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!