to the ways you can make money doing something you love. All you need is an idea combined with action. If you haven’t yet come up with an idea, or need the inspiration to act on the one you already have… read on.
Time to Break Out of the Job Box: Readers Share Cool Ideas for Turning Your Everyday Interests Into Money-Making Small BusinessesApril 9, 2009Valerie Young By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 206 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Part 1 of a 2 Part Series In his hour-long interview with Charlie Rose, Bill Gates said something that made me grab for my pen. He said, “This…
Do You Love Thinking “Outside the Job Box”?April 1, 2009If you love the idea of getting paid to use your creative brainstorming skills, then this is your chance to win a FREE Outside the Job Box Career Expert and Small Business Idea Consultant Course and Business Launch Program.
No Time to Go After Your Dream? How to Turn Your Dreams Into Reality in Five Minutes a Day and Other Tips for Time-Stressed DreamersMarch 25, 2009Here are five simple steps even the busiest person seeking a major career change can take to get the process rolling...
Ten Tips for Figuring Out How to Get Paid to Do What You Love March 10, 2009Nobody likes to be proven wrong… that is unless the thing you’re wrong about is thinking you can’t profit from your passions. Follow these ten tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Opportunity Analyst… and one giant step closer to earning your living doing exactly what you love!
Do You Need to Make Money Now? Avoid the Heartbreak and Myths of MarketingFebruary 25, 2009If you have never run a small business before, then you’re probably operating from a lot of myths about what marketing is and how it works. Succeeding in this, or any, economy means smashing through these four myths that are guaranteed to doom any business.
Lessons on Inspiration, Guidance and Success from a Real Estate “Artist”February 4, 2009Meeting Frank McKinney was truly an amazing experience. Wealth itself does not impress me, but I was genuinely inspired by the wisdom to learn from others who had already achieved their success, the sacrifices he was willing to make early in his real estate career, the courage to break outside of the traditional developer mode to bring an artistry to his work, and his eagerness to recognize that there is more to life than financial success – that it’s the opportunity to make a difference in the world. These are principles we can all apply to our businesses and our lives.
Turn Your Love for Sports Into an IncomeFebruary 2, 2009If you (or someone you know) love sports and are looking to create an income stream running sports camps, you really want to check this out. They have covered all the details and are providing you with all the tools you’ll need to make this a reality.
A 3-Step Process for Finding What You Love to Do and Getting Paid to Do ItJanuary 26, 2009When you are so busy just trying to do whatever job you trained for or fell into, your true passions and gifts can somehow got lost along the way. Deep down though I think everyone knows what they love to do. They just need to do a little digging.
How Do You Overcome the Terror of Failing?December 30, 2008If you really want to change course to work for yourself, then you absolutely must readjust your emotional response to failure. This means embracing some fundamental truths about failure that have guided successful people since the first caveman’s spear missed that first wooly mammoth and he picked it up to try again.
What’s Keeping You Up at Night?December 10, 2008The thing that keeps me awake at night is wondering how can I help overworked under-fulfilled people, stressed out people (like you?) to change course as fast as possible. In other words, what exactly will it take to really accelerate your dream of being able to quit your job and get a life?
Make Every Day Thanksgiving: How Creating a Better Future Starts With What You Do in the PresentNovember 26, 2008I began to compare the simple, yet powerful, message to “be here now” with the popularity of those “I’d rather be…” bumper stickers. Some of our fellow drivers would rather be fishing. Others would rather be shopping. A personal favorite common here in this college town is, “I’d rather be smashing imperialism.” We may all fill in the “I’d rather be…” blank differently but the message is still the same – we’d rather be just about anywhere but “here.”
Instant Career Change: Is There A Fast and Easy Way to the Top?November 13, 2008I admit it. I've watched more than a few episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? So, imagine my excitement when the answer to my prayers arrived in my e-mail. In just 90 days, I was told, I could make $50,000 without doing any hard work or leaving the comfort of home. Lunging for my calculator, I figured out that if I follow this simple success plan every day for one year, I could take in a whopping $20 million dollars! The heck with Meredith, I'm heading straight for Easy Street!
So maybe you're not naive enough to fall for these get-rich-quick scams. But admit it: the offer intrigued you. Whether looking to lose 20 pounds or switch careers, the promise of a quick-and-easy solution is enticing.
From Food Stamps to Entrepreneurial SuccessNovember 13, 2008If you either have a business with a Web site, or you have an idea for one, but you HATE MARKETING, then I highly recommend Jeff’s program. He’s giving away some great free content including his new Product Launch Blueprint video. Sign up to watch it now at ChangingCourse.com/recommends/plf
Want to Work for Yourself: Those Dream Jobs Don’t Just Happen, They’re CreatedOctober 29, 2008If you dream of making the transition from employee to self-bosser, the first thing you need to do is belief that you can. Then, the next time you see some entrepreneur doing what they love, try thinking: "Nice work – now, all I have to do is get it!"
Why Wish Upon a Star When You Can Reach for One?October 14, 2008Maybe all you really know for sure is that you're ready for a change. That's a start. Now you need to take the goal, "make a change," and bump it up a few notches by dreaming big!
If you have multiple interests, picture being able to earn a living enjoying them all.
If you like the idea of working at home, imagine doing it on an island or maybe working only nine months a year.
If you're just making ends meet in an unfulfilling job, imagine doing something you love and doubling your income at the same time.
You may not get everything you want, but two things are certain:
1) It takes not one ounce of energy more to dream big than it does to settle, and you've got a lot more to gain by shooting high than by shooting low.
2) Carl Sandburg once said, "Nothing happens unless first a dream." So reach for the stars and catch hold of a Big Dream. Then, one day at a time, honor your dream with action.
How to Turn a Negative Experience Into a Positive Way to Make a Living Without a JobOctober 1, 2008You know the old expression, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. You’re about to meet seven people who took adversity, bad habits, betrayal, and loss and turned these sour experiences into satisfying livelihoods. The experiences and approaches to generating income vary. Some wrote about their experience, some created products, some now teach or counsel others on how to avoid or handle the same problem they once lived through, some created recipes, and one even syndicated his humorous take on a bad situation.
Profit from Experience: The Key to Your Right Livelihood May Be Right in Your Own BackyardSeptember 18, 2008Too many people either fail to see – or outright dismiss – how the personal experiences in their own "backyard" are ripe with possibilities for income streams or indeed complete careers. Every small business I ever had originated from some event, realization, or challenge I’d personally experienced.
How to Make Money by Breaking the RulesSeptember 3, 2008Valerie and her rescue dog,"Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 191 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Too many people who want to work at what they love seem to suffer from the misguided notion that there are certain “rules” that…
Have a Great Idea for a Business? Test the Waters Before Diving InAugust 8, 2008Valerie and her rescue dog,"Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 190 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Now and then I meet someone (usually a young person) who tells me they really like helping with people, so they’re thinking about going…
Business Success Bootcamp for Fitness EnthusiastsAugust 8, 2008Are you (or is someone you know) a personal trainer, fitness instructor, conditioning coach, or other independent fitness professional… or want to be? Are you passionate about being healthy and fit and helping other people do the same? Do you want to stop working twelve…
Be a Part of Valerie’s New BookAugust 8, 2008Do you secretly worry that others will find out you’re not as intelligent and competent as they seem to think you are? Do you often dismiss your accomplishments as a “fluke” or “no big deal?” Do you sometimes shy away from or obsess about taking…
Turning Problems Into OpportunitiesJuly 24, 2008New Page 1 Valerie and her rescue dog,"Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 189 of the Changing Course Newsletter. "In the middle of difficulty," observed Albert Einstein, "lies opportunity." Some of the best opportunities often originate from problems –…
When it Comes to Your Dreams, Sometimes the Best Advice is to Ignore Everything Your Parents Told YouJuly 7, 2008When Robin Williams told his father about his desire to become an actor, his dad advised him to study welding – "just in case." My own parents urged me to become a teacher, but it wasn't because they noticed the early signs of a gifted educator. My parents' dreams for me were far more practical. Going into teaching was a Plan B – in case something happened to my future husband, I'd have something to "fall back on."
Recreate Your Life: Summertime is the Perfect Time to Grow a DreamJune 26, 2008Valerie and her rescue dog,"Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 187 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Has the school calendar of your youth hardwired you into seeing September as the time for new beginnings? If you yearn for a new…
One Viable Way to “Unjob,” Turn Your Interests into Income, and Still Get a Steady Flow of IncomeJune 16, 2008Valerie and her rescue dog,"Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 186 of the Changing Course Newsletter. I'm all about finding ways to help people to "un-job." One obvious barrier to quitting the 9-to-5 grind to work on your own is…
Breaking Into Print: How to Get Paid to be a Freelance Writer – Fiction or Non-FictionMay 20, 2008You’ve always been drawn to writing – and to the freedom and flexibility of a freelance writer – but you don’t know where to begin to turn a long-held interest into income. Fortunately I do.
Afraid to Take the Leap? Simple Ways to Face Down Your FearsMay 8, 2008Valerie and her wonder dog, "Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 183 of the Changing Course Newsletter. The so-called safe path is always “easier.” Just ask Ursula Clay. Ursula tried to take the secure career path her immigrant parents had…
Have You Started a Blog Yet?May 8, 2008The reason I ask is that it’s estimated that over 175,000 NEW blogs are launched every day! For many people, blogs are an easier, more natural way to create a presence online as they don’t require a designer or HTML skills. For some though, they…
If You Think You Can’t Change Course… You’re RightApril 16, 2008Valerie and her wonder dog, "Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 182 of the Changing Course Newsletter. You’ve heard the expression that some people see the glass as half full while others perceive the same glass to be half empty?…
Profit From Your ArtApril 16, 2008Who says you can’t make money from your art? You don’t have to be a “fine artist” to have your images appear on greeting cards, prints and posters, calendars, on collector plates, in books, animation, for record companies, on coffee mugs, coasters, clothing and fabric,…
Dreams Can Come TrueApril 2, 2008The 8 Key Lessons to Turning Dreams Into Reality Valerie and her wonder dog, "Cokie Roberts" By Valerie Young Early on in his career, college football coaching legend Lou Holtz made a list of 107 things he wanted to accomplish in his life. Among them…
Update 6: Find Your Calling By Helping Others Find TheirsApril 2, 2008Join Me for Five Extraordinary Days and Leave With Everything You Need to Start Your Own Business as an "Outside the Job Box" Career Consultant 2008 Business Training Summit Northampton, MassachusettsMay 4-8, 2008 What could be more fun than sitting at home (or anywhere in…
Who Says You Can’t Live Your Dreams?March 20, 2008By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 180 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Dreamers beware: for every dream there are 10 naysayers just waiting to dash it. It almost happened to Beverly Goodman Park. Park was close to 60 when her marriage ended.…
2008 “Outside the Job Box” Career Consultant Training March 20, 2008Join Me this Spring… And Over Five Extraordinary Days, Discover How You Can Find Your Own Calling by Helping Others Realize Theirs 2008 Certification & Training Summit Become an “Outside the Job Box” Career Consultant Northampton, Massachusetts May 4-8, 2008 What could be more fun…
Update 4: Find Your Calling By Helping Other People Find TheirsMarch 16, 2008Advanced Registration Date Set and Program Pricing Registration Date Set Barring any last minute technical difficulties, the advanced registration process will begin on TUESDAY, MARCH 18th at NOON EASTERN TIME. I’m not sending the link now because initially this link is going ONLY to people…
Update 3: Find Your Calling By Helping Others Find TheirsMarch 11, 2008Answers To Your FAQs About The “Outside the Job Box” Career Consultant Certification Program & An Important Date Change If you caught last Friday’s issue (March 7th) of the Changing Course newsletter then you already saw the video where previous attendees in the Outside the…
Are Your Attitudes About Money Holding You Back?March 7, 2008Part 2 in a 2-Part Series About Women and Money By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 179 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Well I’m back from my big New York trip and ready to pick up where I left off in the…
The Key to Changing Course is to Start: 6 Tips on How to Get StartedFebruary 20, 2008 Valerie and her wonder dog, “Cokie Roberts” Sometimes signs arrive when you least expect them. On a recent dog walk along the Connecticut River, I spotted a large white sign tacked to a tree on the opposite shore. The sign contained a single word:…
Are Your Attitudes About Money Holding You Back?January 29, 2008Part 1 in a 2-Part Series About Women and Money By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 177 of the Changing Course Newsletter. I’m the owner of an online business. I’m also a woman. What that means is I often have to manage…
Follow the Trends to Find a Profitable Business IdeaJanuary 8, 2008Looking for an inspiring or innovative business idea? One surefire place to look is to trends. Depending on your interests it might be trends related to the U.S. housing market, global warning, parenting, fitness, food, pets, technology, travel, dating, sports… the options are really limitless.…
What Does Gratitude Have to Do With Career Change?December 27, 2007By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 175 of the Changing Course Newsletter. As I drove alongside the Connecticut River today, I spotted two snow-white swans gliding elegantly atop still waters. I felt so blessed to have been in that place at that time…
Teleseminars Are a Great Solution for People Who Hate to SellDecember 3, 2007This article originally appeared in Issue 174 of the Changing Course Newsletter. Do you have a business (or an idea for one) but hate the thought of having to “sell”? Do you love sharing information, resources, insight or knowledge with others? Do you have a…
Tools to Help You Go From Creating Debt to Creating DreamsNovember 14, 2007By Valerie Young This article originally appeared in Issue 173 of the Changing Course Newsletter. The traditional kick-off to the holiday shopping season in the U.S. is Thanksgiving. This year ads started popping up before Halloween. It’s been said that holiday debt is the gift that…
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