Anna Ottaviani | Canadian Small Business Women

Feb 10 2014

Enhancing Communication

Throughout our business and personal lives we meet wonderful and unique characters and those memories remain with us. We encounter individuals that have a personality that we may define as odd or quirky and yet we are drawn to them because of the individuality. They add to our own enlightenment and growth in being able to communicate.

We also encounter some very quiet and simplistic characters and with these lovely individuals we admire the uniformity and calmness in their methods of communicating their thoughts and feelings. Once again they teach us new methods to communicate as well.

There are all types in between from quirky to simple and how lucky we are to be able to meet them all. Each individual is an inspiration of communication. Even those that do not communicate well are an inspiration on what we want to avoid and maybe what we can teach. I get excited when I meet someone new. I tune my ears and open myself up to the wonders of meeting a new friend or colleague along with honing my skills on how to be an effective communicator.

The most important part of communicating is LISTENING!

In this quick paced and ever-moving world we hurry through everything; including our conversations. As a matter of fact, I can sense that the next words coming from someone are before I have even finished my thought. Did they hear me and my ideas all the way through? Have I answered their concerns and they weren’t even paying attention?

There are some tips when trying to effectively communicate:

LISTEN! You need to know the question before answering. You can take a lot of information away from the conversation that will help you in future if you stop and really listen!!!
Two way speaking is very important. Focus on the person you are speaking with and train your mind to STOP trying to find the immediate answer. Take a breath before replying and if you don’t have the answer or want to take the time to think over your thoughts tell them so. The answer, “I believe I really would like to think this through”, is much more thoughtful than a half hearted, “Sure”.
Know that there are different communication styles and you need to know how you communicate and what others need to hear and feel to understand you. I am happy to help with different communications styles as I love to explore this avenue and enlighten others.

Speak with integrity. Your enthusiasm and honesty shows through to your words and sincerity is the key. Be yourself and explore!

Anna Ottaviani is a Board Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Master Coach, Board Certified Master Hypnotherapist,Creating Your Future® , Time Line® Therapist Practitioner and Reiki Master. Her methods are unique and tailored to each individual client. She can be reached at www.sucessfullyyou.ca or by phone at 289-221-5772. You can follow her onFacebook

Jan 10 2014

New Beginnings

It’s that time of year upon when many of us decide to begin anew. We make ourselves and other promises of change. Some of us attack weight loss, others set goals for our career or business path. In essence we start with the best of intentions. We move into the new year with such wonderful expectations, full of vigor!

AND…, in some cases we hit the brick wall! Our first main obstacle occurs and we start to teeter. Then we begin to question our ability and this turns into disappointment and soon we begin to wonder what we were thinking in making this goal to begin with.

Does this formula sound familiar??? How many of you have already it your first impasse?

I am here to help with these feelings. I would like you to know that over 80% of goals set have been hindered by the feelings of inability. The question we all want answered is why we allow the plan to alter at the first sign of trouble.

The will to want to make a change is a huge part of success however we need to do the follow through. Here are some steps to ensure that you are successful:

Once your goal is set, you need to make a plan. Make steps to your plan with appropriate time lines!
Revise and edit your plan if you find that portions of your steps aren’t working with the outcome you desire. Making a change in the plan isn’t quitting; it is merely allowing you to tweak your plan to ensure your success.
Look for help! If you find that things aren’t coming together seek the advice of a good friend or more importantly a professional. Seek a business councillor for your business needs or the expert in the field of your goal.
Don’t quit!!!! You have the ability to become anything you want or achieve any success you desire. It is all your choice!

Here is wishing you a great start to your goals in 2014! Feel free to contact me if you need any help ensuring your success.

Dec 11 2013

Christmas is The Time for Reflecting

Our home is full of Christmas! The tree is decorated with beautiful loving ornaments chosen with love from all our family and friends. As I place each ornament on the tree I remember the story behind the gift. The final two ornaments in hand and they are the most special of all. They are handmade and over 25 years old. My children made them for me when they were in kindergarten. They are the most simple and yet most precious gifts I have ever received.

Each year I reflect on what I have completed and where I want to go. I look back on my year on a business and personal level. I look at the great accomplishments of my year. I begin to analyze my business in all respects. The hardest part is being objective. Taking out the emotions is the most difficult part of being a business owner.

What is your business doing? Are you being successful? Are you actually making money?

Here are some ideas to ponder when looking at your business plan for the upcoming year:

Take a look at all your revenue streams. Which have made you money? What are you going to do about those revenue streams that lost money?
Take a look at your marketing/promotions and advertising. Which methods worked?
Take a look at the sales targets you set for the previous year and even more importantly take a look at the actual data. Have you been successful??? Do you see a trend?

Setting the plan for the upcoming year is a great way to ensure your success. Take the time to see what has and has not worked and focus on the business plan you have revised.

On a personal note I want to thank you all for reading my notes. I hope that I have informed you or given you some reason to reflect.

Nov 12 2013

Importance of a Business Plan

When most businesses develop a business plan the intention is for funding purposes. They take the information to the banking and investors to gather the monies they require to grow or promote their businesses. However a good business plan is much more that funding it is about clarity and direction.

The time invested in working through the different areas of your business plan is a path to enlightenment on your business and how you choose to drive your company. As you develop your plan a greater understanding evolves for your marketing, documentation, policies, and sales projections. As the plan is implemented you make adjustments based on the realities of business. These adjustments are imperative to making improvements in the direction of your company.

The business plan starts with a mission and vision. This is the reason you want to have your company. Who and you serving and why is it important? It creates a set of values that as a company you choose to stand by. It becomes the reason for change to occur. It all goes back to the mission and vision and does the change support your mission.

The road map to your success is in your business plan and the turns and corrections we make are a learning curve for company growth and change. We set benchmarks and goals and track our performance so that we can regulate whether we are on the right path.

The plan should include your industry and the changes that are occurring and how your company is going to grow along with the change. This includes a clear idea of your clients and customers. It also includes major competitors and how you are going to compete along side of them.

Be honest with yourself about the strengths and weakness of your company. If customer service is a strength hem use it to your advantage and if delivery is a weakness make a plan of improvement. It may also be a great idea to list all your services/product. You may surprise yourself on which items are actually making you money once you start the analysis.

A large part of the business plan should include an explanation of what and how you are going to market your products or service. A review of the revenue, cost and projected profit should be part of your plan. All this is your road map to success!!!

Oct 09 2013

The Mind – The most incredible computer ever!

Our mind is an organizational and functional computer. Taking a look at our computer and noting that the information that we enter and process is exactly what it will give expel back to us. This goes to deduce that what information we learn and experience is what we will use to make our decisions. Therefore if we want to improve ourselves we need to start with improving our minds. Reading, learning and experiencing our daily lives is what creates even more information to be added and processed.

However our brain can go into brain overload. We can have too many circuits going off at the same time and to many programs to try and analyze. The computer freezes when we overload the circuits and so do our incredible brains. Our minds then stop working effectively and we take more time in decision making and work less effectively.

Here are some ideas to help you prevent your brain freeze:

1. Recharge – Do something for you! Pick something that relaxes you. Exercising, swimming, reading or meditations (my personal favourite) are some ideas. Choose the time that works best for you and do this consistently.

2. Plan the time – We all lead extremely busy lives and we tend to put ourselves last. How can we possibly give to others when we have nothing left to give? Take out your calendar or agenda and book in “you” time for the month!!!!! It is the most effective way to create time for yourself.

3. Write out what is in your head – Take the time to write out your thoughts. Not just tasks, everything. Writing crystallizes thought!!!! Once they are out of your head you can then decide the

Take care of your mind (a.k.a. computer)!

Sep 26 2013

Courage Is A Trait We Grow Into

The definition of Courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Such an emotional definition to a part of our being that is so deep within us. I think back on my life and remember times when I felt I could have been more resourceful or brave in sticking to my wants, needs and ideals. And as I reflect I notice that I did the best I could with what I knew about myself and the situation at that moment in time.

I believe that there are great levels of courage. Do you remember the time in school where the bully was picking on someone and you could have said something but didn’t because we were too afraid in that moment? Were you really afraid or was it that you didn’t know what you could do? At the age of 10 or 12 we knew right from wrong. Now our more complex brain (our unconscious mind) has influences on our thoughts as well and they are even more powerful.

It is our unconscious that sizes up the situations we are faced with in seconds. Our wondrous mind looks at the situations and as in the case of the bully asks and responds faster than the speed of light at its own questions.

The questions start:

Should I let this person do this to someone else?

Why isn’t anyone else jumping in?

Am I big enough to help?

What if I am not and no one jumps in to help me?

Will I be able to ever get away from this bully again?

All these questions and more run through and are answered instantaneously.

So, let move back to my first thought and that is that courage is a trait that grows as we grow. The more information and experiences we are introduced to, the more able we are to respond to difficult situations. We are just people doing the all we can in the best of moments and in the difficult times. Never doubt your courage and trust your instincts. Your courage is directly connected to that very wholesome part of yourself.

Sep 10 2013

Happiness Is True Success

We live in a society where patience for the end result needs to be instantaneous. We’ve convinced ourselves into believing that fame and success can be achieved overnight, if we work harder, longer and faster. The biggest misconception is the firm line division between succeeding and failing. We miss the ride to the finish line and the great learning we have come into as we take that ride.

The truth is that ride to the finish line is your success. Think of the steps you have taken in your personal and business life and notice the little successes along the way. Each meeting taught you to negotiate better. Each failed relationship taught you what you wanted and didn’t want in another relationship.

Passion
You need to believe in your business. You need to have passion for your product or service. Why are you in the business if it doesn’t move you to the core? Do you have a passion? What is it that passion? And how can you express it more fully in your life? If you don’t feel the passion, then I suggest spending time looking back on your life to see what excited you in the past. When was the last time you felt this eagerness and excitement for something wonderful?

Take time to clarify your passion. Only you can produce the behavior that will turn your vision into reality.

Positive Perspective
What is your perspective? If you are not achieved your desired results, are you tapping into your passion to turn it around, or wallowing in negativity? Although your circumstances may not ideal, keep your internal perspective at a positive and high level. You have to choose to think positively.

The journey to success has twists and turn and sometimes deep, deep valleys. There most certainly may be roadblocks along your road. However, remember, in life everyone has choices. You can choose to use your mind as a powerful connection to your dream that can work for or against you. No one else is responsible for how you choose to react. Regardless of the challenges you face, you can live a happy, fulfilled and successful life.

Perseverance
There are no shortcuts. Don’t give up! Success could be just around the corner. I once heard a story about a man who bought land with the intention of drilling for oil. He did all his research and took a huge chance that this was the fortune lad. He invested almost everything he had into the project and drilled and drilled until one day he had to make the decision to whether to continue and go into more debts or to sell and make back what he had invested. He decided to sell. He thought about what was safe and he had lost his belief in ever finding that oil. A week later, the new owner found oil.

Since that time the first gentlemen learned an extremely powerful lesson. He was only a few feet from fortune but without belief and perseverance there was no way to win.

Philanthropy

There is nothing more emotionally satisfying than when you give much back to others you need help. Supporting others and assisting them along in their path creates such an emotional positive charge to your own life. A successful person practices and teaches understanding, tolerance, and service to others. Reach out to others who may be in need. Acts of human kindness reinforce our need to connect with others in a meaningful way. In happiness true success is found.

Aug 26 2013

Life Happens…Again

Do you ever feel that the road you are on is filled with twists and turns? Sometimes the turns are so sharp that I feel like I am about to run off the road. A little like Wile E. Coyote (from the Road Runner cartoons); I swing and teeter off the edge and somehow get sucked back onto the road, find my balance and keep moving forward.

Our lives are filled with moments of joy, anger, anxiety and every other emotion. We weather these difficult moments and fill ourselves and try to extend the times of great joy and delight. I urge you to think about your last 5 years and the greatest memories as well as the most turbulent moments. I call the harsh times moments because I choose to believe that this how long they are going to be around!

So what do we do when life gets “hard”? In the last 10 years I have watched my father become increasing ill, I have seen my children in great sadness and misery, cried along with family who have lost loved one, started my own business and started dating again. I have felt the pressure, anxiety, sadness, anger, fear and emotional pain of those I cared for and my own.

And here I am…still! So how do we move forward everyday when times are difficult?

Take things one day at a time – each day choose one small task that will give you joy. Take a walk, call a friend, or read a comforting book.
Allow yourself to be less perfect – know that you are not meant to resolve everyone else’s problems. You can support and love others and you need to focus on your positivity.
Choose positive people to be around – it is infectious to be around positivity. We take in the warmth and happiness from other.
Think about volunteering – there is always someone who needs help. It can be a simple as taking a neighbour for groceries or cutting their lawn.
Stay healthy – You need your sleep to help you think more clearly. You need regular meals to give you the energy to make decisions. Try and practice relaxation techniques.

Find method to assist you in dealing with the stresses and change of everyday life. If you have trouble, then look for help. There are many of us who work with clients in all areas of need and we want to see you get to your best. We assist in teaching coping skills and mechanisms to move your mind to “I can”.

I am in a joyful time. My daughter is getting married and our family dynamics will change …Again! But I am very much going to enjoy and live in this joyful moment for these times help me weather the storms.

Aug 09 2013

Taking The First Step

Quite a few years back I discovered the “law of attraction” and the philosophy behind the concept. It took quite a long time to envelop this into my lifestyle. I woke up every morning that today was going to be the best day ever and then of course something would set me off course and I would doubt that I was ever going to be in the “Zen” world I was desperately searching for.

I have since worked extremely hard to fill my life with positive thoughts and actions that have led me to great successes. Success is measured in so many ways and in my mind it corresponds to happy, healthy self, family and friends. Well of course we all want the financial success and I truly believe that this too is connected to finding happiness in its’ truest form for oneself.

I have had many incredible clients come my way in the last few years and all are so diverse and were their challenges. Some came in moments of complete fear and others filled with anger and regret. There is where I discovered my greatest challenge; how do we direct someone towards happiness and freedom of doubt when they can’t see the path? Many times they can’t see one step ahead of themselves because the fog is so thick in their minds. The sky is dark without any stars to guide them and my role is to guide them through the darkness.

How do we let the light shine when the bills are persistently coming in to be paid, our support system is non-existent, our career is at a dead halt and the world seems angry? The increasing numbers of angry, frustrated, fearful people are continuing to rise. So I look at this situation think, what is the one small act I can do today to make a change. It doesn’t have to be a big act but SOMETHING!!!

Here are some simple acts to allow more positivity into your day:

Decide to smile through your day. Check the mirror often and keep a smile on your face.
Greet people! A simple, “good morning” can make brighten someone’s day and you created that brightness.
Take your bills and pick one and make a payment. It doesn’t need to be paid in full if you are unable; however yourself the payment allows more money to flow into your hands.
Take five minutes out of your day to enjoy your senses. You can speak loving words, hear the birds sing, watch a child play, touch the hand of a parent, spouse or child, or taste the sensations of your favourite food.
Decide your day is going to be filled with adventure and allow the ride to be wonderful. For instance, if you get a flat tire look at this as a means of getting to know the tow truck driver and see life from his/her perspective.

You alone have the power to change your life….take the first step. And feel free to contact me if you have trouble as I know the first step can also be scariest.

Jul 26 2013

Does Being Right Always Make You Happy?

I grew up with the concept to fight for what I believe in. Does taking the stand and convincing the masses that I have validity in my argument make me happy? I fought with others on moral and ethical values. I fought for my ideas and ideals. I had to convince them that my way was the “right” way. I went to bed agonizing as to why people didn’t agree with me. Why did I have the need to have to help or save when it was considered interfering?

Well many years later a great awareness moment hit me. I am always upset, angry, hurt and confused when others wouldn’t go along with my thoughts and ideas. I started to take a deep look into myself. Here are some deep insights to my findings:

My “right” isn’t necessarily going to work for everyone else.
Getting a job done correctly can be completed in many different ways, not just “my” way.
I can still have my beliefs, values and morals and be proud of them all without imposing them on others.
I need to state my points, reflections and ideas in manners that others respond to. Matching to their communication style will help me get my point across.
The opinions of others allow me to refocus on my own thoughts and decide whether I am on the right track or not.

I have learned to listen more. By listening fully I can ask the better questions to understand their view. This doesn’t mean I have conformed or I am selling out however I have established another view point and this is valuable for future discussions.

Each time we dig our heels in we cut ourselves off from learning. Being open to new concept and ideas are crucial in establishing good relationships. Having the ability to direct our ideas openly and listen to suggestions, can further enhance the development of our concepts. Not to mention the great personal growth we have allowed of ourselves.

We know in our hearts when something is really right for us! However, we need to respect that our needs and opinions may not match everyone. As business owners we come across clients that are meant to work with us and we come across those we could not help or wished we had not taken on. It is imperative that we communicate our needs and wants. It is more important to know that we can work effectively together to give our clients what they need and want.

So the questions remains, does being right make us happy? I think that being happy makes it all right.

Have a happy day!

Anna Ottaviani

Jul 09 2013

“Thank You” In Our Business Practices

The simple practice of saying thank you is almost a forgotten art. I find that with the hustle and bustle, the most simplistic and yet most important words are forgotten. Appreciation and loyalty are created by the words we use in our daily practice. Thank you! Very effective, simple and common words that mean so much more than we can imagine. It says we care. It says you are appreciated. It means I am taking this time out of my day to let you know that you mean something to me and my company.

Saying “thank you” to your clients and staff are important because:

1. It Creates Motivation

Saying thank you to the people you work with motivates them to do a better job. If you’re motivated, your levels of productivity naturally increase and you’re more likely to repeat the behaviour. The same benefits appear when we thank our clients/customers. It gives then the sense that they are important and that their business is worthwhile to our company. A simple thank you note can speak volumes for your customer service.

2. Happy customers

If you are happy, your customers are happy. Remember a time that when you had a great customer experience and how we choose to return where we feel good. This impacts whether our customers choose to use our service/products in the future. Our positive nature will transcend to our clients/customers. We are exuding our natural ability to make our clients comfortable in our presence and we want to nurture that relationship.

3. Repeat business and word of mouth

When an experience leaves you feeling great you’ll want that experience again. This is what leads to repeat business. You’re also more likely to tell others about it generating business through word of mouth.

Make the time, energy and find the funds to buy or develop some personal Thank You cards. Write them out in your own handwriting and place a note on the inside based on their purchase or a conversation you have had with your client/customer. Let them know they are unique and that you are thrilled to they took the time to use your products or service. It is the little, courteous incentives we create that solidify the relationship with our clients.

So once again I’d like to say a big THANK YOU to my colleagues, clients, and associates. Without any of you my business could not be successful and I hope that I brighten your world a little too.

Jun 26 2013

Perseverance – Holding Strong in Tough Situations

During the course of the last few years I have looked at many young people starting their careers and new entrepreneurs launching their businesses and I have notice a definite pattern. The success stories come from those who have continued to persevere through the difficult times.

Many young people come out of school with this great expectation of embarking on this grand new career. They have already spent their first week’s pay prior to getting the interview. They have furnished their new apartment, bought their first expensive car, and the new clothes to suit that career, in their imagination.

Then reality occurs and although they have a plan and have done all the right things, the interviews and job offers are low paying and in many cases not in the field they even studied. In other instances, the job offers are distant and far away from home and this leads to the feeling of solitude and loneliness. They don’t have that support system we all need.

New entrepreneurs have invested much of their own funds and have taken loans to sustain their launch and business endeavours. They have invested in websites, marketing, networking events, chambers, and have sacrificed important family time to launch business with passion.

Then this reality hits and the economy is not co-operating, the business contacts are not connecting fast enough, the loans are due, and the desperation starts to overwhelm them.

Through all of this some choose to fold and others choose to fight! It is the strong in mind, passion and belief of self that succeed. The young people who will take that first job no matter where it is or how low the pay and make it into a career. Their perseverance is finally paying off! Once we allow ourselves to be open to a different route (not the only we planned unfortunately), we open ourselves up to new methods, opportunities and adventures.

Our wonderful entrepreneurs have to allow the brainstorming sessions with those they trust and rely on to find diverse methods of becoming more known. There are many inexpensive methods to advertise and through a great network of colleagues they can guide you through. The perseverance in your passion takes great sacrifice and trust.

Believe in yourself and allow the universe to expand your belief to others.

Jun 13 2013

Working Through To A Solution

Many years ago when I was just 9 or 10 years old I was swinging on a homemade tire swing in our backyard in Scarborough. It was a lovely spring day and I was enjoying my few minutes of solitude before my baby brother found me and wanted to play with me.

We were the typical siblings; love each other then wanted to be rid of the other (at least for a few minutes). I heard the rustling and immediately thought, “My quiet time is over”. I looked up and instead of my brother, my father came waltzing through the gate. My father is predominately a quiet man. My mother raised the children and when dad got involved you usually were in trouble for something.

My dad loved to garden. Our tomato plants were the best in the neighborhood. He started in the garden and then called me over. I went running! (You never keep my dad waiting). He asked if it would water the garden as he looked over the rest of the garden. Well of course I would!

After a few moments, my dad started talking about how when we are small we have small problems and as we get older we have big problems. I really didn’t understand, as far as I am concerned a problem is a problem! However I kept quiet and continued to listen. Dad told me that in every situation we have three options.

Ignore it! – You may have to look at the situation and decide how much this affects you and is it really your place to be involved. Weigh out the need to make your voice heard over the idea of creating a more difficult situation. OR perhaps you really do need to get involved.
Change it! – Speak to the people who are upsetting you and get their perspectives on why and how this came to be. Brainstorm and be honest about how this is affecting you. Let them know that you have some solutions ready to discuss and come prepared to talk about them. Allow all to speak and them narrow down the similar wants of all involved and build from there.
Be Prepared to Walk Away! – This is the hardest. In some cases people cannot agree and the notion to agree to disagree can work on some situations however not in all. For instance a marriage with severe issues may not be repairable if both parties are not willing to find the common ground and build from it. Walking away from a new position because you find that this does not meet your moral or ethical needs is another example of making the choice to walk away.

Of course, my father put all these words wrapped around a candy bar scenario so my young mind could understand. He simplified it for me so that I knew at the end of the day I had the choice.

Now I am much older and I still think of the brilliant way my father has opened my mind to solving problems. I may not always like the choices I am presented however I do have the choice.

May 23 2013

Creating The Perfect Picture

Many of us have developed idealistic pictures of our lives. I remember seeing myself as a popular chick in the “in” crowd with incredible long dark hair. I have the perfect cheerleader body and was full of pep and vigor. All the girls wanted to be my friends and all the jocks wanted to date me. Later I decided I would make an incredible rock star. I was going to change my name to something exotic, like Monica. That’s right! I thought the name Monica was exotic! Later I thought I was going to meet a prince who would love me and take care of me and our family forever.

I created a vision and then sadly found myself disappointed over and over. I was far from popular and labelled myself a loner. I was okay with that because that means I didn’t have to be disappointed anymore. I cannot hold a tune and I certainly do not have the cheerleader pep! What happened to me?

Creating a vision is healthy and creating a positive and realistic goal is important. I did neither. I simply dreamed for things to come true. I did nothing to set my dreams into action.

So now I write out my dreams. Who I want to become; how I want to accomplish this; when I want to have this happen. I am specific! I have a detailed outline of the entire plan. This next part is VERY important!

TAKE ACTION!!

Everyday do something to move towards your purpose. In business it may be cold calling or getting caught up on your administration or networking and connecting with others that may be great contacts for you and your business. In your personal life it could be setting a daily menu to ensure healthy eating, setting your organizer to have quality days and times with your family or simply setting alone time to reinvigorate yourself.

Be realistic and know that wanting to make a huge change in your life could take a long time and to set timeframes to ensure your success. Also be brave enough to push yourself so that you don’t lose sight of your end result.

YOU CHOOSE! You get to set your dreams and turn them into an action plan! I look forward to hearing all your great accomplishments.

May 08 2013

Career Changes

“To every man there comes a time in his lifetime, that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered that special chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified to do the work which could have been his finest hour.” – Winston Churchill

At some point in our lives we begin to question whether we are where we should be. Is this career role making us happy or just paying the bills? However, we are faced with the dilemma of the time it has taken us to get to this point in our careers; the education cost and years of honing our craft, the diligent work and overtime it has cost us in climbing up the corporate ladder.

Are we ready to destroy this all to start over in something NEW? Or would we do all the sacrifice again because we are exactly where we should be?

This decision making process can be agony. We need to consider the impact on our families and friends. We need to recognize that this step can lead to a whole new learning and growth curve and at times can cause great strain and sacrifice. Not to mention the stable income you may be giving up for a dream. It may mean more education and in some cases leaving all you have and starting in a new province or country. We need to think is the gain of the outcome greater than the pain of the shift time it will take, keeping in mind that this may be a few years.

Step 1: Tell someone about your thoughts. Lean on a friend or professional that can assist you in analyzing whether you are simply stuck in a rut and need more responsibility in your current work or whether you truly are searching for a complete change. Let them help you make appropriate choices on research, time setting on exit strategies for your old role and a way to move into a new role.

If you have decided that change is what you want then I suggest making sure your know yourself. Take the time to explore who you are. What makes you happy? The time it takes to understand your strengths in character is significantly different from your strengths in the work place. You may have this dream of saving children in operating rooms however if the sight of blood makes you queasy you may not be able to accomplish this task AND it is probably not the new role you are looking to move into.

Step 2: Make a list of what others believe your strengths to be. Divide them into columns (character strengths and abilities). Then create a new list and divide this into three columns. They are titled: What do I like, what am I qualified for, and what other abilities I possess. What are your lists telling you? Are you a people person, an organizer, or a writer? This exercise can help you find the direction.

Take the time to investigate all the possibilities. Do your due diligence and make sure you are aware of all the new education pieces, time, energy and finances you will require to move forward with your desires.

On a final note I would like to remind you that your current role has served you to this point and the best way to leave a position or career is on positive terms. Create your exit strategy! Be fair both to yourself and your employer.

Step 3: Make sure you have enough funds to see you through the transition period. Ensure that you have both the time and energy to devote to this new career. And make your current employer aware of your change and assist their transition in training a new employee as best you can.

Change is brilliant! The secret to a successful change is planning it all the way through.

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