Take Charge of Your Career
by Deborah Brown-Volkman, contributing columnist

Two years ago, I had a job in the corporate world.  I had an office, a good salary, and the privilege of being known and respected for consistently doing a job well done. Even though I was successful, I'd been unhappy in my career for years. I stayed put because I was comfortable, tied to the money, loved the adrenaline rush that deadlines produce, and enjoyed the compliments I received from my boss and peers.

Secretly, I was building a business on the side. I was coaching people to live their dreams in the evenings and weekends. Although my clients were living lives they loved, I couldn't say I was doing the same.

Then, I got laid off. I was devastated, confused, and I felt betrayed. But I was one of many who were worried and wondering which direction to take next. Little did
I know at the time, that this was the day I became a full time coach.

They say the first year of getting a business off the ground is tough, and they're not kidding. Everything you said was someone else's job or another department's responsibility when you were an employee becomes your responsibility when you own your own business. It's overwhelming, confronting, and one of the hardest
things I've ever done in my life.

Today, I have a thriving coaching practice. And, I have started another coaching company that is beginning to grow. I have never been happier. I owe my success to
being able to imagine myself successful, visualizing victory in the future. Or, in other words, I took charge on my career.

So, How Can You Take Charge Of Your Career? Follow The Steps Below:

1. Accept Where You Are

Stop blaming the world for your predicament and forgive
those who caused your situation. (Because it does not
serve you.) Most importantly, forgive yourself.
Acknowledge where you are today because you know you
cannot reach a better tomorrow without this.

2. Decide You Will Win

Recognize that you worked too hard to get to where you
are in your career, and you are not about to lose it
now. Decide that your present situation will not get
the best of you. Let go of the shoulds, and the reasons
why you can't have what you want in your career. Make
a plan, and go after what you truly deserve.

3. Persevere

Don't give up. Make a promise that you will wake up
each morning and tell yourself that today is a brand
new day. Each day, make those phone calls you are
afraid to make. Write those e-mail's and letters you
aren't sure will get read. Network. But most
importantly, feel the fear and move forward anyway.

4. Ask For Help

This may be hard for you because you are used to doing
things on your own. Open yourself up and ask for what
you need. Be surprised and appreciative because people
from unexpected places will take the time to help you.
Life is much easier when you are not reaching your
goals alone.

5. Trust That You Will End Up In A Better Place

Stop driving yourself crazy because you know in your
heart that things would improve. Recognize that your
situation is only temporary. Enjoyed yourself more.
Spend time getting to know you again. Lose weight,
or take up a new hobby. Try new things. Get ready to
grow in ways you never imagined possible. You will be
stronger and wiser from this experience. You will not
be the same.

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

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Deborah Brown is a noted Career and Mentor Coach that shows Entrepreneurs, Executives, Professionals, and Coaches how to transition into careers they love, excel in the careers they have now, start their own businesses, and find time for themselves. She is the author of the "21-Day Career Empowerment" program. This 21-day e-mail program gives participants the insight, clarity, and knowledge to either choose their current position or their next career To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com , send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440.