b.Inspired Cafe & Blog

The Real New Year Begins April 1st!

Would you like another chance for a fresh start? The observation of the New Year was originally celebrated on April 1!* In 1582 a pope decided to introduce a new calendar that changed it to January 1. Traced back to 16th century France—people who didn’t catch on to the new date were spoken of as going on “fools’ errands.” [* Source: Doug George, The Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2005.]

Isn’t it intriguing to think that once upon a time the “natural” New Year began in April? Don’t we feel more in the mood to look at goals and enjoy fresh beginnings at this time of year rather than in December/January?

So, let’s celebrate setting intentions and new growth now. Release whatever resolutions you may feel guilty about not achieving since January. Breathe and give yourself another fresh start!

Action: Take yourself out for a “self-coaching” coffee date. Reflect and write about beginning your New Year with truly chosen priorities and committed intentions now. Find support from your coach, group or trusted friend/colleague.  Sip and enjoy.

Don't Consider Career Change Until You Do This

Considering a career change? Or change of some kind? Who isn’t these days? It may be a new job or job description, a new career path or just how to be creative and resourceful in your current work. Over many years of coaching hundreds of people, one of my favorite metaphors came up about career change.

Think about going to the grocery store when you are in a hurry, hungry, tired, desperate or even “just not that into it.”

What ends up in your cart? Not the best stuff, hmm?

Your career change is like that. Imagine taking time to reflect on your nourishment needs, goals, authentic passions and priorities before entering the market to shop. There’s a whole Passion Meets Profit process clients go through including assessing values, passions, strengths and what the market is demanding currently (more about that in a future blog). There are times when we are in a hurry- and need cash flow fast. It may be even more important to take some time to Reflect and create a smart, well-thought through, informed “shopping list” before you hit the networking, update the resume and so on. Don’t just jump online and end up with the first donut you can grab or is offered.  Imagine taking the time to at least write your grocery list more consciously on a slip of paper before entering the store.  Do we need to say haste makes waste?

6 questions to empower your career change success:

• What is the real need? What is the true priority? Slow down to answer wisely.
• When have I felt fulfilled, alive, at my best (work, school, go back as you need to)?
• What passions and talents/ gifts are prominent in these memories?
• Who am I attracted to serve or have as client/employer-- What types of people, cultures, fields?
• Where would my passions and gifts be needed and paid for these days?

Use the Reflect before resume rule wisely and you will succeed far better in your career change short term and beyond.

Be well, be inspired....