• When: Wed, February 3rd at 6pm ET, 5pm CT, 4pm MT & 3pm PT
• Presenter: Mary Elizabeth Bradford, the Career Artisan
• Register: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3421610

• When: Wed. February 17, 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
• Speaker: Sam Richter, author of Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling
• Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/653370379

Learn How to Fly in Turbulent Times of Life & Career Transition

By Faith Ralston, Ph.D.

Is it time for a change? Are you experiencing the free-fall of job loss, life change or career transition? If so you might be thinking, "I hate change! How do I navigate all this?"

I remember losing my first corporate job. My ego was bruised. I wanted to call the shots and didn't like being laid-off. But the job I used to love, no longer fit me. My role had shrunk. In hindsight, it was time for a change. For months, I'd fantasized about what I really wanted to do.

Losing my job was terrifying. At the time I was eight months pregnant.  I didn't want to stay - and I didn't want to leave. My job was my safety net. But the environment was ugly; I distrusted my boss, and I didn't see any viable career opportunities.

I left and slowly started my consulting business. Now after 23 years of surviving the many ups and downs of an entrepreneurial life style, I want to share five insights with you.

1. Realize you're safe.
Like me, you may have no choice. They've taken your keys and locked the doors. You're being thrown out of the nest and you must learn to fly.  You might be terrified right now. You look at your bank account and wonder if you'll have enough money to pay the bills.

Yet despite the reality of your financial statement I want to assure you - you're safe. As long as you're moving towards what's emerging in you - you're safe.

Many times, I've been on the financial edge and feared the worst. In 1995 I took a year off to write my first book. During this time I had no customers. Yet all I wanted to do was write my book.  I kept borrowing money from saving and kept on writing.

Literally, the day after I sent my final draft to the publisher, a customer called and asked if I could take on a new project. I did nothing to generate this call.

At the time I thought I was 'just lucky.' But time and again, this same miracle happened - often in the nick of time. I've learned to trust what's emerging in my life and watch the ground rise up and meet me.

2. Take easy action.
As I reflect on these times, I realize it was the simple, easy steps I took that turned things around. Often it was a small, often insignificant action... like dinner with a friend, a one-page flier I created, a group I attended, a conversation I fell into - that lead me quietly into meaningful conversations and future work. 

Ironically, it was never the big plans or strategies that generated more business. I simply followed my nose. If it looked interesting I checked it out. Yes, it's great to have a plan but also be open to the unexpected. Learn to partner with the serendipity of life. The best things happen when you least expect them.

Take action on what interests you and peaks your fancy. Don't get tied in knots trying to figure it out. Just take a step or two each day and allow the adventure to unfold. You'll be amazed at what happens when you move towards what's right for you.

3.  Be vulnerable.
Let your friends know you're searching and looking for answers. Share your questions, thoughts and concerns. Be open. Let others know what's happening in your life-all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. You don't have to have it all together. There's something precious and endearing about us when we're searching and vulnerable.

Once I was having coffee with a new acquaintance and she invited me to a party later that week. I took a chance and went. Her invitation introduced me to the world of professional speaking. And today public speaking is significant part of my business-all because I shared my story.

Over the years, I've spent way too much time in my office instead of connecting with people. It's hard for me to be vulnerable. I don't always want others to know I'm struggling. Yet my willingness to share my journey is precisely what led me to the people who helped me the most.

4. Find your tribe.
There's a certain magnetism that happens between people. We're naturally attracted to some folks more than others.  Take note: the people you like - are the ones who will connect you to your next job, resource or opportunity. Network with the people you like. Stop limiting yourself by 'targeting the right market,' or 'trying to find the right person.' Yes that's all well and good. But at the end of the day, you're going to get the most help from the people who like you! Form solid relationships with these people and your career will take off - I promise.

I once spent six months trying to get into a large medical device company. It wasn't until I met a woman I really liked, that I was able to crack into this company. Our connection yielded half a million in sales over the next five years - and our friendship continues today. Save yourself a lot of time. Hang out with people you like. They are your tribe. They will help you.

5. Don't get spooked.
Sometimes when things look bleak, I visit Pity-City. I think the situation will never get any better. Once in a down time I was trying to put on a happy face. It was Christmas and my son was home from college for break. One night he found me in the basement crying.

I told him what was going on. He looked me straight in the eye and said, "Don't worry Mom. This always happens. It means things are about to turn around."  He was right. Immediately after Christmas, customer started calling and I was back in business. 

This has happened so many times, I can't begin to count them all. A few years ago I decided to take two days a week off to care of my grandson. That year my revenues were down 50%.

Again a friend gently reminded me, 'Don't worry Faith, do what's right and it always comes back.' Sure enough the next year I was able to pay off this debt entirely. And the two years I spent with my grandson were priceless beyond measure.

Take the Leap
Ask yourself,  'Is it time for a change!' Does your old job or life situation suit you? Are you secretly longing for more? These longings are calling you to step into something more right for you.  If you venture forth, there are treasures on the way.

You'll be surprised by the miracles you encounter. You'll be stretched by new experiences and relationships you form. You'll cherish anew your family and friends. And soon, no matter what life throws at you - you'll know how to fly!

Faith Ralston, Ph.D. is a professional speaker, author and executive coach for leaders and teams. She is the creator of Play to Your Strengths Talent System and the online Talent QUIZ for Individuals and teams. Contact her via email at faith@faithralston.com or visit her website at PlaytoYourStrengths.com