As you sit down to begin your week this morning, you probably have a relatively light work schedule ahead of you, as well as holiday plans on your mind. Now is a good time to reflect on the past year and recognize your successful and not so successful moments. Many people experienced a frustrating 2002, and they find comfort in blaming their frustrations on changed external circumstances.

The true source of frustration is not that our circumstances have changed, but that our ways of thinking have not changed. We develop thinking patterns to deal with a particular set of circumstances. When those circumstances change, and they always do, then our thinking patterns are no longer effective anymore.

To counter frustration, you must adapt flexible and alternate thinking patterns.

THE WEEKLY ACTION CHALLENGE

Your challenge this week is to let go of old ideas.

Identify one or two principles that have held true for you in the past year. For example, "If I work hard, I will get a raise and a promotion." Or, "If I speak to enough recruiters, and I have the right skills, I will get a good job."

Think about how those principals fell apart this year, and recognize that clinging to them has been a real source of frustration. Decide to let go of these principles, and replace them with a more dynamic approach.

For example, rather than waiting for that raise or promotion to come to you, expand your thinking so you can build an innovative and compelling case for one. If you are searching for a job, rather than waiting for your industry to improve, expand your options by thinking of new pathways for your skills. Maybe a different approach to your current industry, a new industry altogether, or a new location may be your solution.

Your possibilities are endless, but your old ideas are your biggest liability. Seize the moment, and turn your old ideas into new ones so you can have a successful career.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

ARE YOU OUT OF WORK OR OVERWORKED?

If you answered YES, then working with a coach may be your next move.

Many people who have hired me can now say that they have the control and power back in their careers.

HERE IS WHAT ONE CLIENT HAD TO SAY:

"I Want To Thank You For Your Support. I Can't Imagine Where I'd Be Now Without You." (Kathleen Lott, President, On Your Behalf, NYC)

Stop worrying about what is not working in your career. Take the first step and visit http://www.surpassyourdreams.com to find out how to overcome to thinking patterns that have been holding you back.

Deborah Brown-Volkman, Career & Mentor Coach (Publisher)
President, Surpass Your Dreams
President, United Coaching Alliance
info@surpassyourdreams.com
http://www.surpassyourdreams.com
631-874-2877

Brian Volkman (Editor)
brianonline@worldnet.att.net

Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours!

Copyright (c) 2002. All rights reserved.