Let's Get Real.

I see and hear how angry and scared people are that their income - in many cases what was quite substantial - has diminished. Understandably, many people are holding out for the position that will bring them back to their level of employment and income that matched their livelihood pre-Great Recession days. My question now is, how long can you wait? Can you really afford to 'hold out' and not expand your possibilities in new ways, and perhaps really stretch yourself to try new types of work? Does the thought of accepting this new reality just hurt too much? Is that what’s holding you back?

I also see and hear the resistance to the new digital world, all the time. The resentment that salaries have decreased and the marketplace in many industries, has shifted. People are afraid to 'start at the bottom' now that they've risen so close to the top. “What does it say about me? What will others think? What will this look like on my resume?” These are the thoughts that hold us back from moving forward – while for many of us, this sort of transition could be the beginning of a new and inspiring journey. Hiding out and isolating ourselves in fear of change, does not work. Ever.

Schooling is a smart option for many, many people who are holding back from taking new action. The fear of the unknown always walks with us. But if we, like the entrepreneurs who spoke at my June 8 panel event, step forward with determination and cautious optimism, with our own personal credo about contributing to the world, our family, ourselves, then we can't help but face challenges with success, resilience and often, surprising joy.

We'll have the transcript from the June 8 panel event available soon, so you can hear about this, first-hand.

I've recently witnessed several clients awaken to new jobs that they've created, or opportunities that suddenly surfaced after the seeds of possibility had been planted years or months earlier. The creativity and movement past resistance to something new; some new way of thinking or doing things gave way to the right opportunity.

When we decide our waiting is over, and decide to take action with conviction, something - something - happens. We need to unhook ourselves from the belief that from there, we can control everything that will happen. After this decision, clarity dawns. Then we can see which steps we need to take to keep going.

Sound risky? If you think you can't afford to take this next step, I then ask, can you afford not to…?

Walking My Talk.

Taking new risks is just part of my DNA, and I often push myself to the edge, to peer around the corner at what’s just beyond. Creating time for quiet and finding balance is more important to me than ever, while juxtaposed with my curiosity and drive to learn more of what I’ve been resisting – mostly technology. So I’m finding my own ways of learning and growing, just like you.

I am also developing new coaching programs and offerings that will help us explore together what it takes to live and work during these disruptive times of change. I look forward to meeting and discussing these changes we are experiencing in a salon/meditative environment, where we can discover new routes to sustainable and productive ways of living.

I would love to hear from you about what would be helpful for you. What does ‘stuck’ look like to you? What’s the best way for you to crack that ‘STUCK’ barrier to be able to THINK DIFFERENTLY? New fall programs will be announced in August, so stay tuned, and please keep sending suggestions and feedback!

Annika, Daisy & Christine

In the interim, we at Daisy Swan & Associates already offer important and practical tool development workshops that will help you to be your best in your job search. You can check out all of our summer workshops, here, such as our new career coaching group, “Get With The Program! Leading-edge Job Search Strategies for 2011” - the next series of which begins on Tuesday, July 12. These groups spark and support so deeply that we find our clients asking to continue on as a team, to continue to inspire and support each other. We love that. That is what ‘success’ looks like, to us.

And of course, we look forward to supporting you through these groups in every possible way, too. And with our one-on-one coaching services, we’re here for your individual needs, as well. Annika, Christine and I are all equipped to hold you accountable so that you can move past the place you’re holding on to, for fear of not knowing what’s next. We’ll help you pry your fingers off the side of the pool so you can glide smoothly into - and through - the deep-end, to make this one of your finest summers, yet.

“The Big Shift: Navigating the New Stage Beyond Midlife” – by Marc Freedman
“Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program” – by Sharon Salzberg
“Escape From Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur” – by Pamela Slim

And as always, you can also find a wealth of resources on my site, from other suggested books, links to helpful sites, a Q&A with me, newsletter archives, and more.

And for those of you who are in the process of updating your résumé, you can sign up to receive a FREE résumé template from Daisy Swan & Associates; the signup box is located right on our home page. You might also consider taking advantage of our One-Night Resume/Cover Letter Workshops, being offered in both July and August. And please feel free to tell your friends and colleagues about our FREE résumé template, or any of our other services and offerings.

If you have any questions about any of our coaching services – or simply want to provide some feedback or suggestions - please know that you can always reach out to us at [email protected], or at our NEW toll-free phone number: 1-877-872-3929.