How much have you invested in yourself this year? Chances are you’ve spent a lot of time taking care of others. Maybe you had a break with a vacation this summer, but was it just for you? I had a wonderful family vacation and then I followed it with a few days at a health resort in Arizona…just for me. When I come back from this resort, my creativity is flowing, I’m patient, centered and feeling great. Doing things for ourselves is not selfish, believe me. Our loved ones notice and appreciate when we’re at the top of our game.
If it’s time for an investment in yourself but your schedule is tight, you’ve got some options this fall. You can break from the routine, engage with like-minded women and give your career a boost by signing up for one of these two opportunities. My virtual workshop (ditch the commute!), Defining Your Next Career Step, starts the first of four sessions on August 29. If you want something simpler, get small group coaching starting in September with my Coaching Over Coffee series. Both will leave you with new insights and new connections after each session.
I look forward to seeing you at one or both of these events!
Warm regards,
Susan
Feature Article
You’re Stuck – Now What?
She walked in my office smiling and exuding confidence. She was bright, engaging and seemed to have things under control. As we talked about her situation, however, she expressed a doubt. Then a tear came to her eyes. It all came pouring out — she was frustrated, tired, confused and felt stuck. And that’s when I knew why she had come for coaching.
It probably won’t surprise you to hear this scenario happens frequently in my business. I work with many high potential women who are holding it all together on a daily basis. But underneath, something’s churning. Something is not quite right, but they don’t know what. They feel stuck.
Sometimes “stuck” comes from being in a job too long. Sometimes it’s out of frustration that they’re working hard and not being noticed. Sometimes it’s just from restlessness and yearning for more. But always, the feeling of being “stuck” has these characteristics:
Feeling out of control: When we’re stuck, it’s likely because we feel that someone else holds all the cards to our options. Rarely are we in a position where we have no control. Think about the things you are in control of. You have at least some choices on whether you come to work, who you spend time with, how you spend your leisure time, whether you stay or go from your job, etc. Expand your thinking and consider all the things you really do control.
Confused: Being stuck is often accompanied with confusion. The issues are clouded in our heads. Stress makes it even harder to see through the fog. What’s the antidote? Explore your options. No need to choose one just yet, just seek information on what the possibilities could be.
Paralyzed by fear: When we’re “stuck” we often spend too much time allowing our thoughts to churn about where we are. That takes us further down into the spiral of worry, resentment, frustration, all of which keep us where we are. All it takes is one action, one small step of change to get us moving in a different direction. Who can you talk to? What could you do differently today? Where can you go for a change of scenery? Get out of your head and onto your feet. Take an action!
Feeling alone: “This feels like something I should be able to figure out on my own.” We say this, but the reality is that we’re supposed to support each other. Ever heard “two heads are better than one”? We need the support of others, in good times but especially when things get hard. Call on your mentors and friends. Get a coach. Take a class. Do something with people where you can receive encouragement and come to understand that you are not alone in your situation. There are many out there who are willing and able to walk this journey with you.
If you’re feeling stuck and would like support in moving forward, I offer you two options. Email me and let’s discuss your situation in a complimentary coaching call. Or you can sign up for the virtual workshop series “Defining Your Next Career Step”. Whatever you do, take action. You have what it takes to get “unstuck”.
Resource Corner
New Workshop for your Company: “Taking Command of Your Stress Response” – This workshop is now available for private groups. If your company or department is struggling with low morale or incessant change which is impacting productivity and employee satisfaction, contact Susan for more info on this half day workshop. They will come away energized with new tools to use in and out of the workplace to enhance well being. Contact Susan for more info on this half day workshop.
About Susan
Susan Hodge created Women Leading Together in order to provide one-on-one executive coaching, seminars, workshops, and coaching circles to help career women move forward to create fulfilling professional lives. Visit our newly redesigned website at www.WomenLeadingTogether.com
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Events
Curious about how coaching can support your success in 2018? Sign up for a 20-min consultation at Women Leading Together to see if Individual Career and Executive Coaching is right for you! For more info email Susan.
New Virtual Workshop: Defining Your Next Career Step- Four sessions starting August 29. Click here to register.
Introducing the fall series, “Coaching Over Coffee”. Choose one at a time or a package of three. Click here for more information and registration.
Invite Susan to speak at your organization, conference, special event or women’s group. All presentations are an interactive experience where each participant will come away with something new to support her career. Click here for a sample list of topics.
