How To Coach Yourself Through Change - Part II - Fortune Cookie Philosophy

Fortune Cookie Philosophy: 5 Steps To A Great New You!

1. We all have extraordinary coded within us, waiting to be released. – Face the change. Life, career, family – what is it? Define the change. How will it affect you? Turn it around. Turn it into a goal! A BIG one!! Break it down, one step at a time. Set a timeline. (If you’re like my partner, create a color-coded process flowchart!) It is all there, inside of you. Waiting to be released. Why are you holding you back?

2. How can you have a beautiful ending without making beautiful mistakes? – When facing change, you have to be brave. If you are only concerned about doing something right, you will never discover the delight that comes from discovering the unknown, or, the pride you can have from ‘capturing a victory from the jaws of defeat’. You are only holding yourself back. Take small risks. Maybe order Strawberry Citrus Basil Tea instead of plain old iced tea. Next, volunteer to take the lead on that important project at work. Stop playing it safe. Change can bring great opportunity, and in the case of that tea, some really yummy discoveries.

3. May you come to the attention of those in authority. – Wise people know that when they are in doubt, the best thing to do is shut up and listen. But really wise people know that when they have a great idea, they need to speak up. At the right time, and to the right people. Don’t fear change by trying to hide. If you have the answer, if you see an improvement, if you have what may be a good idea – share it with someone who has the power to say ‘yes’. This is the perfect companion to #2. When you come to the attention of those in authority, especially when you are bringing something of value to the table, you are being given a wonderful gift – an opportunity to shine.

4. You are far more influential than you think. – One of the most natural human responses to change is to feel like it is only happening to you. It can make you feel isolated and powerless. But you are not powerless, and there is no reason for you to be alone. Create your own support network! Think of all the people you know – people you have worked with, friends, family, neighbors, etc. Social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn make it very easy for you to connect and get the support you need, personally and professionally. Ask for what you need. Someone in your network might know of a great new career opportunity, or they might have a great idea to help you achieve your goals. Use your resources!

5. May you find what you are looking for. – This fortune in only a curse if you focus solely on the goal, and ignore the journey. So while you are on that path of change, working toward your goals, bravely stretching beyond your barriers, make sure to keep yourself centered and open to the joys you encounter along the way. When traveling through change, we achieve growth during the journey. So, pay attention. May you find what you’re looking for!

How To Coach Yourself Through Change - Part I

Several years ago, I was yawning my way through one of the world’s most boring lunch meetings, and decided to amuse myself by opening all of the fortune cookies sitting in the middle of the table. I found myself deeply moved by the messages on those little white slips of paper, and in fact, felt that the universe was communicating directly with me (yes, that meeting was really boring). I tucked three of those profound message slips into my wallet, where they joined 4 or 5 others that had spoken to me over the years. In fact, every time I purchase a new wallet, my fortunes are transferred along with my driver’s license and credit cards.

I bought a new wallet recently, and in the process of emptying the old to fill up the new, I read through these small white slips of paper for the first time in a long while. As I read, I began laughing when I realized that much of what I do as a coach was summed up in one-liners from fortune cookies:

We all have extraordinary coded within us, waiting to be released.

How can you have a beautiful ending without making beautiful mistakes?

You are far more influential than you think.

Anything you do, do it well. The last thing you want is to be sorry for what you didn't do.

Then, I really had a good laugh when I read those three slips of paper from that long ago lunch meeting:

May you live in interesting times.

May you come to the attention of those in authority.

May you find what you are looking for.

Those three profound messages from the universe – my ancient Chinese secrets – are in fact ancient Chinese curses! After I finally stopped laughing, I realized that I still wanted those “cursed” fortunes in my new wallet. I still believed that I was meant to break open that stack of cookies all those years ago, and that their messages were sent especially for me.

We do live in interesting times. There is more change in our world today, every minute of every day, than ever before. All of this change brings one of two things, depending on your point of view – Fear and Opportunity. Each of us has the power within ourselves to decide the path of our response. Will you respond with fear of change? Or, will you embrace it, grow with it, and seize the wonderful new opportunities change brings?

Why Do You Need A Career Coach?

Do you envy people who are truly passionate about their career?

Do you wish you were working in a different role or industry?

Do you want to grow and move up in your career?

So, what can a coach do for you? It’s simple, really. We help you transform your life by helping you solve problems and achieve your goals. The services of Talent Innovations are not one size fits all. Each coaching interaction is customized to achieve the needs and goals of the client. Whatever the level or scope of your career, whether individual or team focused, our career strategies are designed to help you discover you. What are your goals? What do you want to accomplish? When you dream of your best future, what does it look like? We help open the channels to get you there.

Our clients fall into one of two categories: employed or unemployed. Our employed clients come to us for one of two reasons. They manage people and need to develop as a leader. Or, they manage people and need to develop their team. Our customized leadership and team development programs are designed to take you and your employees to a new level performance. We are here to coach and guide you and your team through the process, and help you manage the changes brought by growth.

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