What inspires you?
What does your next step look like…?

I’m always on the look-out for the next inspiration, the next piece of information – or person – that shows me or tells me something which then, happens to lead me to the next important turn of events. I believe that if we’re aware of when this new thing or person shows up in our lives, we have the unique opportunity to see where things lead, or to understand how we can really engage and reach some new height or level in our work…our career…our calling.

Of course, life and work are filled with the mundane – the paperwork, the ‘have to’s’, the things that we resist doing. But sometimes, when you meet people and find circumstances that really inspire you, your perspective – your sense of gratitude for what you can do – can be amplified.

I’m speaking from experience, here. I recently met, and just had to jump on board and surf with (at least, mentally) Jon Rose, Hurley-sponsored surfer extraordinaire, and his father, Jack Rose. Together, they have created Waves for Water. Waves for Water is a non-profit organization that brings clean water to people who can only wish they had what we have – drinkable water that keeps them healthy and safe. I’ve learned from Jon and Jack that any one of us can take those packable water filters with us in our suitcases, to places like Africa, Haiti, India and elsewhere, and provide gallons of clean water to people who, just like us, endeavor to raise healthy children and live long, healthy lives.

Photo: Tom Servais

So I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be participating in a fun, informative and tasty November event that will ultimately increase this effort to bring safe, clean water to thousands of people in need, this time, in Nepal. Please join me as I moderate a conversation with Jack and Jon, along with my friend and event sponsor, Natalie Compagno, who, with her cool travel bookstore Traveler’s Bookcase, will bring valuable resources to “pour over”. We’ll be discussing the essential issues of doing what you love and doing good. Event attendees can purchase the simple water filters which will be hand-delivered to Nepal, when Jon heads there later this fall.

Please join us for food from Culver City restaurant, Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine, drinks, fascinating panel conversation and dialogue. More information will be available soon, on my “Events” web page.

What else is next, for us...

As you can tell, I’m reinvigorated by my recent undertakings and inspired to offer a new workshop, which will begin on Thursday, October 18. This new offering, “Listen for Your Calling” is a six-week class to help those of you who know that something in your life needs to change, but aren’t sure what “it” might be – or how to pursue “it”.

Class participants will learn how to dig down to those buried interests and passions, how to remove barriers and distractions that are keeping them at bay, how to find your inner strengths and manage weaknesses, and how to practically apply all of this to move towards what it is that you really want. What it is that will fulfill you, most. Class participants will also receive a FREE copy of my e-book, “Making Work Work: Secrets from a Career Coach’s Office”.

This new class series is $289.00 per person, for all six weeks. To read more about this new offering and to register, please click here.

And don’t forget that with our one-on-one coaching services, we're here for your individual needs, as well. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions about our one-on-one coaching services: 1-877-872-3929 or [email protected].

What we've been up to...

It was a busy spring and summer, at Daisy Swan & Associates. In April, I launched my new book, “Making Work Work: Secrets from a Career Coach's Office”. It’s an insightful, inspiring resource for anyone making a career transition. In the book, I reveal the path to success as I share stories of clients of all ages. These clients, representing the four Life Stages that I’ve identified as Beginning, Roadblock, Authenticity, and Wisdom, have successfully transitioned into a satisfying new work situation that you, too, can find.

This book will give you support and motivation through thought-provoking exercises, suggestions of simple actions to take, and valuable resources that can aid in this process. As I’ve noted in the past – and still do – this process can lead to a sometimes surprising, but decidedly enriching life that includes work that works for the individual.

Not content to stop at just writing the book, I’m also contributing to LA Yoga Magazine. You can read my first article, "Listen for Truth, Find the Time", in the magazine's July/August 2012 issue and on my blog. I’ve also been regularly contributing to "My L.A. Lifestyle". You can catch my monthly articles on both “My L.A. Lifestyle” and on my blog.

And in late July, we held the first in what will be a series of teleconference calls, called “Lawyer Makeover: A Panel Teleconference”. This teleconferenceseries, meant for those who are unhappy as lawyers and ready to make a change, introduced the call participants to panelists who could help them to envision and uncover new and exciting career paths, while offering them essential, practical information to begin or continue their transition. Call participants heard about how to unearth meaningful career options within, and outside of, the field of law; received networking pointers from attorneys who have successfully transitioned; learned how to manage their law school debt; and, discovered how to market themselves in their new roles. Curious? You can purchase a copy of the July call recording, here.

“Please share with Daisy and the panel that the call was phenomenal experience to participate in and has energized my decision to find a better way to use the law degree and years of legal experience I have acquired!! Thanks again…another great Daisy Swan effort!!!”

– Laura, July 2012 “Lawyer Makeover” Panel Teleconference Participant

As always, here are some suggested books that we’ve been enjoying:

“Positivity: Top-Notch Research Reveals the 3 to 1 Ratio That Will Change Your Life”, by Barbara Fredrickson

“Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake”, by Anna Quindlen

“Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace)”, by Chade-Meng Tan (of Google fame)

“The Rise of the Creative Class: And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure, Community, and Everyday Life”, by Richard Florida

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. You can even sign up to receive a FREE sample chapter from my new book, “Making Work Work: Secrets from a Career Coach's Office”; the signup box is located right on our home page. And please feel free to tell your friends and colleagues about the FREE sample chapter, 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 toll-free phone number: 1-877-872-3929.

Wishing you a happy and fruitful fall!

Daisy Swan & Associates