Volume 1 Issue 6 December 2008 In This Issue: Message from Marlene Looking for Purpose? Six Reinvention Tips for Success Comfort is not a Requirement

A few weeks ago I was telling my husband about some things in my business and how easy it seems now in comparison to when I first started. As I was recounting the success of a new product offering to my entrepreneurial clients, I reached for a folder and accidentally knocked off the wall clock. As the clock tumbled down, and before it landed on my foot, it hit my Staples "Easy Button" and immediately it sounded off with, "That was easy!"

I decided to take it as a sign: "It's about time and that was easy!"

Sure, it might have just been a coincidence, but we get to attach meaning to any event in our lives so why not make it fun? I could have taken it as a sign that I'm just clumsy.

The point is, how you interpret the happenings in your life is going to determine your state of mind and the way you "show up" in the world.

Today's article is about looking for purpose in the midst of life-reinvention. This is a time when you really do look for "signs" to tell you if you are on the right track.

With all the DRAMA going on in the financial markets, with people worried about job security, and the New Year quickly approaching, wouldn't it be a good idea to stop resisting and start re-inventing?

Looking for Purpose? Six Reinvention Tips for Success

Recently I spoke at a conference using the title of my book, “Success is a Given: Reading the Signs While Reinventing Your Life.” As would be expected, many in the audience were in the midst of reinvention, looking for purpose, reinventing their career or entering a new decade of life. These life transitions, I call “the search.”

Several major themes emerged though personal conversations:

• I don’t know my purpose
• I just turned 40 (or 50) and I want something more
• I’m scared, frustrated and overwhelmed
• I don’t know what to do
• I’m scared about the state of the economy

It’s easy to let the drama of life-reinvention trigger unhealthy conversations that keep you farther away from your goals. The communication we have with others is always evidence of the emotions going on underneath.

I understand the emotions because I traveled a similar path about 10 years ago. I was getting ready to turn 40, I had worked in a factory all of my life and I was searching for a purpose and a new career.  Once I actually quit my job, the world was open to possibilities…in fact, too many possibilities which is just as frightening as none at all.

You go from being marooned on an island with no escape to complete freedom floating in the middle of the ocean with no map, too many islands to choose from and just a couple of oars!  It’s easy to let your attitude slip into negativity and desperation as you row in circles trying to chart your course.

Comfort is Not a Requirement

Just recently an old friend regretfully decided not to come to a party that I hosted. She said the reason is the fear she felt about being around strangers and not knowing what to say or what to wear.  She begged my forgiveness and felt bad about herself afterwards for not having the courage.

I totally understand where she is coming from because she is now retired and hasn’t been “out there” for a long time.  It’s easy to get into comfortable but unproductive habits.

Right now lots of people are thinking about how to get back “out there” in the real world of networking…not just social networking. Believe me, online networking and face to face relationship building are two different beasts.

I remember having to create a  mantra “comfort is not a requirement” when I attended my first conference, just to be able to sit in the room with all the other professionals.

Now I know lots of people are going through the jitters because they are looking for jobs, or they are re-inventing their business.  I have a resource just for brushing up on your networking and making the most of your in person face-to-face holiday parties.

Pick up the Secrets of Strategic Networking e-book here!

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